A few years ago yes, now no it is actually a potential liability...Endre

I've done it and it's made a positive difference but as Nina Hollander noted, the offer itself has to be a good one too.  It's not just the letter.  Most recently, I ask the clients themselves to write it but do proof if for content, etc.  Unless it really adds something, it's not necessary and CAN make the difference of that buyer NOT getting the house. 

No I have not provided a personal letter. I just provide the facts.

I have never included a letter for the same reason as noted by Endre Barath, Jr.  I've received a few such letters on offers for my listings, but can't say that it took anyone "over the top" but once. I have not found that sellers are swayed by letters unless the accompanying offer is competitive with any others they might receive. And sometimes the letters just sound stupid... the daughter of good friens is going through a horrific divorse and the home was up for sale. The buyers sent a letter with their offer saying how they immediately felt all the love in the home when they saw it and wanted to continue it as owners! 

Only if the listing agents says they are expecting more offers than just mine. 

They just get an offer documentation. 

No. The few that I have received with offers were a joke and thrown in trash by sellers.

No, I think personal letters can hurt as much as help.

I have as a buyers agent but, if they're too heartfelt, they can interfere with negotiations.

As a listing agent, when I receive them, my sellers do not! It's my job to make CERTAIN that they are making decisions with their business minds, not their soft hearts!

I have at times included a letter.  Some listing agents have requested an introduction letter about the buyers in the agent only remarks of the mls.    

We work mostly with investors.  The only letters they are interested in are ARV.

sure - If the seller's agent is foolish enough to allow it, absolutely! 

No sir, no letter.  Around here it just doesn't work

Depends. Yes, it is often the deciding factor.

Paul,

What Endre Barath, Jr. said...we are from CA and we can sue anyone for any reason whatsoever...LOL

I have sent a letter pointing out the attributes of my clean offers, but putting in too much personal stuff often crosses a few "fair housing" lines.

Nope.  Had buyers try it once with my sellers and while the letter - so sweet and so poignant - brought tears to the wife's eyes, she dried them quickly when she realized theirs was the 3rd lowest offer.  

We have heard from many that such letters can be construed as running afoul of Fair Housing, so no...

The cover letter will outline the pertinent facts about the offer, the qualification of the buyer and maybe a brief into to the buyer but only as it pertains to the contract.  Never would I send "Love" letters with photos or anything that would lead to Fair Housing violations.  I don't appreciate getting those on offers on listings either and I do have this discussion in advance with sellers who agree and choose not to consider those with an offer.  It's not worth the liability.  

If I couldn't present in person, I did include a letter.  All things being equal, I think it can help.   I received some stupid letters too... explaining why a buyer couldn't or wouldn't pay more.  I could write a whole blog post on that.

On occasion I have. I think it is a good idea

No, association attorneys have suggested that we not do that even though everyone else on the planet thinks it's a good idea.

I have used a buyer letter once in a very competitive market! It worked!

Kat Palmiotti nailed this one!

nope and when I get one, my sellers don't see it.  It's NOT part of the offer and it is a business decision and I try to keep emotions out of it.

we don't send personal letters from our buyers.... no one cares.... one party wants to buy and the other to sell.... never to see each other again....

Purchase contract only, unless it will make a difference.  Most of the time it doesn't.

Once.  It made the difference.

Nope, that's a potential liability I don't need.

I rarely use letters. There have been a few occasions where the buyers wanted to express their interest and love for the property. Of course I let them.

I used to do this as a matter of routine.  As my market shifts I make adjustments.  Now, it is about 50% of the time.

It depends. Offer has to be good. And as the listing agent I do what Debe Maxwell, CRS does

Nope.

NO...never.

My theory is that the more a seller learns about the buyer the more reasons they have to not like them.

My buyer just needs to make a good offer, and forget about blabbing about themselves.

Eve

It is often a waste of time, as a listing agent i want to see a pre approval letter, little to no continbencies and a good offer more than a mushy letter why they should take less

At times we will Humanize our buyers to tug on the sellers emotions !

Strictly business.

no

I only do cover letters on strong offers, and the letter describes the financial strength of the buyers, not lovey-dovey stuff.

We did in the early spring when we saw 10-20 offers.   As a seller's agent, I never present them, discriminatory.   

We have never done that and haven't seen the need to start. Some do. If it works for them; fine.

Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, I tried for a few times a few years ago.

Not anymore.

In a multiple offer situation, yes, it can make a difference, but the letter needs to be crafted carefully.

Very very seldom do I send a personal leter

While these may be interesting the Real Estate result is the end game

On occasion, I will include a letter.  But it's rare.

Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, No, the Purchase Agreement says it all.