Is it ok to send letters to few houses would like to buy?

tilly78_2

I have finally accepted an offer on my property after it being on the market for 6 months. In those 6 months, two houses on the very small street I would like to move to have come on the market and been snapped up. This is the only street I am interested in, smaller houses are very rare in this area.

I am considering sending letters to the other houses on the street asking if they are considering moving, has anyone had any experience of this?

Okrib

Yep, often used to do this when trying to source a particular property for a client. It certainly can work, but the lack of a selling agent can make it a bit more stressful / difficult to get over the line.

A polite hand written letter often opens doors which were shut.

bigstevex

Yes, we did this and so have a few people on here if you do a search. Don't waffle in the letter just be straight to the point. We sent ~20 and got 2 replies/viewings.

00ec25

there are only 2 outcomes

1. you will connect with someone who will be sufficiently interested to at least want to follow up on it
or
2. It will be put in the bin

Neither option prevents you from trying, and as the saying goes: you have to be in it to win it.

somethingcorporate

Absolutely no downsides to your plan


Crack on!

Sedge123

We did this and now live in the street we wanted to. Got 2 replies, it only takes one person to be interested......

YoungBlueEyes

I've never done this, but my friend's daughter did. It worked for her quite quickly. The fact that other houses on the street she wanted were selling fast gave them a good idea of price, rounded down a wee bit to account for no fees etc, and they were away!

Nice hand written ones, on good paper I'd try it for sure.

Kit_Katt

Absolutely nothing to lose there .

It could also be good for the seller with no estate agent fees to pay.

AnotherJoe

Hand write them, dont print them.
Some who have done it have advised not putting in an envelope, and definitely not addressed "to the occupier" as that just looks like junk as well.

hazyjo

Be prepared to pay a premium though, even though they won't have EA fees to pay

Good luck.

SeasideSally

I have been considering doing this, but I am wary. A friend tried the same thing, and the only person who responded felt that they had her over a barrel. They asked for more than the property was worth, then increased the price near exchange. I can't think of a way to make the first move and still be in a good negotiating position.