We’ve said it a lot lately. The market is starting to turn more in favor of sellers, which means increased competition for those buying a Colorado home. One new way to stand out from the crowd involves a very old activity: Writing a letter to the sellers.

In one case, a potential buyer wrote to the owners to tell them all the specific things she and her husband liked about the home, how they would care for it well, and that they had the means to afford the mortgage. And it worked. The sellers said they accepted the bid because of the letter.

Will a letter always tip the scale? Many real estate agents feel it couldn’t hurt for most standard sales but is not a good idea when buying a bank-owned property. It really depends on the seller. Some agents said they have seen letters make a sale but also have seen sellers ignore them completely.

The one big caveat from the agents was that buyers should never submit a letter without telling their agent. Also, the letters should most always include the following information.

A few other rules of thumb include keeping the letter “short and sweet” and not laying it on too thick. Buyers must also be realistic that a letter will not make a difference if their bid for that Colorado Springs property is $35,000 less than a competing party.

Typed or handwritten, a sincere letter to the seller certainly can’t hurt—and it some situations it could make all the difference.

Let us help you become the buyer of choice for your desired home. When you’re ready to buy or sell a home in the Pike’s Peak area, contact The Roshek Group! We are ready to help you with all of your real estate needs.