Winning in multiple offers with a good offer letter

1. An offer letter can attract, or if done wrong repel the decision makers evaluating your offer. 
2. A good offer letter acts as an introduction and put a happy “face” on an otherwise faceless purchase contract. 
3. Even in a Buyer’s market, a good letter can help a Seller get over the fact that an offer is under their asking price.
4. An offer letter doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be the winning bid.  But it can be that one additional factor that persuades a Seller to include you in a Counter your offer situation instead of just outright declining it.  
5. With many of the Oakland & Berkeley homes selling in multiple offers the name of the game is  to give yourself every competitive edge possible.

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts on how to craft the pitch perfect Buyer letter.

DO’s

• Generate at least a paragraph specifically catered to the home your making an offer on.
• Tell them the features you like or better yet love about their home.
• Include cute photos of your kids and pets along with their names.
• If there is an offer term that may be unattractive to the Seller, summarize why it needs to be there for you.
• Cite professional or personal experiences that you have in common with seller.
• Keep the letter concise, no more than 1 page of text and 1 page of photos.
• Mention that you’re will be grateful to just get the house.  Even though you may plan to, it will convey to the Seller that you’re not likely the type to renegotiate later after your inspections.
• Be yourself but be open to your Realtor’s input on the finished draft.

DON’T’s

• Use an identical template for every offer.
• Use the letter as a form or tool for negotiations.
• Tell your entire life story.
• Divulge your post-purchase plans for drastic renovations.
• Try to justify your offer price

I’ve been selling homes in Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley California since 2008.  The market is ever changing but one thing that remains the same is that Sellers tend to like to do business with people they like and relate to.  In a competitive market where there are several buyers vying for every home, an offer letter continues to be an important way to stand out among the competition.

Brian Santilena is a Realtor and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) with CompassReal Estate.  He has been selling homes is a local specialist in the areas of Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley California.  Check him out on Yelp!