EDIT: Update-Thank you for all the replies! I am so glad I asked. There’s definitely a general (though not unanimous) consensus here that I should say nothing, or at least very little. I will talk to our realtor and make sure we’re on the same page as to what we’d like her to say if she’s asked again. But this whole discussion has been really very helpful to me in a big picture way. Thanks so much. Apologies if this has been asked before, but I couldn’t find it. I know that in a competitive market, sometimes people will write ‘Buyers Letters’ in an attempt to sway the seller to accept their offer over others. I am a Seller. The couple that just toured our house loved it, but their agent told our agent that they’d like to know why we’re selling; that it would help their thinking. I don’t know why they want to know, but our 5,100 sf house is in an exclusive, gated resort area, and our market is different than the rest of the USA right now. It’s strong. Our house is ‘a fixer’ and is therefore priced $250k-300k less than its comps. It just recently went on the market and it shows beautifully. We’ve included needed work in the Seller’s Disclosure, but it looks immaculate if you’re just walking around. Perhaps the buyers are suspicious of our desire to sell our beautiful, awesome house at such a reasonable (for the area) price? This made me wonder if we should write a brief ‘Sellers Letter’ explaining that the house is fabulous, we love it a lot, but it’s time for a renovation, and my husband and I have less than zero desire to live through that. We have no children, no pets, and the house is enormous. We are getting older and we’d like to downsize. Simple. The fact is, there’s numerous reasons why we are moving (including the huge profit we can make on it) and it’s nobody’s business. We’ve got places to go, things to do, and a bunch of equity in a house that doubled in value that we can no longer afford. See ya! Anyway, has anybody ever heard of a Sellers Letter? Is it done? Do I need one, or are these buyers just nosy? Is it a stupid idea? I’d clear it with my agent first, of course. Thanks for your thoughts and insights!
Honestly, I think it’s best to keep things professional. Buyers can be nosy, and it’s really none of their business unless you want to share.
If your agent thinks it’s a good idea, then go for it. But I’d be cautious about oversharing personal details.
I’ve never heard of a Seller’s Letter being necessary. Just let the house speak for itself. You’ve priced it well, so that’s what matters.
Buyers are often just curious. If they want to know why you’re selling, that’s their issue. You don’t owe them an explanation.
I think it’s a bit of a strange request from them. Just focus on the positives of the house and let your agent handle inquiries.