The total number of homes for sale hit a record low in August 2023. That means home sellers may get several offers when they put their house on the market.
To help stand out from the pack, some buyers choose to write an offer letter. They may believe an offer letter could help personalize the negotiation and possibly make a connection with the seller. But writing an offer letter comes with potential risks buyers should be aware of.
Thinking about writing an offer letter? Read on to learn how to write an offer letter for a house, what to say in the letter, what to avoid, how long the letter should be, and the risks that may be involved.
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What Is a House Offer Letter?
A house offer letter is a personal letter written in hopes of helping to convince the seller to choose the buyer’s offer, especially when there are multiple offers on a house.
Offer letters have become more popular in recent years due to the high number of real estate bidding wars.
In an offer letter, a buyer, whether they’re a millennial homebuyer or any homebuyer, is trying to show the seller why they’re the ideal candidate for the house.
When writing a real estate offer letter, buyers often include certain details to help make a connection with the seller, such as:
• Introductions. The potential buyer will want to say who they are, of course.
• Contract details that might help. Buyers may want to briefly note that they’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, are flexible with the closing date, or can otherwise meet the seller’s needs.
• Compliments about the house. If there’s a well-tended garden or custom wall finishes, a buyer may want to note how much they like those things.
• Points of connection. If a buyer noticed something in the house that could help them relate to the seller, like fishing gear in the garage or a piano in the living room, they might mention that they share those hobbies.
• Explanation about their offer. A buyer could include the reason why they offered what they did for the house, but anyone who does this should be careful. Review it with your agent first to make sure you’re not saying something that might jeopardize the deal.
• Thank them. Express gratitude to the seller for considering the offer.
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How Does a House Offer Letter Work?
Since an offer letter is an informal gesture, writing such a letter is optional. Plus offer letters do have drawbacks (more on that below).
If a buyer does write an offer letter, it would typically be sent, along with the formal offer on the house, to the seller’s agent.
Recommended: How to Write a Letter of Explanation for a Mortgage
Is It Worth It to Write a Letter With a House Offer?
A personal letter could help you stand out from others who are bidding on a house, but there’s no guarantee of that. Plus, an offer letter could cause problems. The National Association of Realtors is wary of offer letters because they might run the risk of violating the Fair Housing Act, even unintentionally. The Fair Housing Act seeks to create a level playing field for all people renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, or seeking housing assistance.
For that reason, your real estate agent may advise against writing an offer letter. Instead, they may suggest that you choose another strategy for making your offer on a house more attractive.
How Long Should a House Offer Letter Be?
If you do decide to write an offer letter, the letter should be short and succinct. One page is plenty. And if your bid isn’t competitive enough to be on the seller’s radar in the first place, the offer letter probably won’t even be read.
What Should Not Be Included in a House Offer Letter
Perhaps even more important than what you write in your offer letter is what you should not include. Stay away from:
• Overly saccharine statements. Sellers may get overwhelmed by buyers who are too profuse about their love for the property. Be complimentary, but don’t overdo it.
• Letters that are too long. The seller doesn’t need to know everything you love about the house. Offer letters are more effective when they’re a page or less.
• Too much personal detail. If you mention your partner or children, be aware that familial status is protected against discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. It’s wise not to share too much.
• A picture of yourself or your family. This is another red flag. Race and gender, among other things, are protected against discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.
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How Do You Write a Strong Offer Letter?
First, make sure your home contracts offer is strong. You want to submit a strong offer before you work on a letter.
Then, when you sit down to write the letter, consider this: If you were having a conversation with your seller about the house, what would you want to tell them? Explain briefly why you love the home, and thank them for considering your offer. Keep the focus of the letter on the house, and avoid giving too many personal details. Use a friendly tone, and be genuine and sincere.
Keep the letter to one page or less.
Recommended: Guide on How to Save Money for a House
Tips for Buying a Home
Rather than an offer letter, you may want to consider one of the following strategies instead:
• Submit a higher offer. Winning a bidding war often comes down to one factor: price. Offering a higher price for the house is an option to think about. You might also want to add an escalation clause, which can automatically increase your offer above other offers.
• Offer all cash. That is, if you have the resources to do this. Data from Redfin suggests buyers who offer all-cash are two to four times more likely to be chosen.
• Waive the financing contingency. Waiving this contingency could potentially increase your odds of winning the contract over other buyers, according to Redfin. Keep in mind, however, that waiving the financing contingency means you forfeit your earnest money if you can’t get financing before the contract deadlines.
And, finally, if you’re a first-time home buyer, you may want to look into first-time homebuyer programs that could be helpful to you in your quest to buy this particular home — or any home.
The Takeaway
Offer letters have become popular in recent years as the real estate market has heated up, but these letters do have drawbacks. They could even run the risk of violating the Fair Housing Act. Discuss it with your real estate agent and weigh the pros and cons carefully before writing an offer letter.
Also, consider other options that might help improve your chances of becoming a homeowner. For instance, you may decide that offering a higher price on the house, getting preapproved for a mortgage, or being flexible about the closing date is a better way to go.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
FAQ
How do you write a strong offer on a house?
In addition to making a strong offer on a house, you can write an offer letter. To write a strong offer letter, focus on the property. Tell the seller why you love the home, and thank them for considering your offer. Use a friendly tone, be genuine and sincere, and keep the letter to one page or less.
How to write an offer letter for a house for sale by owner?
In a house that’s for sale by owner, you’re likely dealing directly with the seller. In that case, you can address the seller by name in the letter and tell them why you like the house. Also, if you know there’s something they’re looking for, like a quick transaction, you could indicate that you’re flexible with the closing date. And if you’re preapproved for a mortgage, you could mention that as well.
How do you write a good offer letter?
Be succinct, genuine, and sincere in your offer letter. Focus on the house and why you like it, and avoid giving personal details. Thank the owner for considering your offer.
Photo credit: iStock/Gorica Poturak
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