Months ago, we made a "lowball" offer on the house (to say lowball is laughable because it's still a ton of money) but the owner countered with a very high number and the negotioations didn't really go anywhere.
Over the past few months we have come up a little with our offer and he has come down a little in his asking price--but we still haven't been able to settle on anything.
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to stop by during an open house and talk to the realtor. I mentioned to her that I was considering writing a letter to the owner--kind of introducing ourselves and explaining why our offer was lower than his asking price (it needs work). I was afraid we were coming of as these faceless jerks and I wanted to look more "human" to him.
The realtor thought it was a good idea--so I wrote a nice letter--even including a pic of the kids! Plus, we upped our price somewhat.
Yesterday the owner of the house called me! He said he loved the letter and picture and he understood where we were coming from about the renovations that needed to be done. One of the things I had emphasized in the letter was that we respect and appreciate the architect (it's an historic house) and that we would always remain true to the original design--he seemed to respond well to that.
Anyway, he said he wanted to get together and meet with us! I think he's considering taking our price and wants to see if we're a nice family that will love and appreciate his house. So tomorrow is the big meeting--please wish us luck! We would love to have this house and I would much rather move and slowly do the renovations that house needs, rather than do the ginormous project we would have to do with our current house.
By the way, the owner of the house sounded exactly like Thurston Howell from Gilligan's Island! I can't wait to see what he looks like in person--but I'm totally expecting to see Mr. Howell!
I'll keep you updated!
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19 comments:
Wow! What a great idea! I pray the meeting goes well & that he goes with your price. How great! Good Luck!!!
You are one smart lady!
Good luck! I hope you get it!
good luck in your meeting ..
I had a friend that was a real estate agent .. years and years ago, (his first sale) a house was listed for about $50k and his buyer offered $25K .. He knew it wouldnt fly, but it was his job to offer it .. and the seller took it ..
So, you never know
Again, Good luck
That's wonderful news, Jen. The letter worked like a charm!
Good Luck tomorrow & you must keep us updated. :)
Wow, that is so great. I have never heard of something like this. I'm surprised the realator let it happen, you know worried they would get cut out of the deal. But I guess with the current economic times anyone will try anything. I really hope you get it, I know how exciting it would be to move into a dream house.
Wow!! How exciting!! Good luck on securing that property:-)
Wow! Exciting! Keep us updated as to how it goes. Good idea on the letter too.
Oh wow! That is terrific! GOOD LUCK! I can't wait to hear how it turns out!
The letter was genius, good luck, hope all goes well!
Oh I love old historic houses. YOu have to show some pictures so I can see. What a great idea to write him a letter! Oh hope hope hope you get the house:)
That would be very cool if it was Thurston Howell. I love Giligan's Island. (but I think him and Luvee and dead by now;(
When I sold my last house, what swayed me was a letter from the buyer saying how much he loved it. That stuff works! Good luck on the negotiations!
great idea and good luck! hope it all works out for you and your family!
How exciting! I do hope all goes well!
Good luck!
I'd love to live in an old, historical house. Very cool.
NOOOOOOO, don't do it, he's going to want one of your kids!
I like that heartwarming story. It's nice to know that people are still human, even in this day and age!
Wow! Very clever thinking!! Good luck!!!
How did the meeting go?! Good I hope?
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