Special offer

Should a Buyer WRITE a letter to the Seller when making an offer?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

Does if HELP or HURT a Buyer, when they accompany their offer with a personal letter? This week I received two such letters from buyers on my new MANCHESTER NH area Home Listings. Each Buyer with advice from their agent used a different technique. The first buyer opted to write about all the things that need repair. What needs updating and what changes they will have to make which is why they offered a low price. The second buyer choose to write about their family, how much they love the home and why they offered a low price as that is what they were approved for.

 

So which technique worked better than the other? The first offended the seller who chose to counter at full price.

 

The second was touching, but my sellers know that selling their home is business after all and the response was why the buyer would be looking so high out of their price range,

 

Which offer got accepted you ask? It was the third offer. It was the buyer that took the time to write a good offer. They accompanied their offer with a pre-approval letter. They offered a reasonable price. They did not include frivolous contingencies.

 

 

THE BOTTOM LINE is that when you are ready to BUY a home, you NEED to know that there is a Right way and a Wrong to buy or sell a home. This is two examples of the wrong way.  By hiring a GOOD AGENT you should get their full attention in guiding you through each step of the Buying process.

 

 The HARD TRUTH is that the BEST way to be prepared to buy or sell a home is by hiring a "GOOD" Agent. One that will guide you through each step of the Buying or Selling process. To the consumers who were successful, they found the secret which I would like to share with you. Free advice can be worth what you paid for it, so when you are ready, do it right. 

 

 

 

If you read all the way to hear, i hope you like my series of "catchy titles" They are meant to grab your attention and let Buyers and Sellers know how to avoid such pitfalls by simply hiring a better agent. One that will work with them throughout the buying and selling process. 

 

 

THE TOP TIPS TO FIND A "GREAT" REAL ESTATE AGENT

 

 1. LEARN THIS ONE FACT: One should know that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest Agent or Company. It is important to Hire the BEST Agent. In NH that could be me.   

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT AGENT: As a Buyer OR Seller in this market you need every advantage you can to get your home sold. It starts with choosing the right agent. a. Ask for a Full time agent whose sole job is to sell homes. b. Ask for a Full service agent who will guide you through each step of the selling process. Discount brokers often equal discount services. c. Ask for a Local agent who knows your neighborhood and is readily available when you need them is a must. Out of town agents can leave you high and dry in your time of need. d. Ask for a well experienced Listing Agent can give you the advantages you need when selling your home. Not all agents are created equal. Choose only the best.  

 3. HOME BUYERS SHOULD START BY:  Getting a FREE PRE-QUALIFICATION with a local and trusted lender. They will look at your credit and financial picture and let you know what type of mortgage you may qualify for and what your interest rate and monthly payment may be.   

4. HOME SELLERS SHOULD START BYGetting a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS. Learn what your property is worth in today's market along with how ling it may take to sell. If you are ready to sell now, learn what you should ask for it. How much offers may come in at and what the approximate selling price should be. NH Home owners should contact me now.   

 

 

IN SUMMARY the key to having a successful purchase or sale can increase simply choosing a better agent. The secret is that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. I leave you with now infamous philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process.

 

 

It does not take magic to turn your "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" sign. it takes a full time Local Agent who specializes in Listing homes like yours.


If you are thinking of buying a Home please contact us. Get a free pre-qualification along with some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE through each step of the Buying Prices.

 

 

WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE THROUGHOUT EACH STEP OF THE LISTING AND SELLING PROCESS!!!

 

If you need to sell your home and you owe more than your house is worth, i may be able to help. I specialize in working with home owners to get your home sold. There are many options such as a short sale which may be able to help you.

Please try and avoid out of state or out of town agents and companies that make "out of this world promises". We are local agents with experience who never charge any up front fees.

 

 

 

We are local agents with experience who GET RESULTS!!!

 

We stand by you through every step in selling your home.

 

Another reason that makes New Hampshire a great place to Live, Work and Play.

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. With 30 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area. To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com . We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs through each step of the buying and Selling process. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.

Comments(24)

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

We've had buyer agents present these, but they have never worked!

Feb 14, 2016 04:38 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Scott - A well-written letter with a nice personal touch can be the icing on the cake, but nothing will take the place of a good and complete offer with the right price.

Feb 14, 2016 04:43 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Scott, I think that these letters can help once in a while, but what really helps is a clean offer at a price the sellers can't refuse!

Feb 14, 2016 05:17 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Once had sellers who had multiple offers and one offer was accompanied by a beautifully written letter about how much the buyers wanted to raise their family in the lovely home with the big beautiful yard.  

The seller's wife actually had tears in her eyes, but she quickly dried them when this offer was 3rd in terms of net price.  She said, "Well, if they love the house so much, they should have written a better offer!"  We about fell off our chairs, laughing.  Touche!   p.s. And what Anna Banana Kruchten said I have heard mentioned in many Fair Housing classes.  Beware potential liability in all things. 

Feb 14, 2016 06:05 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Sam Shueh when the letters are written properly, they can help, but the lst few hurt the buyer more than helped. 

Feb 14, 2016 07:58 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Anna Banana Kruchten i have not had any sellers choose a buyer due to a letter, we look at the price, closing date, contingencies and what type of mortgage and or strength of the buyer. 

Feb 14, 2016 07:59 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Joe Pryor i like to have this talk with my seller before offers come in. The attempt to take emotion out and base the sale on hard facts of price, terms and date. 

Feb 14, 2016 08:04 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Noah Seidenberg i have had sellers say to me they want to find a buyer who will raise their family like they did. I like to have a talk with them what to expect with offers and the sale process. Most once they see actual offers, terms and dates learn that elling a home is a business decision as well. 

Feb 14, 2016 08:06 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Call 631-805-4400 (c) none ever swayed any of my sellers

Feb 14, 2016 08:06 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Exactly Dick Greenberg , well said

Feb 14, 2016 08:07 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Patricia Kennedy that is the hard truth of what works, well said

Feb 14, 2016 08:07 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Susan Haughton that is what my seller has been saying all weekend, if they like it so much, why are they not making a better offer.

Feb 14, 2016 08:08 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Scott- Again- it's best to have the very best agent working for you to guide you through the home buying/home selling process.  Make a good clean offer and the letter is just the icing on the cake. 

Feb 14, 2016 09:38 AM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Scott Godzyk Interesting point Anna Banana Kruchten makes.  I have not heard of anyone suing because of a letter, but you never know.  The best offer is always one from a well-prepared agent and buyer who have all their ducks in a row.  That preapproval or proof of funds is absolutely necessary.

I once submitted 3 offers on a home.  All were cash, inspection periods differed a bit but the clincher for them was the proof of funds letter than someone had bothered to attach to the 3rd offer.  The other two came with nothing.

Feb 14, 2016 04:16 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I am not a fan of letters and especially the ones pointing out all the flaws and shortcomings of the home.  That said if my buyer wanted to write one I would present it but haven't had it happen in years.

Feb 14, 2016 10:35 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Scott,  Letters are letters. They can neither help or hurt. What matters is what words are contained in the letter.  Justifying a low ball offer is not something I would ever recommend.

Feb 15, 2016 05:54 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

A pre approval letter and a good offer will trump an emotional letter every time. Great post, Scott. 

Feb 15, 2016 07:38 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

I'll take the Buyer behind Door #2  every time...anyone that thinks real estate is all business and not some emotion needs to see a cardiologist !

Feb 15, 2016 09:38 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Scott --- sometimes a letter can help but only when it is accompanied by a well-written offer and the proper documentation.  

Feb 15, 2016 11:32 PM
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

As a lender, the only letter the buyer needs to give the seller is a pre-approval letter showing they are making a serious offer Scott Godzyk 

Feb 19, 2016 06:05 AM