sending a letter to the owner of a home not for sale.

[Anonymous]

We found our house this way (desirable dc neighborhood).

[Steve]

One of my buyers just go a call back this morning from a letter we sent yesterday. Previewing the home today.

[Anonymous]

This worked for my parents years ago. They were looking for a one story house in their neighborhood and mailed letters to the houses that fit their requirements and lucked out that someone wanted to sell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It feels offensive because it feels like I'm being stalked. It feels like you walked up and looked through my windows when I wasn't home. I have to say that the letter idea feels significantly more intrusive than just the realtor saying they have a client interested in buying in my neighborhood. That's a more general message that is sent out to all homes fitting a certain real estate wish list (X rooms, Y bathrooms, Z sq ft, etc). Whereas a personal letter from a potential buyer family sounds like they've cased my house.

I would throw it away, but frankly, I would never respond to that and I frankly, I'd be going a lot of research into the name on the letter to try and figure out who this was and see if I found you hanging around the neighborhood.

This PP nailed it exactly. This is why it would bother me too, and why I would never do it. Clearly the difference of opinion on this thread means that not everyone shares my and PP's feelings, though.

[Anonymous]

It'll get thrown away.

If you call, your call will get blocked.

If you persist, you'll get a restraining order.

OP, just get a realtor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get 2 or 3 such letters a month. I live near Eastern Market.

So do I. Capitol Hill. My friends and I laugh at these letters.

Wishful desperate buyers who can never afford to live here.

Ever.

[Anonymous]

Worked for a family I know. They got a gorgeous house at a steal of a price. Sold it ten years later at an obscene price. It has since been sold three more times in quick succession and seems stuck in a certain price range in spite of the fact that each owner has extensively renovated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP, I don't think you understand the definition of "entitlement." If she felt entitled, she'd just submit them an offer.

It's still entitled to walk up and ask someone to sell you something that they've made no mention of just because you see it and think it's "perfect." Also somehow thinking that this is okay to do because you are a "family" is just as bad.

+1 this is just as bad as all the people on my neighborhood listserv who are forever asking for handouts using phrases like "if you're looking to get rid of" or "if you want me to take it off your hands". Ick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I get 2 or 3 such letters a month. I live near Eastern Market.

So do I. Capitol Hill. My friends and I laugh at these letters.

Wishful desperate buyers who can never afford to live here.

Ever.

Can't afford to live on Capitol hill? Good thing they aren't looking at an actual exclusive neighborhood!

[Anonymous]

NP here - "stalked" and "intrusive" I get. "Offensive", no

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:has this ever worked for anyone?

Has anyone themselves ever sent a (presumably hand written) note and had it work?

something like,
"hi, we're a family of 5 looking for a house like yours. Pls contact us if you have any thoughts of selling".

For what it's worth, this is not in an especially hot market (not DC). Things sell but take 30-60 days to do so.

thx

Just go find another house. God, the entitlement.

huh.
time to up your meds, you sound angry.

np. i don't think pp sounds angry at all. i agree that this strategy is offensively presumptuous.

what is offensive about it?

If you have to ask you will never get it. You probably show up at weddings with your uninvited children, too.

now you're just being mean.

NP. No, if you do not understand how this is tacky and rude then you will never understand. Its gross.

Typical response for someone who can't back up their argument - "you wouldn't get it".

[Anonymous]

We did a search for houses that were on the market then removed. Found one that was on the market two years earlier and sent over an unsolicited offer. Moved in 90 days later.

[Anonymous]

What a creepy thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:has this ever worked for anyone?

Has anyone themselves ever sent a (presumably hand written) note and had it work?

something like,
"hi, we're a family of 5 looking for a house like yours. Pls contact us if you have any thoughts of selling".

For what it's worth, this is not in an especially hot market (not DC). Things sell but take 30-60 days to do so.

thx

After searching for our home of choice in the Woodley/Cleveland Park area for 2 years we resorted to send out letters to homes we liked. We offered to save real estate agent commissions, avoid the hassle of open house etc., and provided flexibility in closing noting that our lease was MTM and that we could settle quickly or give them as much time as they needed, and noted that we were qualified buyers and would buy the home as-is subject only to an inspection for material issues - structural etc.

We got a huge response. Many of them were of the yes I will sell you my house if you are willing to pay 130% of FMV, however, several of them were great options. We purchased a home in Woodley park this way and it was about 2 years ago. The seller was in the process of moving from a home to a condo that they intended to renovate. Our flexibility in closing and the fact they saved the commission was key. The market was hot and it worked out very well for us and the seller. It was a win-win.

I know a few others that have done this as well. All it takes is a nice letter and sweat equity walking around and putting it in the homes that are of interest to you. If someone doesn't like it they wont call - simple as that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:has this ever worked for anyone?

Has anyone themselves ever sent a (presumably hand written) note and had it work?

something like,
"hi, we're a family of 5 looking for a house like yours. Pls contact us if you have any thoughts of selling".

For what it's worth, this is not in an especially hot market (not DC). Things sell but take 30-60 days to do so.

thx

After searching for our home of choice in the Woodley/Cleveland Park area for 2 years we resorted to send out letters to homes we liked. We offered to save real estate agent commissions, avoid the hassle of open house etc., and provided flexibility in closing noting that our lease was MTM and that we could settle quickly or give them as much time as they needed, and noted that we were qualified buyers and would buy the home as-is subject only to an inspection for material issues - structural etc.

We got a huge response. Many of them were of the yes I will sell you my house if you are willing to pay 130% of FMV, however, several of them were great options. We purchased a home in Woodley park this way and it was about 2 years ago. The seller was in the process of moving from a home to a condo that they intended to renovate. Our flexibility in closing and the fact they saved the commission was key. The market was hot and it worked out very well for us and the seller. It was a win-win.

I know a few others that have done this as well. All it takes is a nice letter and sweat equity walking around and putting it in the homes that are of interest to you. If someone doesn't like it they wont call - simple as that.

I wanted to add have an understanding of what the market is for the homes. This doesn't work if you are trying to get a "deal" on a home. If you are looking for a home and willing to pay a fair price it is a good option.