Tuesday, May 21, 2013

A Letter to the Seller: Northern Virginia Real Estate Tactics

In today's tight real estate market, being outbid on one of the few homes for sale in NOVA and losing the property to a fierce bidding war are scenarios that are becoming increasingly common. So, what's a NOVA home buyer to do? The answer may surprise you. 


Northern Virginia home buyers are actually solving their problems with pen and paper— writing letters to the sellers of homes they wish to buy. Real estate professionals suggest a letter provides a human element to the home sale as sellers are more willing to part with their property if the buyer is someone they're comfortable with and can relate to.

An example given by the Sun Sentinel involved one buyer who fell in love with a home and proceeded to write an offer— unfortunately, four other buyers were also interested. The home was perfect for someone with pets as the property boasted a big backyard and doggy doors. Not willing to lose the home, the buyer wrote a letter dictating how much the home would mean to her and her pets, even including a photo. The result? A successful sale.

The letter appealed to the seller's personal side and confirmed that this particular buyer was the perfect person for the property.

It seems the simple act of writing a letter can prove to be a most effective strategy in today's real estate market and one that NOVA homebuyers may benefit from. And with low inventory barring buyers from a wealth of choices, you will not want your Virginia dream home to get away from you.

As many traditional buyers do not want to sell their Fairfax, Arlington, or Alexandria property to just anyone, you may have the edge in taking to the page and telling the sellers exactly why you are the right candidate for the home. With a solid offer and this bit of insider knowledge, you may never get caught in another bidding war again.


Earle Whitmore

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