How to Write a Letter of Interest for a House
Learn when a letter of interest can benefit you., Form a connection., Tell the buyer why you love the home., Write emotionally but authentically., Paint a positive picture of yourself., Save the best for last., Keep the letter short.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Learn when a letter of interest can benefit you.
You can use a letter of interest to set yourself apart as a potential buyer for a particular property.
In essence, the letter gives you the chance to describe yourself, your family, your situation, and any other aspects you’d like to make a lasting impression on the home’s seller.
You can maximize the effectiveness of a letter of interest in particular situations.
For example, in a “seller’s market” situation, you can face competition from a crowded market of buyers all seeking the same house.
A letter of interest is a tool you can use to make you stick out from the crowd.
Letters of interest are less common when both parties involved are using a realtor.
If the seller uses a realtor, he or she may want to minimize any part in the selling process, and the seller’s realtor is more likely concerned with which potential buyer can close on the house quickly and for the largest percentage of the asking price. -
Step 2: Form a connection.
Learn what you can about the current owners of the house and highlight similarities with your own life in your letter.
If both you and the seller work as teachers, you can write something like, "What would be better than to have a teacher taking care of your old house?"If you (or your partner, spouse, or children) attended the same school, work in the same sector, volunteer for the same charity, or share any other significant connections to the owners, be sure to make note of this in your letter.Don't sound too formal:
I am a 30 year old alumnus of University Xyz with a degree in chemistry.Do sound approachable:
The U Xyz banner at open house brought back memories — I didn't expect to meet another alumnus out here! , Clearly express why you love this specific home and neighborhood.
Write something along the lines of, "My family and I love the beautiful backyard and look forward to many afternoons relaxing beside the pool."Focus on specific features of the home and neighborhood that you love, such as the sunroom, yard, surrounding walking trails, etc.People are often still attached the houses they’re selling.
Use this section to show the seller that you have the proper appreciation for the house.
Show the seller that selling to you would leave the house in good hands. , An emotional connection between buyer and seller can be crucial to purchasing a home, so don't be afraid to use emotional language.
However, honesty and authenticity always go a long way, so avoid coming across as saccharine or desperate.
Don't mention sad stories: ...turned down from several houses . . . looking to escape an awful neighborhood...Do tug on heartstrings in an upbeat way: ...kids loved running down the beach . . . couldn't stop smiling when I looked at the view...
This also means you shouldn’t exaggerate what you love about the house.
The current owner will know the house better than anyone, including the work it needs.
Overselling how perfect the house is can easily home across as inauthentic.
Don’t be afraid to mention that you’d repaint, finish the basement, etc.
This also tells the seller that you’re willing to invest in the upkeep of the house. , Focus on your strengths, financial stability, and other positive characteristics that would make you the perfect homeowner.
Highlight why you would make a great owner.
Don't brag: ...outstanding work ethic . . . pillar of the community...Do mention positive traits:
I am community-minded and volunteer at my local school., Reiterate your excitement to purchase the house, as well as your most salient qualities.
The closing paragraph of a letter of interest can be the most crucial, and thus it is important to close on a positive note.
A closing paragraph might also imagine the future you and your family will enjoy in the home.
You might write, "I would be so excited to raise my family here, and would enjoy many years creating memories in this home." Express your sincere appreciation for the owner's time.
Include a warm thank you at the end of the letter, such as, "Your consideration is greatly appreciated," or similar wording. , Outline a few important reasons why you would love to (and should) live in the house, but definitely keep it under a page.
Try to avoid including too much detail about your own life story, and avoid complaining about the difficulties you might be experiencing in finding a home. -
Step 3: Tell the buyer why you love the home.
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Step 4: Write emotionally but authentically.
-
Step 5: Paint a positive picture of yourself.
-
Step 6: Save the best for last.
-
Step 7: Keep the letter short.
Detailed Guide
You can use a letter of interest to set yourself apart as a potential buyer for a particular property.
In essence, the letter gives you the chance to describe yourself, your family, your situation, and any other aspects you’d like to make a lasting impression on the home’s seller.
You can maximize the effectiveness of a letter of interest in particular situations.
For example, in a “seller’s market” situation, you can face competition from a crowded market of buyers all seeking the same house.
A letter of interest is a tool you can use to make you stick out from the crowd.
Letters of interest are less common when both parties involved are using a realtor.
If the seller uses a realtor, he or she may want to minimize any part in the selling process, and the seller’s realtor is more likely concerned with which potential buyer can close on the house quickly and for the largest percentage of the asking price.
Learn what you can about the current owners of the house and highlight similarities with your own life in your letter.
If both you and the seller work as teachers, you can write something like, "What would be better than to have a teacher taking care of your old house?"If you (or your partner, spouse, or children) attended the same school, work in the same sector, volunteer for the same charity, or share any other significant connections to the owners, be sure to make note of this in your letter.Don't sound too formal:
I am a 30 year old alumnus of University Xyz with a degree in chemistry.Do sound approachable:
The U Xyz banner at open house brought back memories — I didn't expect to meet another alumnus out here! , Clearly express why you love this specific home and neighborhood.
Write something along the lines of, "My family and I love the beautiful backyard and look forward to many afternoons relaxing beside the pool."Focus on specific features of the home and neighborhood that you love, such as the sunroom, yard, surrounding walking trails, etc.People are often still attached the houses they’re selling.
Use this section to show the seller that you have the proper appreciation for the house.
Show the seller that selling to you would leave the house in good hands. , An emotional connection between buyer and seller can be crucial to purchasing a home, so don't be afraid to use emotional language.
However, honesty and authenticity always go a long way, so avoid coming across as saccharine or desperate.
Don't mention sad stories: ...turned down from several houses . . . looking to escape an awful neighborhood...Do tug on heartstrings in an upbeat way: ...kids loved running down the beach . . . couldn't stop smiling when I looked at the view...
This also means you shouldn’t exaggerate what you love about the house.
The current owner will know the house better than anyone, including the work it needs.
Overselling how perfect the house is can easily home across as inauthentic.
Don’t be afraid to mention that you’d repaint, finish the basement, etc.
This also tells the seller that you’re willing to invest in the upkeep of the house. , Focus on your strengths, financial stability, and other positive characteristics that would make you the perfect homeowner.
Highlight why you would make a great owner.
Don't brag: ...outstanding work ethic . . . pillar of the community...Do mention positive traits:
I am community-minded and volunteer at my local school., Reiterate your excitement to purchase the house, as well as your most salient qualities.
The closing paragraph of a letter of interest can be the most crucial, and thus it is important to close on a positive note.
A closing paragraph might also imagine the future you and your family will enjoy in the home.
You might write, "I would be so excited to raise my family here, and would enjoy many years creating memories in this home." Express your sincere appreciation for the owner's time.
Include a warm thank you at the end of the letter, such as, "Your consideration is greatly appreciated," or similar wording. , Outline a few important reasons why you would love to (and should) live in the house, but definitely keep it under a page.
Try to avoid including too much detail about your own life story, and avoid complaining about the difficulties you might be experiencing in finding a home.
About the Author
Andrea Thompson
Andrea Thompson is an experienced writer with over 1 years of expertise in advertising. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Andrea creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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