Leaflet drops to buy a potential new home

SajP

Hello,
I'm looking to buy a house in a popular area and can't find anything suitable. A friend suggested a leaflet drop but I'm unsure about the best way to do this. I want to keep the message short and was thinking of an informal approach - do you think this is best? Also should I handwrite or type? And would it be scruffy on a piece of paper or should I print on card? 
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks

Thrugelmir

How many properties are you looking to target?  Register with all the local EA's so that you hear as as soon as something comes onto the market. 

SajP

Thanks Thrugelmir, I have already registered with most of the local estate agents - I'm looking to reach buyers who have yet to decide if they want to sell! I've read it can be a good idea to reach those people who are thinking of selling and haven't quite got around to it. I haven't found anything on the market that suits our needs so was thinking outside of the box. Was just looking for pointers 

hazyjo

If you search the forum for "leafletting" (or similar), there's some ideas for what to say on letters.

I definitely wouldn't put a note in a envelope as it's more likely to go straight in the bin.

Also, make it was clear who you are. If you put something vague like "please ring me if you're thinking of selling", they'll prob just think you're an estate using marketing tactics.

Good luck. It has worked for people here before.

getmore4less

worked for this poster
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6193976/private-property-purchase-swimming-pool-value/p1

unforeseen

I'm looking to reach buyers who have yet to decide if they want to sell!

Put on it that you are willing to pay 10% above market value. That should make them decide. 

UnderOffer

We received a similar note through our door a few years ago. It was typed, was fairly short and about the size of a compliment slip (quarter of A4 paper). They introduced themselves, family of 4, mentioned they already lived in area and were seeking 4 beds and garage and had already sold. Signed off with their first names and left a mobile and email contact. I thought it was a good idea and it certainly worked for them, they are now our neighbour. 

bookblogger

Hi - we did exactly this a year ago when we first started our search. As we were relocating from an area that is an hour away from where we looking to buy, we posted the letters out - see copy below -  and probably spent about 80 quid on stamps! As a result, we had 10 queries and 3 viewings. It can work and people who are looking to sell are responsive. Good luck with your search. 

-------------------

Dear Homeowner,
We are interested in buying a house in your area, and the style of yours particularly appeals to me.

We have our finances in place, have no existing property to sell, and could therefore proceed with buying a house immediately. As I have contacted you directly you would avoid paying estate agent’s fees, and would only need the services of a solicitor on a 'conveyancing only' basis to complete a sale.

If you are considering selling your house then please contact me either by phone or e-mail.

Thank you very much for your time.

NameUnavailable

I would do this occassionally when I worked as an agent - not the blanket leaflet drop they all do but a targetted more personal approach in a particular road if I had buyers who were ready to go but no property to suit them. It worked well one time when a couple came to see me at lunch time and the sale was agreed by 5pm. 

retepetsir

Thought I'd add my view....

I actually did this recently, following some of the examples on this forum. 
We'd sold our house in August within 2 days, wanted to stay in the same area and had no luck with any properties coming onto the market. 

I decided to drop a typed letter into about 30 properties in the area which suited our requirements (4-bed detached), and hadn't been bought/sold for a while (checked via Rightmove). I included my phone number/email and stated that we had a buyer and were ready to proceed, along the fact we loved the area and would like to remain local.

To my surprise, after two weeks I actually received a phone call from one of the occupants who was interested in selling. They arranged a valuation and we made an offer which was accepted via a private purchase - so it also saves them on EA fees. We are now progressing our sale and this private purchase and hopefully with a short chain!

In summary, it's worth a try?

Edit: Just saw that getmore4less posted my thread!

SajP

Hey all, thank you so much for the responses! Some really positive and helpful pieces of advice. I will definitely be taking this on board and will go ahead with my leaflet drop. Short, genuine, friendly and to the point I think.