The time has come: You're ready to make an offer on a house. This property isn't just any old house either. It's the space you believe could be a comfortable home for you and your family for years to come. You know that you've only got one chance to make a great first impression, and it's important that your offer letter helps you seal the deal.

Professional Offer Letter Dos & Don'ts

Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions of your life. Submitting an offer is a big step to making this dream a reality. If you want to stand out in this competitive market, you may consider submitting a personalized offer letter to increase your chances of making a great impression and connecting with the seller in a positive, unique, and memorable way. Here are a few important dos and don'ts to remember as you draft your letter.

• DO Keep the Letter Personal
  There's nothing like a personalized letter, whether it's an offer letter for a house or a thank you letter after closing. Instead of typing a letter and emailing it, consider purchasing good stationery and writing the letter by hand.
  
  
• DON'T Write a Generic Letter
  It's easy to load up a letter with cliché phrases and real estate jargon that dominate most conversations with sellers, but that doesn't mean you need to speak this lingo in your letter. In fact, speaking honestly with your own thoughts and feelings will make the letter sound organic and sincere.  
  
  
• DO Share a Little About Yourself & Why You Like the Home
  Remember, this was the owner's dream home once too. They want to know that it will be in the caring hands of a new owner. Share some details about yourself, including what size family you have, what specific aspects of the home you love, and why you're interested in moving into the area. Help the seller visualize your family making years of memories in the space they once cherished just as much.
  
  
• DON'T Share Too Much
  Even though you want to paint a nice picture for the seller, you also don't want to overshare or provide too many details about your personal life. Mentioning that you need a large yard for your children and pets is great, but discussing details about your budget or unique financial situation is not recommended.
  
  
• DO Keep It Brief & On Point
  Your letter should be informative and effective, which means succinctness is key. Format the letter in a simple and concise way. Introduce yourself, give two or three reasons why you love the house and why you're the best buyer. Close with a respectful offer and your gratitude for their consideration.
  
  
• DON'T Make It Too Long or Too Short
  Ideally, your offer letter should be less than a full page long. A seller shouldn't expect to read an essay for every offer they receive. Similarly, a quick few sentences that don't make any attempt to make an impression may lead the seller to believe you're not serious about your offer.

Although some may believe that the most important element of an offer letter is the offer price, the way it's written can actually have a stronger impact on your success. A positive letter that's well-written, showcasing you as an ideal buyer and presenting a strong, reasonable offer, might be all that's needed to win a bidding war and secure the home of your dreams. For more help searching for and placing an offer on Excelsior homes for sale, contact Homes by Joel today.