4 Free Home Offer Letter Templates for Agents [& How To Write Your Own]

As a buyer’s agent, creating a real estate home offer letter on behalf of your client is one step closer to the goal, but it’s a delicate process. Also called a cover letter, it’s a document attached to the formal purchase offer, expressing the buyer’s interest while helping the seller visualize the offer terms. Not to be confused with a buyer love letter, the goal is to bring the buyer’s offer to life, capture the seller’s attention, and open the door to negotiations, all on one page.

It’s important to strike a balance between sharing essential details about the offer while avoiding unnecessary personal information about your client. To ensure you hit all the needed points without crossing a line, use our free home offer templates as a starting point.

Template 1: Noncontingent offer – Paragraph version

The first example is a paragraph-style home offer letter template in which the sale is not subject to any contingencies. It has a traditional letter format and provides all the details of the proposed sale.

• Helpful resource: Looking to make your offer even more enticing for sellers? Read our expert-rated tips on how to make your offer stand out from the rest.

Template 3: Contingent offer – Paragraph version

This example is a paragraph-style template in which the sale is subject to certain contingencies. It is still in a traditional letter format, but adds the details of the contingency. Here, you will need to provide details about financing, appraisal, the sale of your prior home, or any other situation that must be completed for a successful sale. Remember to be specific and transparent.

• Helpful resource: Looking to understand contingencies in transactions? Check out our in-depth guide to real estate contingencies. We discuss what they are, how they work, and the common contingencies you’ll find.

Template 4: Contingent offer – Bulleted version

The bulleted version of the contingent offer letter is quicker to the point and formatted for easy viewing. Again, be transparent about the contingencies and ensure to outline them properly so that the seller can understand what they need to consider right off the bat.

Prime example of what a home offer letter should look like

A real estate offer letter should help buyers and agents craft strong overviews of an offer that grab sellers’ attention — and the example below does exactly that. It showcases a clear and persuasive offer that follows industry best practices.

Why this offer letter example works

The goal of a real estate home offer letter is to connect with the seller and set the buyer’s offer apart from others, and the sample does it effectively. It combines professionalism with a personal touch while detailing exactly what’s on the table for the seller. 

It opens with a formal and personalized greeting, includes specific property information, and clearly states the clients’ interest and motivation. It identifies buyer names and motivation, highlighting that Bob and Sue are first-time homebuyers excited to begin their journey, and their emotional connection to the home (e.g., open floor plan, back deck view, commute suitability).

It also efficiently outlines key offer terms: the purchase price, earnest money, financing, and even the inspection window. It closes by reinforcing the buyers’ motivation and availability, which helps the seller feel confident in a smooth, timely transaction.

How to write your own home offer letter

Real estate offer letters will naturally vary, but when it comes to writing your own, ensure you include the following elements: 

1. Introduction of yourself and your buyer
2. Offer details
3. Contingencies (if any)
4. Financial details
5. Strong closing statement and summary
6. Sender/signatory details

Here’s a general step-by-step approach to writing each portion of your letter.

Step 1: Introduce yourself professionally.

Open your letter with a professional greeting to the listing agent. Clearly state your role as the buyer’s agent, introducing the letter’s purpose as an offer submission. 

Keep it clear and to the point, directing the focus toward the property and the offer details. Ensure the cover letter is well-structured, free of grammatical errors, and written in a professional tone. Focus on the property and offer details to create a strong first impression.

Example:

Introduction detail	Explanation
The parties	Personalize the letter for the seller by introducing your buyer(s) by name. Briefly describe the type of buyer. Are they a buyer purchasing a property for the first time, a buyer purchasing a second home for vacations, or an investor? Highlight any pertinent information that could strengthen the offer, such as their commitment to the property.
Address and property description	Provide the full property address. Optionally, add a short legal description of the property. It may include lot and block numbers, plat map details, deed recording, or other unique identifying markers.

Step 2: Provide details of the offer.

Add a comprehensive breakdown of the offer. Be transparent about the buyer’s financing situation, ensuring the listing agent and seller will understand all the terms of the offer and what makes your buyer stand out from the competition.

You can choose between two different styles when presenting the offer details. You can write it out as a paragraph or list the details in a bulleted list.

Examples:

Offer detail	Explanation
Purchase price	State the purchase price that the buyers are offering. If the proposed price is lower than indicated on the listing, explain the reasoning. Providing a comparative market analysis (CMA) and citing market trends or property condition factors that contribute to the offer's valuation would go a long way in this regard.
Earnest money deposit	Explain the earnest money in detail, specifying the amount and how it demonstrates the buyer's commitment to purchase the property. This could involve explaining the proportionate amount compared to the purchase price or any unique considerations that led to the final figure.
Financing	Provide details about the type of financing being pursued, whether it's a conventional mortgage, FHA loan, cash, or another option. This will help justify the closing timeline.
Inspection period	Clarify the duration and purpose of the inspection period. If specific contingencies are tied to the inspection, explain how they protect the buyer's interests while respecting the seller's position.
Contingencies	Address all types of contingencies in the offer, whether for inspections, appraisals, financing, or other reasons tied to the buyer's situation.
Closing date	Ensure the proposed closing date aligns with the needs of both parties. If flexibility is an option, explain the reasoning, demonstrating the buyer's eagerness to accommodate a smooth and timely transaction. If the buyers cannot be flexible, simply state why.
Offer expiration	Provide a reason for the timeline, whether it's influenced by market conditions or the buyer's specific circumstances.

Step 3: Explain the contingencies (if any).

Contingencies are conditions or stipulations included in the offer that, when met, allow the buyer to proceed with the purchase. Each contingency acts as a safeguard, offering the buyer protection and the opportunity to withdraw from the deal without penalties if certain conditions are not satisfied. 

After defining the contingency type, take this opportunity to showcase the buyer’s awareness of potential challenges and their willingness to work collaboratively with the seller to address them, leading to a smooth closing.

Example:

This offer is contingent upon [list contingencies objectively, e.g., sale of current home, satisfactory home inspection, mortgage approval]. We understand that contingencies can impact the timeline. [Buyer Name(s)] are highly motivated buyers and are committed to working diligently to meet all contingencies on time to ensure a smooth closing.

Contingency type	Explanation
Financing	The sale is subject to the buyer obtaining financing for the home by a specified date
Appraisal	The sale is subject to the home successfully appraising at the agreed-upon sales price.
Home inspection	The home must pass certain home inspections that meet the buyer's standard for purchasing the home.
Sale of primary residence	The buyer has a home to sell before purchasing the new property.
Insurance	The buyer must be able to obtain the necessary insurance on the property before closing.
Title	The buyer has the right to perform a title search to ensure the transferability of the title before closing.

Step 4: Flex the financials.

Transparency about the buyer’s financing situation is important, even if the offer is not the strongest. Clearly outline the buyer’s financial strength by providing a preapproval letter.

If the offer is cash, submit redacted proof of funds to strengthen the offer further. If funds are limited, such as in the case of a first-time home buyer, clearly explain how the buyer has prepared for this purchase.

Common types of financing include the following: 

• Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
• Veterans Affairs (VA)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Conventional
• Cash

Step 5: Close the deal.

Wrap up the letter with a summary of the main points, reiterating the strengths of the offer. Assure the listing agent and seller about your and your buyer’s commitment to a seamless transaction. Encourage open communication between both parties and express your willingness to promptly address any questions or concerns. Finally, express gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to work together.

Example:

Step 6: Sign off with your details.

Close your letter with a classic and formal sign-off, like “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” “Regards,” “Best,” and “Appreciatively.” Underneath that, include your name, agency details, phone number, and email address; that way, sellers and their agents will know how to connect with you easily.

If possible, I suggest providing a signature line on the letter. This adds an element of personalization that helps the listing agent and seller view this purchase as more than just another transaction.

Example:

• Helpful resource: Looking for more templates? Check out our other free downloadable templates.

What to avoid in your offer letter 

When creating home purchase offer letter templates, it’s important to avoid certain details that could potentially harm yourself or your buyer. Here are some key things to steer clear of:

• Adding overly personal information: While a degree of personalization is encouraged, avoid sharing excessive personal details about your client or yourself. Stick to information relevant to the transaction to maintain professionalism, and comply with privacy norms and fair housing guidelines.
• Ignoring the seller’s preferences: If the seller has provided specific instructions or preferences for offer submissions, ensure you adhere to them. Ignoring such guidelines could create a negative impression and potentially harm your offer’s chances of acceptance.
• Making unrealistic promises: Avoid making promises that you cannot keep or that are beyond your control. This may lead to disappointment and potentially harm your credibility.
• Being too impersonal: While you should maintain professionalism, don’t make the letter overly formal. Find a balance between professionalism and a friendly, approachable tone to connect with the seller on a human level.
• Neglecting legal and ethical considerations: Be mindful of fair housing laws and avoid any language or content that could be interpreted as discriminatory (words, phrases, or statements that stereotype specific individuals or groups based on their race, nationality, or protected class). Also, refrain from providing legal advice unless you are licensed to do so.

How to deliver the letter to the seller’s agent

Once you have crafted your letter, it’s time to get the letter in the right hands. Send the home offer letter in a professional format, typically as an email attachment or a physical document, depending on the agent’s preference. Be aware of any deadlines set by the listing agent and seller to ensure you are delivering the letter and the offer promptly.

• Task: Personalize your email subject line. Write a professional subject line for your email, for example, “Offer Submission for [Property Address] – [Your Client’s Name].” This helps the listing agent identify the purpose of the email immediately.
• Task: Include a cover email. In your email, provide a brief introduction and a quick overview of the key terms of the offer. For example, highlight the purchase price and closing date of the offer.
• Task: Attach the offer letter. Clearly state that the offer letter is attached. Keep the email concise, encouraging the listing agent to review the attached document.
• Task: Confirm receipt. Request a confirmation of receipt from the listing agent. You can include a sentence like, “Please confirm receipt at your earliest convenience.”
• Task: Follow preferred communication channels. If the listing agent has a preferred mode of communication, such as email or an online platform, adhere to their preferences.
• Task: Consider a follow-up call. If you haven’t received confirmation within a reasonable timeframe, consider making a follow-up call to ensure the offer has been received and inquire about the seller’s timeline for reviewing offers.
• Task: Respect timing. Be mindful of any specified deadlines or preferred submission times indicated by the listing agent. Timely delivery reflects professionalism and respect for the agent’s and seller’s time.
• Task: Maintain professionalism. Throughout the communication, maintain a professional and respectful tone. Avoid unnecessary urgency or pressure tactics, as these may have a negative impact on the negotiation process and your reputation.
• Task: Be responsive. Once the offer is submitted, be prepared to respond quickly to any inquiries or requests for additional information from the listing agent.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your offer letter is delivered in a professional and effective manner, increasing the likelihood of a positive response from the listing agent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Bringing it all together

A strong real estate home offer letter isn’t just part of an agent’s job — it’s a secret weapon in competitive markets. Mastering this skill is one way you can set yourself apart from other agents. By focusing on details, being transparent, and adding a personal touch, you’ll show sellers you’re serious about making your client’s dream home a reality. Do you use an offer letter in your business?