Sometimes, it’s not just money that gets a seller’s attention.

I’ve been party to many, many a transaction in the last 15 years, and this year has been particularly busy for me (definitely not complaining). I know all the tricks to get an offer accepted when I represent buyers, and how to weed through the pros and cons of multiple offers when representing a seller. I have seen it all…at least I thought I did.

You see, in our incredibly heated market, it’s totally customary for buyers to pretty much offer everything they can to a seller (wine, concert tickets, VIP access to restaurants) with their offer, and writing a personal letter to the seller about how much the buyer loves the home is standard. (If you’re not doing that with every competitive offer you write, get another Realtor, because it works.)

But I was recently part of a transaction on the seller side where we literally had 15 offers on the table, at some ridiculously high prices with amazing terms, and it was this letter (and of course the hand drawn pictures of the cat…or maybe that’s a dog…dinosaur…?) that pulled at the heart strings of the sellers and ultimately got them the house…at a price less than the top offer, and less favorable.

In case you can’t read that:

First letter from the big sister:
Dear [Seller],
I really hope you pick us for the house because I currently share a room with my brother and it is really cramped. Also, my Mom says that if we get a house we can get a dog, and I really want to get a dog. I really like the house and I think my cat will like the yard (and the dog if and when we get one) so I really hope you will pick us for the house.
Sincerely,
[the cutest, nicest, most thoughtful child on the planet]

Second Letter from the little brother:
Dear [Seller],
I hope you choose us because I think our cat will like the yard and our mom says we can get a dog if we get a house!
Sincerely,
[the second cutest, nicest, most thoughtful child on the planet]

These are not the only letters from children lately that I’ve heard have put sellers over the top. I tried it as well with a buyer on 1238 Stanyan, but ultimately we weren’t even in the ballpark so it didn’t help us.

Anyway…take note, add it to your arsenal, and if you should be working with another agent, and try this new technique and win…you owe me a bottle of wine…at the very least.

–10. Letters from Kids – El [pdf]
–16 Jessie Sale, Seller gets $1000 of wine [theFrontSteps]