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Multiple Bids?

Buyer Letters Get You Noticed

These are tough times for Sonoma Valley homebuyers. The supply of homes is tighter than it’s been in decades, and multiple offers are the norm. It’s not uncommon for some buyers to find themselves on the losing side of a bidding war four or five times before successfully closing on a home.

Sellers typically give preference to the highest bids with the fewest contingencies. But there’s another way buyers have a chance of getting their bid to the top of the pile: Include a personal letter in the proposal.

Many owners develop an emotional connection to their home that can influence decisions when it’s time to sell.  A personal letter puts a face on the buyer, and that can make all the difference.  For instance, if the seller raised a family in a home and the decision is between a family that’s going to recreate that life or a single person who’s going to tear it down, the family has a better chance of having their bid accepted. And they can get that point across with a letter.

A letter can do more than tug at heartstrings. It can satisfy a seller that the bidder is committed to closing the sale.

Advice for crafting a buyer letter that will get results:

•    Research the sellers. Who are they and what do they do? What motivates them? Why are they selling?

•    Explain your interest in the house, including what first caught your eye. Be specific.

•    Describe yourself and why this house would be a perfect fit.

•    Make clear your commitment to do whatever it takes to close the sale.

Matt Sevenau specializes in residential real estate, second homes, and income property. He can be contacted at Pacific Union International in Sonoma at 707.934.5630 or Matt.Sevenau@pacunion.com