Finding your dream home is only half the battle when buying a house. In competitive markets, you can easily find yourself in a bidding war with multiple potential buyers vying for the same property. In fact, 38% of homebuyers were involved in a bidding war in 2024. To help yourself stand out against the competition, one of the best ways to connect is by writing a letter to the seller of the house.
A house offer letter serves as your opportunity to put a human face on your formal offer, helping sellers see you as a real person rather than just another number in their pile of proposals. When written thoughtfully and strategically, these letters can make the difference between getting your offer accepted or watching your dream home slip away to another buyer.
Key Takeaways
- Writing a letter is your chance to make a personal connection with the seller to stand out in a multiple offer situation
- This house offer letter, sometimes called a buyer love letter, is submitted along with your formal purchase offer to the sellers
- While not legally binding, offer letters can influence home seller decisions, especially if they are emotionally attached to their property
What to Include in a Home Offer Letter
A home offer letter to the seller of a house will need specific information to ensure you get the point across without sharing your entire life story. Cover the following areas in your letter:
Personal Anecdotes and History
Give the seller a brief background on who you are and what you do. You can easily segue to why this home is an excellent fit by sharing your history. For example, you grew up in the neighbourhood and loved walking by this property on your way home from school.
On the other hand, maybe you’ve recently moved to the city, and this house reminds you of your old home. Either way, a small personal anecdote can make a world of difference.
Compliments About the Property
Whether you love the wallpaper in the living room, like the backyard garden, or are obsessed with the stand-alone tub in the main bedroom, sellers love to hear that someone appreciates the effort they put into their home. Complimenting the property lets the sellers know you’re not planning to redo the projects that they put time and money into, which can make them feel it was a worthwhile investment.
Proof of Intent
As a homebuyer, you must prove to the bank and other real estate professionals that you can afford a mortgage. The seller also needs reassurance that you are a committed buyer if they choose your bid in a multiple offer situation. By telling them that you have mortgage pre-approval and secure employment, you’re providing them with proof that you are responsible and a safe choice.
Avoid Pushy Language
When writing your letter, try to use positive language and be sincere. Avoid using pushy language or seeming desperate.
Print a Hard Copy
Your Realtor will submit the letter and your formal purchase offer paperwork to the seller’s real estate agent.
Pros and Cons of Personal Letters to the Seller of a House
Pros
- Can create a personal connection – When sellers feel a genuine connection to potential buyers, they may choose an offer from someone they believe will truly appreciate their home
- Helps you stand out – In a multiple offer situation, you’ll want to ensure your offer stands out. Thoughtful letters can help tip the scales when financial terms are comparable
- Demonstrates genuine interest – A carefully crafted letter shows sellers that you’re not just making random offers on multiple properties
Cons
- Possibility for discrimination – Although Canada does not have a Federal Fair Housing Act like the United States, fair housing laws fall under the Human Rights Code. Letters that contain personal details like gender, age, race, religion, and family status could lead to discrimination, even if unintentional
- May backfire if poorly written – Sellers may view poorly crafted letters as desperate or manipulative, potentially damaging your credibility as a serious buyer
- May be a waste of time – Not all sellers are swayed by personal appeals. Your time might be better spent by improving your offer terms. For instance, increasing your down payment, shortening contingency periods, or raising your offer price
Home Offer Letter Example and Template
Dear seller(s) of [home address],
Thank you for considering this offer and giving [us/me] the chance to explain why [I/we] love your home.
First off, [we/I’d] like to introduce ourselves and [our/my] story.
- Put a sentence or two introducing yourself and, if you have, your family.
- Put history or context as to why you’re currently looking to buy a home and why you are interested in this property specifically.
When [we/I] first saw your home, it was clear that this was the perfect fit for many reasons.
- List some of the reasons why you love the home. Be specific.
- What was your favourite part or feature of the house? Tell the seller.
As you know, we have mortgage pre-approval and are flexible about some of the conditions, such as [insert condition].
- Reassure them that you’ll take great care of the home financially and otherwise.
If [I/we am/are] chosen, we intend to create memories to last a lifetime as we get to know the neighbourhood.
- Tell the seller why this home is important to you and what types of memories you plan to make.
Thank you so much for your consideration as you go through these offers. [I/We] would be honoured to be chosen as the buyer of this home.
Sincerely,
[Your name(s)]
Do Personal Home Offer Letters Work?
When buying a home, there is rarely a chance to prove your case directly to the seller. Instead, your offer is often communicated agent to agent, and that doesn’t have the same impact on the seller as a direct appeal.
For that reason, a personal letter to the seller of the house is the way to go.
“It’s an opportunity to make the offer more attractive, especially if there are competing offers that are similar in price and terms, the letter might resonate with the seller and be the winning difference,” says Mustafa Abbasi, President of Zolo.
“The buyer also has the opportunity to be more transparent about their finances and intentions,” says Abbasi. That way, if they have a mortgage pre-approval, the letter can be an ideal place to reassure the sellers that they are serious about the offer.
Writing a personal letter to a seller is an incredible way to make the seller feel emotionally connected to a potential buyer. In a market with multiple bids and quick sales, adding a personal touch can make all the difference in securing the home of your dreams.
Bottom Line
If you find yourself in a bidding war, your real estate agent has the expertise to help you navigate the situation. This may involve writing a letter to the seller of the house, increasing your bid, or limiting contingencies.
You can find your next property on Zolo.ca, whether you’re looking for a detached family home, a condo in the city, or a townhouse in the suburbs.
Home Offer Letter FAQ
What should I include in a home offer letter?
A personal home offer letter should include a brief personal background and why the house is a great fit for you. Additionally, include some compliments on the home, and reiterate that you’re a serious buyer with a mortgage pre-approval. Lastly, close with thanking the sellers for their consideration.
Should I include contingencies in the offer letter?
Your formal offer, also known as an Offer to Purchase or Agreement of Purchase and Sale, should include contingencies or conditions.
Should I include a home offer letter on a foreclosure home?
You do not need to include a personal note when you make an offer on a foreclosure home, as the bank or lender is selling these properties, not the homeowners.
