Increase the Odds of Your Offer Being Accepted - Buyer Introduction Letters

It can be very challenging to purchase a home in Silicon Valley.  Many of the more desirable homes are receiving multiple offers.   It is common to see very frustrated Buyers unable to purchase a home after numerous attempts.   
 
Is there a simple, inexpensive way to help Buyers stand out in the crowd of multiple offers? 
 
I recommend Buyers draft an introduction letter.  The letter is basically introducing the Buyers to the Sellers.  The goal of the introduction letter is to make a genuine, personal, and emotional connection with the Sellers.   Why is this advisable?  Most people prefer to do business with people with whom they like or make a genuine connection with.   An introduction letter will help bridge the likeability factor between the Buyers and Sellers.     
 
Here are some tips in drafting an effective introduction letter.

• Keep it short, just a few paragraphs at most and absolutely no longer than one page.
• Include an informal picture.  One of my clients included their family pet with their family picture.
• Touch on your background that may be of interest to the Sellers (birthplace, college, hobby… make it free flowing and interesting and remember this is not a resume, keep it short).
• Mention something about the home that you appreciate.  Many Sellers have a personal connection with their home.   I remember an instance when a Buyer expressed the uniqueness of a Seller’s outdoor garden.  The Seller spent a lot of money, time and energy in cultivating that garden and the Buyer's admiration had a positive impact on the Seller.  
• Try to place a smile on the Seller’s face.  This can be done with slight humor (don’t overdo it) or something cute.   Here is an example of one of my Buyers introducing their dog, Bear.   “In this picture are Steve and Kelly and Bear. Bear was rescued from a shelter and it may have been his first time at the ocean (from the hotel room he barked at the sound of waves crashing). They assure me he is even more adorable in person.”
• Keep it simple, free flowing, personal, sincere and authentic.   
• Avoid negative feelings, desperate overtones, exaggerations and bragging (“we’ve been looking for a home for over 1 year”, “we really need to find a home”).
• The above picture is a handwritten letter.  I recommend a typed introduction letters since it is easier to read and edit.
  
  

 I’ve seen introduction letters work.   Remember you are trying to make a sincere connection with the Sellers.  I had a transaction where a Buyer drafted a nice introduction letter.  There were approximately 30 offers on the home.   I believe we made a genuine, personal connection with the Sellers and listing agent.   We were not the highest offer but my client’s offer was accepted.  
 
Reality check:  If you submit an excellent introduction letter, it is not a guaranty your offer will be accepted.   However, I found it helps strengthen a Buyer’s offer.    Why not spend 30 minutes drafting a genuine introduction letter and increase the odds of your offer being accepted?