Metro Columbus home buyers face competition in today’s market. Homes in good condition in desirable locations, priced right, can attract multiple offers on the very first day! However, the “winning bid” isn’t always the highest offer!
Often, home sellers have an emotional attachment to their property. The longer their occupancy, the stronger that attachment may be. And while money talks, adding a personal touch can help your offer stand out from the rest.
Before we go further, please understand that a personal letter cannot prop up a weak financial offer. It’s essential to have your mortgage financing lined up before you begin you look at Metro Columbus homes for sale. When you submit an offer, it should be in line with the home condition and the state of the local market – which may be an offer above the asking price, but not above what the home is worth!
When you become our Buyer-Client, we will provide you complete guidance to help you prepare a competitive offer without over-paying for the home, while protecting you with important contingencies. We will present your offer to the seller’s agent in the strongest possible light, and tenaciously negotiate on your behalf!
Yet in a multiple-offer situation, the seller may have several quality offers to choose from, including yours! This is where a personal letter can help your offer get extra attention. Here’s some suggestions for content:
- A brief word about yourself, or about yourselves as couple, or as a family
- A reference to things in common you may have with the seller, based on casual observation (pets, children, favorite sports teams or college)
- What you love about the home
- How you will use or enjoy the home’s key features (fenced yard is perfect for your dog, or the large kitchen perfect for making your homemade pies)
- What you like about the neighborhood
- Your willingness to work towards a successful deal
In general, your letter should be honest, heartfelt, and concise. It should give the seller a glimpse of what you appreciate about the home, and how you see yourself living there. With such information, a seller might become emotionally engaged in your offer, even if the dollar amount is a bit lower than another buyer’s. Discuss with us whether or not you should include a personal photograph with your note – it may or may not be a good idea.
Of course, whether or not the personal touch swings the deal in your favor, depends on the seller! At Buyer’s Resource Realty Services, we do our best to obtain information about the seller’s situation and motives, so that we can craft a compelling offer while protecting your best interests!
As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
