Putting letter through door to buy house?

[homebird29]

I know its a bit of a long shot, but I've heard of a good few people who had success in buying houses by putting handwritten letters through doors of houses not for sale. I have an area and houses in mind, but I'm struggling to draft the letter. I want it to be concise but not cold.

Any suggestions?

I would say something like:

I hope you don't mind us contacting you in such a direct manner, but we are currently looking for a house to buy in Anywhere Road/Anywhere Village (adapt as appropriate).

We are Emily & James Homebird and have two children starting at Anywhere School this year. We have a mortgage arranged in principle, are first time buyers, and would be happy to move at a timescale to suit you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and don't hesitate to contact us on the numbers below. If you are not considering moving at present, we would be happy of you to keep our details and contact us in the future.

Best wishes

Emily & James Homebird

Relevant phone numbers
Email address etc

I think a few personal details about you and your situation is nice, but as most people will bin the letter without reading past the first sentence, I think you are correct about a succinct note!

Thanks @Bowlersarm thats a great start! When I write anything to do with money, it just sounds a bit rushed/ business like. Do you think they would presume finances are in place if I'm putting a note through the door?

if you can be bothered, i would also think this exercise might have more luck if you do actually HANDwrite the letter, and also the envelope...as a homeowner, i have never received one of these letters before, but if i did, and it was all printed, i might be inclined to think that either it was a cynical attempt by an agent to tempt properties to market, or some other sort of scam.

you might also want to include a couple of words as to why you are taking this approach (e.g. lack of suitable properties currently on the market), and benefit to vendor (e.g. avoiding agent's fees).

Agree with above about handwriting. My mum and dad get them from time to time and my mum generally thinks it is an estate agent con.

We've had a couple that just said something like, "We are a small family who have outgrown our flat and are looking to buy a house in this area. If you're interested in selling please get in touch." Then contact details. One handwritten, one printed.

We were actually thinking of selling, but one was slightly at the wrong time for us (too early) and one came after we had listed with Estate Agent, so didn't respond to either in the end, but I think we might have in different circumstances. If you have a large deposit or are chain-free would mention that as that is attractive to vendors, otherwise wouldn't mention finances.