Getting more offers accepted means less frustration for your buyers. It means less time you have to spend searching for more properties and preparing new offers. It’s a win-win for everybody! Here are four things you should consider doing on every offer you make.........
You have probably heard of most, if not all of these ideas. But it never hurts to be reminded. Are you really doing every one of these things on each offer you make?
1) Provide ALL information you would want on your listings
- Contract offer
- Pre-approval letter
- Proof of assets
- Front page of credit report
2) Add a personal touch
- Family photo of your clients (with the kids!) *
- Emotional letter about your clients and why they would like this home **
* This really does work! We have buyers currently in escrow whose agent received this email from the listing agent: “Very nice touch with including your client’s letter and photo. I think that helped with our clients’ decision. She is very happy to see a nice young family purchase the home.”
** Be careful you don’t “tip your client’s hand” with this letter. It may not be good creating desperation by saying things like “My client is on a job-relocation and absolutely must have this home”. This might trigger the listing agents to counter at a higher price since they know your clients are in a desperate situation. Also, it is probably best to make sure your letter is only one-page, like a resume. The listing agent likely won’t read a three-page story!
3) Include a lender call
This step is critical! We use this call to do several things that put your buyer’s offer on top:
- Allow listing agents to ask questions to put them at ease
- Mention our 55-point checklist that ensures reliable pre-approvals
- Create comfort by sharing our on-time closing guarantees
- Inform the listing agent about our proactive loan status updates
4) Offer a quick escrow period
Lender turn-times should not be forcing you to place offers with 45-day escrows. If you know a seller wants to close quickly, put your offer in front of the pack by offering to close in 30 days or less.
We have closed several purchase transactions in less than 25 days during the past couple months. This market should not require 45-day offers to accommodate your buyer’s lender.
HOW YOU CAN USE THIS:
Be sure to create an “Offer Checklist” you can reference for each and every offer you make. This way you don’t forget to include key information. We hope you can use the above information to get you started on this checklist.
We would be happy to assist you with implementing any of the above ideas. Feel free to contact us...we’re here to help!