I'm always joking about how dating is just like buying and selling real estate - an equally painful, grueling and exciting process that's drizzled with a little heartbreak and compromise, but usually in the end works out for the best. This I can personally attest to (in real estate, not in dating!) - I have yet to have a client at the closing table say, "Geez, I really wish it had worked out with that first place we didn't get!!" 

So as most of you have heard, it's a very strong market with low inventory and lots of buyers in Boston and most surrounding suburbs. But don't be discouraged - despite that, rates are low making it ultimately a good time to buy and owning is actually historically affordable when all factors are considered (while rents are through the roof!). But the most desirable, well-priced homes often end up with multiple offers - which means as a buyer you might be writing a few offers before "finding the one".

So how do you make your offer stand out? There are many ways - it's not always just about the price. Terms, flexibility and financing all come into play... and in general we try to cover all the bases and make your offer as strong as possible. Also, as I've said before - your agent matters because we will make sure you're putting your best foot forward, present your offer properly, and prepare you for the possible outcomes.

However, along with all those factors - one thing that has become increasingly popular over the years is the emergence of the love letter. In real estate, we call this the "love ya" letter. It's essentially a personal note to the seller from you that we'll include as part of our offer package. Often sellers have their own emotional attachment to the home, so they might connect and wish to sell to someone who will appreciate it as much. And if they have multiple, similar offers - it could very well be the tipping point.

What are some things you might mention in your letter?

• Thank the sellers for their consideration of your offer
• Write about yourself and your story
• How long you've been looking and any difficulties in your search
• How much you love the home and what you love about it - the features, the neighborhood, the feeling you get in the home
• How you envision your future there
• Mention any flexibility you may have on timing      

It won't always win, but you'd be surprised how much it could help... I've seen buyers win against higher offers and better terms just because the sellers sympathized or related to my clients and wanted THEM to own their home.

But let's be clear - it's not always wise or necessary. There are lots of instances where you might NOT include a "love letter" with your offer. For example, if you are trying to negotiate or offer UNDER asking price - like the first rule in the book: "Play it cool at the Open House even if you love a property!" Telling a seller how much you love and want their home can take away your negotiating power, although this isn't a hard and fast rule. If the property is a flip owned by a developer - then it's usually about terms and price, because investors have a bottom line and need to sell and move on to their next project. If you're an investor yourself buying a rental properly this tactic is an obvious no-go. Or - if you don't really even love a property but are just giving it a shot, then perhaps you won't care to write a "warm and fuzzy letter". And lastly, if you don't want to or feel comfortable doing so, then it's certainly not necessary.