Let Me Count the Ways
“Dear Seller” letters may seem cheesy, but they work!
When you go to view an apartment, keep in mind that you are also on display. From the moment you enter the lobby with the sellers' agent, you are being sized up. You might think that real estate transactions all about the Benjamins, but as with most things, there is complexity beneath the surface. A good sellers' agent will not only advise their client on whether you are financially qualified but also on whether or not you are actually going to follow through and sign contracts. And, in the case of coops, will you interview well enough to pass the board?
Besides being polite and dressing reasonably well at apartment showings, one way to set yourself apart, and reassure the sellers that you are a safe bet to make it to the closing table, is to write them a letter to accompany your purchase offer. Tell them a bit about yourselves – what you do, where you live, your hobbies – so they can get a sense of who they may be doing business with. And tell them why you love the neighborhood, the building, and of course the apartment. Paint a picture for them so they can visualize you following through. Put your heart on the page! Remember, in many cases these are apartments where the sellers may have lived for many years, raised children, and so on. So a little tug at the heartstrings could be enough to make the difference. It may sound cheesy, but it's effective. If you're willing to take this extra step, they may think, you'll be willing to go through all of the work and expense of buying an apartment, right?
