Letter to home seller from buyer: What to include

When multiple buyers are eyeing the same home, it’s easy to wonder how your offer will stand out in this competitive market. One way buyers try to connect with sellers is through a house offer letter, which is oftentimes called a “love letter.” It’s a personal note where buyers explain why they love the home and what it would mean to them to live there.

As these letters can be meaningful, they can also raise concerns if the letter includes personal details that might lead to bias. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a thoughtful, respectful house offer letter that helps you stand out and shine among other buyers, while staying fair and professional.

What is a house offer letter?

A house offer letter, also referred to as a “letter to the seller” or even a “love letter,” is a personal note that a buyer writes to a home seller. It’s meant to share who you are, what you love about the home, and why you hope the seller will choose your offer.

It’s different from your formal purchase offer, which includes the sales price, contingencies, and other terms. This letter is all about creating a personal connection, one that might give you an extra boost when it comes to the buyers choosing who to sell the house to, especially when it’s in a competitive market.

If you’re thinking about writing one, here are a few key things to consider:

• Decide how you want the letter to look
• Introduce yourself
• Share your love for the home
• Describe how you’d live in the house
• Explain your offer
• Express gratitude

Letters to the seller and the Fair Housing Act

While a house offer letter can help you stand out, it’s important to understand why some real estate agents advise against them or may choose not to deliver them at all. These letters can unintentionally reveal personal details that could lead to bias.

For example, the National Association of REALTORS® notes that something as simple as describing your family celebrating Christmas around the fireplace discloses both religious beliefs and family status, which is information that’s protected under the Fair Housing Act.

Revealing too much personal information can also put your safety at risk. Sharing details about your children, your job, or your daily routines could expose you and your family in ways you didn’t intend. Even though you’re writing this letter to the buyer you want to buy the home from, it’s important to remember that you don’t personally know who will read it.

Oversharing could open the door to being taken advantage of during the home buying process. To protect yourself, it’s best to focus the letter on the home and what you love about it, not the private details of your life.

How to write a home offer letter

1. Start with an introduction

Starting your letter with a friendly introduction helps humanize your offer and gives the seller a sense of who you are. Remember this isn’t about sharing your life story, it’s about creating a respectful and professional connection.

• Begin with a simple greeting and your name.
• Mention who will be moving in with you (like a partner or pet).
• Keep it brief and genuine, let your personality come through without getting too wordy or personal.
• A friendly tone goes a long way. Think more approachable, and not emotional. 

2. Share your love for the home

In this section of your letter this is your chance to show the seller that their home means more to you than just about how much square footage it is. You get the opportunity to tell the seller why this house is perfect for you and how important this home means to you. Pointing out specific details can go a long way.

Mention what stood out to you during your visit – maybe the natural light in the kitchen, the charm of the original stoning, or the peaceful backyard. A sentence like “We immediately fell in love with how the afternoon light pours into the living room and the history behind the cobblestoned streets” shows the seller that you’ve truly imagined your life there. Highlighting these details tells the seller you see their home’s value beyond the listing price and square footage.

3. Describe how you’d live in the house

Letting the seller know the ways you’d make the home your own can be a powerful emotional connector. This can create a sense of connection, one that’s based on the home itself. It can be powerful to show how you’d care for and enjoy the space they once loved. You’re showing the seller that you're not just buying a house – you’re planning a life.

Focus on describing everyday moments that you’d do in that house. What would a typical morning feel like in the kitchen? How might you host friends for dinner in the dining room or grill on the back patio on a summer weekend? You could even mention how you’d enjoy a quiet evening in the living room or take peaceful walks through the neighborhood.

Keep your description centered on the lifestyle the home allows, not specifics on who you are. Ensure that when you're describing what you would do in this home, keep it broad and light, instead of specific and detailed. You can still create a warm, respectful image of life in the home without revealing more than what you need to.

4. Explain your offer

Now that you’ve built a connection, it’s time to show that you’re serious. This section of your letter should clearly outline the facts behind your offer and give the seller confidence in your ability to close the deal.

Be specific and straightforward. Here’s a few details you might want to include:

• Let them know how you plan to pay (cash or financing).
• Mention any contingencies or lack thereof.
• Share whether you’re including a mortgage preapproval or proof of funds
• Let them know how quickly you can close, if that’s a selling point.

Be honest, clear, and concise. This part helps the seller feel reassured that the emotional appeal is backed by a strong, qualified offer.

5. Sign off with gratitude

This last section is the end of your letter, so you should end it on a sincere, appreciative note. Thank the seller for taking the time to read your message and consider your offer. A little kindness goes a long way, especially in a competitive market.

Keep your tone warm but respectful. You don’t need to overdo the compliments, just express genuine appreciation for the opportunity to make an offer on a home that clearly means a lot to both of you.

Example of a home buyer letter to the seller

Dear Seller,

My name is [name] and my husband and I recently toured your home. The built-in bookcases and the French doors opening up to the small garden reminded me of a story book. Your home is really well cared for.

Not only is this a wonderful neighborhood to raise a family, but the house has the perfect amount of space. I also noticed the big open kitchen, we love to entertain and this is a must-have feature for us.

We have a mortgage preapproval for the amount on the listing, but we want to offer an additional $6,000 over the asking price to show our commitment to this beautiful home. We also have a 20% down payment and are well prepared to purchase this home.

If you accept our offer, please know that your home will be well-loved. I hope we get the opportunity to make memories in this home.

Thank you for considering our offer,

Name

What to do after you write your house offer letter

Once you’ve written your house offer letter, take a moment to reread it with fresh eyes. This is your chance to make sure it’s polished, clear, and error-free. Use online editing tools like Grammarly to check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your message flows well without being too long or emotional. It’s also a great idea to have someone else review it, whether that’s a trusted friend, family member, or your real estate agent. And don’t forget to double-check all the details, from the property address to the seller’s name, to ensure everything is accurate.

When you’re ready to send the letter, you’ll typically do so through your real estate agent. As a buyer, it’s not standard to contact the seller directly. Instead, your agent can pass your letter along to the seller’s agent, who will decide how and when to share it with their client. This keeps the process professional and helps ensure your letter is received as part of your complete offer package.

The bottom line: Writing a letter to the seller of a house might help you land your dream home

As you can see, writing a letter to the seller of a home gives you a boost when it comes to the seller looking for their potential buyer. However, a house offer letter won’t guarantee your offer will be accepted, but in a competitive market, it could give you a valuable edge. When done right, a letter can help the seller see you as more than just numbers on a page. it shows that you see the value of their home, that you care about its character, and that you’re serious about your offer.

At the end of the day, sellers often want to feel like they’re passing their home on to someone who truly appreciates it. A thoughtful, well-written letter can help make that connection – and maybe even help your offer stand out from the rest.

Ready to take the next step? Start your loan application today and move one step closer to homeownership.