After weeks of searching, you’ve finally found the perfect home. You’re ready to make a move, but you’re not sure if the seller will accept your offer. Should you write a well-crafted letter to sweeten the deal? Here’s what new home buyers need to know.
Should I Write a Letter to the Seller of a Home?
Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a home that’s out of your price range. Or perhaps there are other offers on the table. While it’s not ideal, these things happen and are simply part of the home-buying process. Either way, now you’re wondering, should I write a personalized letter to try to convince the seller to accept my offer?
Unfortunately, there’s no cut-and-dry answer to this question. In other words, you can try. But there’s no guarantee this strategy will work. In fact, it could even backfire and work against you. There are some risks involved and the pros and cons should be weighed carefully.
Benefits of Writing a Letter to the Seller
Selling a home can be an emotional process. After living in one place for years, you feel emotionally attached. Many sellers want to know that after they leave, their home will be in good hands.
Sellers who fall into this category may be persuaded by an offer letter. Knowing their home will be loved and cared for will give them peace of mind and assure them of their decision. Many people crave this type of closure.
A letter can also make the transaction feel more personal. Instead of selling to a stranger, the seller has an idea of who will become the new owner of their home. They may be inclined to choose an offer with a personalized letter, even if it’s below the asking price.
Risks Involved with Writing a Letter to a Seller
While there may be some benefits involved with writing a personalized letter to a seller, there are risks too that new home buyers should be aware of. First and foremost, is a potential violation of the Fair Housing Act. This is a law that protects people from discrimination when buying or renting a home.
Personalized letters often include personal details about who will be living in the home. Revealing these personal details could trigger a violation of the Fair Housing Act and carry a fine of $16,000 or more.
What’s more, a seller could judge you based on the contents of your letter. They may form a less than favorable opinion about you, which could cause you to miss out on the home.
For these reasons, some real estate professionals advise against submitting an offer letter. In some states, such as Oregon, buyer love letters are actually banned and no longer allowed.
Get Advice from an Expert
There are pros and cons of submitting an offer letter that all new home buyers should be aware of. If you have questions about the home-buying process, feel free to reach out! Our experts will be more than happy to assist you!
