Investor · Lincoln, NE · Member since 2016 · 24 posts · 7 votes
There is a duplex on my street that has been vacant for some time. The owners maintain the property, but they do nothing more than that with it. I'm drafting a letter to them inquiring as to whether they'd consider selling it. Below is the draft; any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Ok, I think it's a good move by you to make the letter personal and showing, that you live in the neighborhood and care for it.
I would leave out the paragraph: 'A bit about me' and would not send a wedding photo, but rather another candid photo. I think those 2 above things seem too manipulative. At least to me it would seem as if you think that I'm such a sucker for sentimentality, that I would fall for a wedding photo.
Just my opinion, but otherwise I find that a personal connection to a property does 100 times more than a generic letter. I get 2-4 generic letters every week and you can just tell, that they know nothing about the property (yeah, sure, you just happen to have driven by this property, that is off a private driveway and which you can't even see from the street and people don't even know exist). I just throw them all away. But a personal letter is more likely to get my attention and will at least warrant a return call or email.
Ok, I think it's a good move by you to make the letter personal and showing, that you live in the neighborhood and care for it.
I would leave out the paragraph: 'A bit about me' and would not send a wedding photo, but rather another candid photo. I think those 2 above things seem too manipulative. At least to me it would seem as if you think that I'm such a sucker for sentimentality, that I would fall for a wedding photo.
Just my opinion, but otherwise I find that a personal connection to a property does 100 times more than a generic letter. I get 2-4 generic letters every week and you can just tell, that they know nothing about the property (yeah, sure, you just happen to have driven by this property, that is off a private driveway and which you can't even see from the street and people don't even know exist). I just throw them all away. But a personal letter is more likely to get my attention and will at least warrant a return call or email.
I would leave out the paragraph: 'A bit about me' and would not send a wedding photo, but rather another candid photo. I think those 2 above things seem too manipulative. At least to me it would seem as if you think that I'm such a sucker for sentimentality, that I would fall for a wedding photo.
Thanks for the suggestion. I would like to include a photo with my spouse in it because I think it helps to establish me as someone with strong roots in the city, but it needn't be a wedding photo.
I see what you mean re: the paragraph about me. Do you think the rest of the letter does enough to establish my sincerity without mentioning education and farming background? I certainly mean it to be earnest; I really do care about this neighborhood!
I think it's a good letter and it shows that you're involved in the neighborhood and care for it. I think any further background can be given, when he contacts you.
I support what @Michaela G. said. I'm not sure what to suggest you take out, but I think in general it's too long. It's very personal, that's good. I send those out too and a personal connection with the area seems to help. I go as far as to state my broader intentions for the whole area.
Matter of fact, I have a seller sending me copies of other less personal mailings that he received but did not respond to.
@Tim Loughrist thanks for this post I have a similar couple properties near me and it is helpful to see something actually written and responded by @Michaela G. with some extremely good advice. I hope you get it. The only thing I would add is, since you have looked at it for years don't let that cloud your judgment when an offer is drafted it sounds like you are a bit attached already.
@Tim Loughrist ... The only thing I would add is, since you have looked at it for years don't let that cloud your judgment when an offer is drafted it sounds like you are a bit attached already.
Always good advice. I'm looking forward to a chance to try my hand at property analysis. I only gave the properties I have now an informal analysis, and I'm probably worse off for it. I'll be sure to update this thread if I hear back from them and have a chance to inspect the property.