How do people feel about writing a letter to the seller?

I really want a specific house that hit the market today & then will be a ton of competition for it.

I can only do about 10k over asking, so how else can I stand out?

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If there’s a lot of competition, it probably won’t help much. Some selling realtors won’t accept personal letters as they don’t want to be associated with information that could be seen as discriminatory if the offer accompanying the letter wasn’t accepted.

likehelpful

Helpful, thank you

I’ve done it twice and both times the sellers really appreciated it. One woman did for me, she grew up poor in the neighborhood it was always her dream to own and live in our house. She not only wrote a letter but presented it to us in person. The competing offer was a little better financially but was basically an investor, no heart. So of course we sold it to the woman from the neighborhood.

likeupliftinghelpful

I’m hoping this would be the case 🥺 I’ve been looking for so long. Thank you

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I think it helps but be very careful about what you put in the letter. As in, being asked to favor you because of your same <insert race, sex, faith, ...you get the idea> would be a strict no. In fact, that would be ground for disqualification.

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Helpful, thanks!

I’ve always done it. It hasn’t always worked, but it’s certainly worth a shot.

What has always worked for me is looking for houses without a buyer’s agent (no need for one when you can search for yourself on Redfin or Zillow) and then approaching the seller’s agent to ask if there is someone in their office who can represent me to make an offer. The way I see it, it’s a win-win: the seller’s agent gets some kind of kickback or good will at the very least, it’s a smoother process for everyone, and I have always received access to the best information. I don’t think this approach would cause the seller to choose you over a better offer, but every time I’ve done this I have known exactly what the next best offer was, and I’ve been able to get the house by offering just a small amount more.

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In effect, that’s seems to be what happens, but every time we’ve done it they’ve “suggested another agent in their office.” Not sure if that’s just for optics sake or if there’s an ethical rule or law against it where I am, in California. Either way, it works!

Yes you have to write how much you love the house and will treat it like a person like this guy

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Be careful. Those can violate fair housing laws.

Yes, but so much generic is out there's have said. you'd love the house, you can see your dog and or kids playing in the backyard etc.

Wow, that’s what I get for responding without my glasses on. I meant to say, yes, but make it generic as others have said.

Worked for me and my husband last spring. Actually got our seller to accept our offer of $15K under because they felt they wanted us to have the house. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I know someone who sold home last year. Lots of offers over asking. Received several letters from bidders. One beautiful letter about how buyer wanted to raise their child there etc. thats who they sold to. I would absolutely write a letter. And if realtor is concerned let them see it, but if you feel strongly about the home I’d communicate that.

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