If you have decided to purchase a property that is for sale by owner, you will need to write a compelling offer letter. This letter will help you stand out from other potential buyers and hopefully convince the seller to accept your offer. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write an effective for sale by owner offer letter and provide examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a For Sale By Owner Offer Letter
When writing a for sale by owner offer letter, keep these tips in mind:
1. Address the seller directly. Use the seller’s name in the greeting of your letter. This will help personalize the letter and show the seller that you are serious about purchasing their property.
2. State the purpose of your letter. In the opening paragraph, clearly state that you are writing to make an offer on their property. This will help the seller understand the purpose of your letter right away.
3. Explain why you are interested in the property. In the second paragraph, explain why you are interested in the property. This could include the location, size, or unique features of the property.
4. Highlight your qualifications. In the third paragraph, highlight your qualifications as a buyer. This could include your pre-approval for a mortgage, your ability to make a cash offer, or your flexibility with the closing date.
5. Make your offer. In the fourth paragraph, make your offer. Be sure to include any contingencies, such as a home inspection or appraisal, and the amount of earnest money you are willing to put down.
6. Close with a personal touch. In the final paragraph, thank the seller for their time and consideration. Let them know that you are excited about the possibility of owning their property and look forward to hearing back from them soon.
7. Edit and proofread. Before sending your letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes can make your letter seem unprofessional.
For Sale By Owner Offer Letter Examples
Letter of Interest
Dear [Seller’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in your property at [Property Address]. The location and size of the property are perfect for my family, and we are drawn to the unique architectural features of the home.
As a pre-approved buyer with [Lender’s Name], I am confident that I can secure the necessary financing to make this purchase. I am willing to offer [Offer Amount] for the property and can provide [Earnest Money Amount] in earnest money upon acceptance of my offer.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon and hopefully moving forward with the purchase of your property.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Cash Offer Letter
Dear [Seller’s Name],
I am writing to make a cash offer on your property at [Property Address]. After touring the home and considering other properties in the area, my wife and I have decided that your property is the perfect fit for us.
We are prepared to offer [Offer Amount] in cash for the property and can close within [Number of Days] days of acceptance of this offer. We have also waived any contingencies, including a home inspection or appraisal, to show our commitment to purchasing your property.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We would be honored to own your property and look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Flexible Closing Date Letter
Dear [Seller’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to tour your property at [Property Address]. My husband and I were impressed by the spacious layout and beautiful backyard, and we can envision ourselves making a home there.
We are willing to offer [Offer Amount] for the property and can provide [Earnest Money Amount] in earnest money upon acceptance of our offer. We understand that you may have a preferred closing date, and we want to let you know that we are flexible and can work with your timeline.
Thank you for your consideration. We hope to hear back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Contingent Offer Letter
Dear [Seller’s Name],
My fiancé and I were thrilled to tour your property at [Property Address]. We love the unique features of the home and the fact that it is located in a great school district.
We are willing to offer [Offer Amount] for the property, but we do have a few contingencies. First, we would like to have a home inspection to ensure that there are no major issues with the property. Second, we would like to make our offer contingent upon the sale of our current home, which is currently under contract.
Thank you for your consideration. We hope that you will accept our offer and allow us to make your property our new home.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Multiple Offer Letter
Dear [Seller’s Name],
Thank you for allowing us to tour your property at [Property Address]. My wife and I were impressed by the unique features of the home and the beautiful backyard.
We understand that you may have received multiple offers on your property, but we want to let you know that we are serious about purchasing it. We are willing to offer [Offer Amount] for the property and can provide [Earnest Money Amount] in earnest money upon acceptance of our offer.
We hope that you will consider our offer and allow us to make your property our new home. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Increase Offer Letter
Dear [Seller’s Name],
My husband and I were thrilled to tour your property at [Property Address]. We love the location and unique features of the home, and we can see ourselves making a life there.
We appreciate the time and consideration you have given to our original offer of [Offer Amount], but we want to let you know that we are willing to increase our offer to [New Offer Amount]. We understand that there may be other buyers interested in your property, but we hope that you will seriously consider our offer.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope to hear back from you soon and hopefully move forward with the purchase of your property.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
First-Time Buyer Letter
Dear [Seller’s Name],
Thank you for allowing us to tour your property at [Property Address]. As first-time homebuyers, my fiancé and I are excited about the possibility of making your property our first home.
We are willing to offer [Offer Amount] for the property and can provide [Earnest Money Amount] in earnest money upon acceptance of our offer. We understand that there may be more experienced buyers interested in your property, but we hope that you will consider our offer and allow us to make your property our new home.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I address the seller in my for sale by owner offer letter?
Use the seller’s name in the greeting of your letter. This will help personalize the letter and show the seller that you are serious about purchasing their property.
What should I include in the opening paragraph of my for sale by owner offer letter?
In the opening paragraph, clearly state that you are writing to make an offer on the seller’s property. This will help the seller understand the purpose of your letter right away.
How long should my for sale by owner offer letter be?
Your for sale by owner offer letter should be no more than one page long. Be sure to include all of the necessary information, but keep your letter concise and to the point.
Should I include contingencies in my for sale by owner offer letter?
If there are contingencies you would like included in your offer, such as a home inspection or appraisal, be sure to mention them in your letter. This will help the seller understand your expectations and may make them more willing to accept your offer.
What should I include in the closing of my for sale by owner offer letter?
In the final paragraph, thank the seller for their time and consideration. Let them know that you are excited about the possibility of owning their property and look forward to hearing back from them soon.
Should I include my pre-approval letter with my for sale by owner offer letter?
If you have a pre-approval letter from your lender, it may be a good idea to include it with your offer letter. This can help show the seller that you are a serious buyer and have the ability to secure financing for the purchase.
How should I follow up after sending my for sale by owner offer letter?
If you haven’t heard back from the seller within a few days, it is appropriate to follow up with them to see if they have made a decision. You can do this via phone or email, but be sure to be polite and professional in your communication.
Conclusion
Writing a for sale by owner offer letter can be a daunting task, but it is an important step in the home buying process. By following the tips we’ve provided and using the examples as a guide, you can write a compelling offer letter that will help you stand out from other potential buyers. Remember to edit and proofread your letter carefully before sending it, and follow up with the seller if you haven’t heard back within a few days. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of successfully purchasing the property of your dreams.