A recent article written by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance drew attention to a few ways that house buyers can create more competitive “appealing” offers. Read Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3.
5. Keep contingencies to a minimum:
Sellers prefer no contingencies, but buyers want to protect their interests
too. “Offset a financing contingency with preapproval and a strong earnest
money deposit,” Kiplinger’s Personal Finance reports. “If you have enough cash,
temper an appraisal contingency by assuring sellers that if the appraisal comes
in lower than the purchase price, you’ll pay the difference or split it with
them (up to a certain amount).”
6. Write a letter: Personal letters
about the home addressed to the sellers are winning over some hearts lately.
The letters tell the seller about the buyer (e.g. “We’re relocating from …”)
and what drew the buyer to the home (e.g. “We especially love …”).