Category: Homeowner

Can You Decorate for the Holidays in an HOA? Important Tips for Homeowners

Decorating for the holidays is a time-honored tradition for many people, including those who live in a homeowners’ association (HOA). While HOA rules may impose some limitations on Christmas decorations, outfitting your home with festive cheer is usually still possible. To get a better understanding of why HOAs have holiday decoration rules, what those rules are, and fines for decorating, read on.

Why Do HOAs Have Holiday Decoration Rules?

HOAs establish rules for holiday decorating to maintain visual consistency and keep the neighborhood functioning at its best throughout the season. These guidelines are designed to:

  • Prioritize safety. Because holiday lights cause an estimated 150 fires per year in the U.S, it’s important for HOAs to address light displays. Hanging lights can cause fire hazards, electrical issues, and tripping risks.
  • Promote harmony. HOA rules help mitigate issues over decorations that might be considered excessive or offensive.
  • Maintain aesthetics. To preserve property values, HOAs must ensure seasonal décor matches architectural standards. A cluttered or chaotic scene may detract from the community’s desirability.

 

7 Common HOA Rules for Holiday Decorations

Every community is different, and not all HOAs have the same rules. Several factors, like the type of community, its location, and its size, all influence restrictions. A community’s governing documents will outline specific rules for its association. Still, all HOAs share a unifying vision to protect the community and its residents. Generally, these seven holiday decoration guidelines may be enforced in managed communities:

1. Time frame for installation and removal.

Many HOAs only allow displays from the beginning of the season until soon after the new year.

“However, homeowners may not be able to physically remove the decorations within the specified timeframe [due to weather conditions]. The homeowner doesn’t intend to disregard the rules, so a board may wish to allow homeowners a grace period until weather conditions warm up (with permission).” 

 

2. Time of day to operate lights and music.

To keep the peace between nighttime and daylight hours, lights and music must be turned down by a specific time.

3. Size of displays and decorations.

Oversized displays can limit walkways or views, breaking community guidelines.

4. Placement of decorations.

Items cannot block sidewalks, driveways, or common areas. Additionally, some HOAs regulate the proximity of decorations to the street.

5. Limits on brightness.

Excessively bright or flashing lights may disrupt neighbors and violate light display restrictions.

6. Noise restrictions.

Musical or animated decorations must remain at reasonable volume levels.

7. Decorating shared areas.

Common areas often require prior approval to prevent disputes and safety risks.

 

Holiday Decorations Allowed in an HOA

Community holiday decor standards generally allow tasteful decorations that enhance curb appeal and brighten spirits. Examples of commonly approved items include the following.

  • Holiday lights. LED or low-voltage lights are often preferred for safety and energy efficiency.
  • Wreaths. Hanging door or wall wreaths are usually acceptable.
  • Banners. Small banners are typically permitted.
  • Minimal yard displays. Simple, non-inflatable displays can add charm without overwhelming the space.

It’s always best to check your governing documents for guidance on what’s allowed in your neighborhood.

 

Holiday Decorations Restricted in an HOA

Some decorations are often prohibited due to safety, noise, or visual impact. Homeowner association decoration regulations might prohibit:

  • Inflatables. Large, blow-up figures can obstruct views or sidewalks and become hazardous in high winds.
  • Large lawn figures and statues. Oversized items may violate aesthetic rules and create unsafe conditions.
  • Noisy decorations. Moving or musical decorations can disturb neighbors, especially late at night.
  • Flashing lights and strobe lights. These lights can cause discomfort or visual impairment for drivers and pedestrians.
Shocking Fact: While strobe lights can cause visual fatigue and headaches for some people, they can trigger seizures for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Many with photosensitive epilepsy don’t know they have it until they have a seizure.

 

Are Religious Holiday Decorations Allowed in an HOA?

If a community association permits secular decorations for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day, it must also allow religious displays for holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The Fair Housing Act provides protections for religious holiday decorations.

“Many homeowners have strong emotional connections to religious holidays, so we always want to be mindful and precise to avoid any unnecessary conflict.”

Allowing secular displays but not religious ones may be seen as discrimination. Furthermore, enforcing rules for one religious display but not another demonstrates favoritism and violates a board’s fiduciary duty. This may lead to allegations of selective enforcement and potential lawsuits.

 

What Happens if You Violate Holiday Decoration Rules?

As a member of the community, it’s your duty to be informed about your community’s seasonal décor policy. HOA enforcement varies depending on the association and severity of the breach. If you break holiday decorating rules, you might receive a:

  • Friendly reminder. Minor infractions are often addressed with a friendly reminder of the rules.
  • Courtesy letter. A polite notice might request that you adjust or remove your decorations.
  • Formal warning. Continued non-compliance can lead to an official warning documented in HOA records.
  • Charge for decorations. Persistent violations could result in financial penalties.
“Nobody wants to be considered a Grinch, but it’s the responsibility of the board and management to follow the CC&Rs. I suggest the board be reasonable and find a compromise.”

 

How to Avoid Breaking Holiday Decorating Rules

Before decking your halls, make sure you understand your HOA’s outdoor decorations policy. To reduce the risk of penalties and keep your neighborhood festive:

  • Review your governing documents. The rulebook of the community, governing documents detail what’s allowed and what’s not. Look for specifics on lighting, placement, and removal times.
  • Reach out to a community manager or board member. Clarify vague rules and ask about unique decorations. CMA recommends contacting management before installing large displays.
  • Follow the rules. Ensure your display aligns with homeowner association decoration regulations. This protects you from potential problems and neighbor disagreements.

Coming Home Magazine – 2024-02 Summer Issue

Summer is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate the start of our favorite season than with a new issue of Coming Home magazine.

The theme of this edition is refresh—and we’ve crafted positive and energizing stories for you to enjoy. Within this issue, you’ll find lifestyle magazine articles for homeowners, including a fun word search, projects to revitalize your home, frozen treat recipes, a classic car guide, and so much more.

Take the Plunge: Explore the Benefits of Cold Plunging (Pg. 6)
A practice popularized by athletes and brave polar plungers, cold plunging is everywhere these days. From “cold plunge with me” videos on social media to new treatments offered at local spas and dedicated cryotherapy clinics, cold-water submersion isn’t going unnoticed. And maybe for good reason: exposing yourself to the cold, particularly after a long and strenuous workout, can only be good for you—right? In this article, we tell you everything to know about this ice-cool trend.

Batter Up: Everything You Need to Know About Baseball (Pg. 10)
Hey, batter, batter: swing! Your favorite pastime, baseball, is back. To impress your friends with all your on-field knowledge, we’re serving a cool refresher on the sport. We cover all the bases right here.

Summer Refresh: Must-Try Home Improvement Projects (Pg. 16)
Don’t spend all these daylight hours on wishful thinking; get up and go! Summer is the perfect opportunity to bring your home improvement dreams to life. Explore our list of fast—and fulfilling—projects you can knock out in one afternoon, one day, or just one weekend.

Chill Out: Frozen Recipes to Beat the Heat (Pg. 26)
Need to get a break from summer’s blazing heat? Enjoy one of our frozen recipes. In this article, we share recipes for:

    • Mango Strawberry Popsicles
    • Banana Splits on Sticks
    • Rosemary-Aperol Floats

 

The Ride of a Lifetime: An Overview of the Best Classic Cars and Where to See Them (Pg. 30)
The purr of the engine and the beautiful craftsmanship of a classic car bring joy, nostalgia, awe, and appreciation to car enthusiasts and spectators alike. Modern relics of when life went slower and dreams came faster, classic vehicles bear witness to that bygone era and take us on a journey of discovery, innovation, and lasting spirit. Ride along as we cruise through the lifetime of automotives, highlighting their monumental impact at the turn of the 20th century and relevance in today’s future-focused world.

Stars & Stripes Standards: How to Properly Display the American Flag (Pg. 32)
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and millions of people will fly flags to recognize the patriotic holiday. If you plan on touting this iconic symbol of freedom, remember there’s a right way to set up, display, and dispose of the flag. Explore important flag etiquette reminders for a successful celebration.

Ready for Anything: Five Emergency Preparedness Tips You Can Use Now (Pg. 34)
We’re all at risk for severe weather. Whether it’s torrential rain and flooding or extreme heat and wildfires, there’s likely some form of weather-related natural disaster that your area is familiar with. To keep yourself and your family safe, it makes sense to be prepared—especially when doing so is easy. Discover five simple things you can do now to prepare for an emergency.

Please enjoy this edition of Coming Home!

Fall Landscaping Ideas for HOAs

Autumn Homes

With fall’s agreeable temperatures enticing people to get outside, now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your neighborhood’s landscaping for a more visually appealing and welcoming atmosphere. Read on for information on what to do before tackling a project and a few simple fall landscaping ideas to boost the appearance of your community.

Any homeowners’ association (HOA) or condominium association (COA) strives to create a warm and welcoming environment where residents can make the most of community living. An inviting community encourages homeowners to take advantage of shared amenities, engage with neighbors, and enjoy the comforts of their neighborhood after a busy day.

What to Do Before Tackling a Landscaping Project

Before diving into these fall HOA landscaping ideas, review the landscaping rules in your governing documents for prior approval before making any changes to your landscape. Your community’s regulations will help you maintain your community’s consistency and avoid designs that disrupt the neighborhood’s aesthetic. For example, your HOA may require all landscaping to follow an approved color palette. This ensures that outdoor areas around the community are cohesive and complementary.

Because every community is unique and has its own style, following your HOA’s landscaping maintenance guidelines is vital. Remember, what works for a neighboring association may not be best for yours. Use your HOA rules to guide you as you look for new fall landscaping plants, flowers, and other ideas for community grounds.

Once written approval is obtained from your community, put the project out to bid with reputable and vetted licensed and insured service providers. Once a contractor is selected, make sure the contractor is aware and follows all community guidelines.  Whether you are hiring a professional contractor, or tackling the project yourself, prior to starting any work, find out if your project needs a local county permit and call 811 to locate and mark all underground utilities prior to any digging.

Fall Landscaping Ideas for HOAs

By making small changes around the neighborhood, you can quickly—and easily—transform how your community looks and feels. Here are four ways you can take advantage of the season and enhance the community’s overall aesthetic.

1. Outdoor lighting.

When it comes to fall landscaping, simple lighting updates will make a big impact. Better outdoor lighting can have a dramatic effect on outdoor landscaping, help you save on energy costs, and make the community safer. Here are some ways to upgrade your exterior lighting:

  • Set lights to a photocell sensor or solar timer. These devices automatically turn lights on when it gets dark and off when extra light is unnecessary. They not only save energy, but also enhance safety and security—nothing looks more inviting than well-lit streets.
  • Stay on top of replacing bulbs. Changing a single bulb at a time can be costly, so have all bulbs inspected and replaced as needed this fall. This will typically allow you to purchase bulbs in bulk, providing a savings opportunity.
  • Switch to energy-efficient lighting. The pricing and quality of light-emitting diode (LED) and solar lighting have significantly developed over the last decade. To save on energy, consider migrating to LED lamps in your existing fixtures or replacing them with solar lighting.
  • Add uplights and spotlights in outdoor areas. Beautiful outdoor lighting highlighting community trees, fountains, and other landscaping features can instantly boost curb appeal and security.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a nationwide survey showed that homebuyers’ most-wanted outdoor feature was exterior lighting. With such an important emphasis on lighting, upgrading your HOA landscaping lighting may be worth the effort.

2. Plant trees.

You can easily add to your community’s ambiance and increase property values with trees. With fall’s mild temperatures and ripe soil, now is the perfect time to plant them. However, the placement and size of trees are crucial. Although you should incorporate a balance of plants and trees, confirm the species and types don’t grow so big that they overcrowd and block homes or buildings. Plant trees that offer minimal fall landscaping maintenance and draw attention to community structures and shared areas.

Depending on your location, popular tree types that may be a great addition to your community include:

  • Crabapple trees
  • Magnolia trees
  • Oak trees
  • Palms

In addition to improved community appearance, research shows that neighborhoods with thriving trees may also experience less crime than communities with no trees. While you should check your governing documents for restrictions and defer to your landscaping vendor on what trees work best in your community, it’s something to think about as you move forward.

3. Tidy up and clear out foliage.

Preserve community grounds and ensure that common areas don’t have overgrown grass and unkempt landscaping. A property that looks like it’s not taken care of can leave a bad impression on potential homebuyers and limit resident satisfaction. Make an effort to keep neighborhood grounds tidy by:

  • Trimming trees and bushes
  • Cutting grass and tending to garden beds
  • Clearing out broken or dead branches and rotted wood

4. Refresh mulch.

Maintain plants in common areas throughout the season with a thick layer of mulch. A three-inch layer can drastically reduce weed growth, which will save on the cost of fall landscaping services. Also, healthy mulch offers a crisp, clean, and refreshed look to your community landscaping, which helps create the beautiful environment you want for your HOA.

However, avoid piling mulch up against tree trunks and shrub stems. This allows pests to burrow under the mulch and gnaw on the plants and roots. Leave at least an inch gap between the stem or trunk and the mulch for optimal plant health.

Improve Community Living with Regular Fall Maintenance

Updating your landscaping this season is a great goal, but keeping your community’s buildings, grounds, and systems in good working order this time of year is crucial as we head into winter. If you have any questions about your community’s guidelines, please contact your association manager.

Keeping the Peace Difficult Conversations with Neighbors

Keeping the Peace: Difficult Conversations with Neighbors

In community residences, good fences do make good neighbors.

But with some pressing issues when you have no choice but to be vocal about your problems.

Community boards and homeowner associations often hire third-party services like Community Management Associates to have these difficult conversations. 

These people are professionals who assist homeowners’ associations (HOA) in improving the community. 

Advice from a Community Management Company

The associate manager is their primary point of contact. Aside from accounting and management experience, they must also have well-developed communication skills. This particular skill set is necessary to maintain a professional relationship with the residents.

Here’s how managers keep things cordial while still being stern. 

  • Never Be on the Offensive

It is crucial to be open to resolution when raising an issue with your neighbors. Make sure your priority is solving the problem. Never use it to vent at your neighbor.

Blindly reacting in the heat of the moment does more harm than good. You want a dialogue, not an argument.

  • Do Not Add Past Grievances to the Issue at Hand

This piling up of old complaints is the worst thing you could do. An allegation immediately puts your neighbor on the defensive. 

Your conversation should only center around the issue at hand. People often make the mistake of pulling other residents into the mix. Instead of strengthening your argument, this only makes your neighbor feel attacked.

They are more likely to lash out in anger, turning your issue into a full-blown fight.

  • Try to See Things from Their Perspective

 For example, water from your upstairs neighbor may be trickling into your terrace daily. Instead of stomping there to argue, investigate a bit. They may be simply be watering plants, unaware of any issues downstairs. You can now calmly approach them after being adequately informed of the situation.

Sometimes conflicts may be unavoidable. A neighbor’s damaged car may block your gate. 

In such cases be as accommodating as possible. Chances are they’ll do the same for you when the time comes.

  • Build a Healthy Relationship

Say hello when you run into them, help them carry luggage upstairs when possible. This practice helps build healthy rapport. 

So, when the time comes, they are more likely to be amenable to your grievances.

  • Keep Track in Case of Repeated Offenses

Some neighbors don’t seem to get the memo. If they are not open to resolving things peacefully, make it a point to note down details. 

Since the culprit has chosen to ignore your repeated requests, you can inform the associate housing manager about the issue. Since it solidifies your argument, your log is sure to come in handy during this time.

  • File a Complaint with the Board Only as a Last Resort

Inform the board only if the issue with your neighbor persists despite your repeated requests. Filing a complaint can damage relationships and should be done only as a last resort. 

After deliberations, the community members and the board to discuss your issue may introduce new penalties and fines preventing such violations in the future. 

This decision affects the entire community rather than just you and the offender. So, it is essential to make communication and resolution the primary weapons in your arsenal.

 

The Top Seasonal HVAC Tips This Summer

Your heat, ventilation, and air conditioning system is an invaluable ally during the summer heat. Your homeowner association management should prioritize its efficiency to keep residents happy during the season.

However, it’s also a challenge. Summer tends to push HVAC systems to their limits. Luckily, you’re not out of luck. Learning how to run a responsible community is easy these days, and it can take your homeowner association to the next level.

Before summer

With summer on the horizon, proper preparation is the first step. It’s best to ensure your HVAC system runs at its best before it’s necessary. That’ll allow you to guarantee proper functionality during the season.

Additionally, you can assess what needs fixing, and maintenance before problems arise. Trying to assist several residents simultaneously can feel impossible. That’s why getting everything ready beforehand should be a priority.

Preventative maintenance

The first step is to go through primary maintenance: checking thermostats, changing filters, and more. Homeowner association management must schedule these checks with enough time to go through all spaces before summer hits.

Additionally, give homeowners enough time to run their systems and check for issues before the season.

Flexible staffing

Preparing the HVAC system in your community can take a while, depending on its size. Try to hire enough staff to cover constant shifts to prevent burnout during the preparations.

Many people also take vacations during the summer. Having a flexible staff pool allows you to respond to requests regardless of when they come.

Replacing old HVAC

Getting an outdated HVAC system in shape can save you costs in the short term. It can come in handy in a clutch, but it’s not the optimal approach.

Replace outdated installations whenever possible. It’ll help you save money and time in the long run. It’s also more reliable during the summer months.

Inventory assessment

Finally, make sure you can meet the increase in demand during the summer. Maintenance and repairs are more common. You don’t want to be running around finding the parts and equipment you need.

Before the season begins, list everything you’ll likely need for any request. Keep a decent stock, and streamline your inventory management for when things get rushed.

During summer

On the other hand, you shouldn’t let your guard down because you set up everything correctly before summer. You can still do several things during the season to keep your HVAC systems running and residents happy.

Homeowner association management needs to provide constant care and support for every space in the property. Thankfully, a few simple tips can make your life considerably more manageable.

Replacing filters regularly

Constantly running HVAC systems takes a toll on their filters. It’s often more viable to replace them regularly than providing lengthy maintenance.

Programmable thermostats

You can make everyone’s life easier with programmable thermostats. It allows residents to automate temperature settings for specific times.

Saving energy

Finally, don’t place too much stress on your HVAC system. Keep heat-producing appliances away from thermostats and encourage residents to use their fans to minimize energy costs.

 

 

Image credit: Freepik

Community Association Living: What to Expect

The community management association is a fundamental consideration if you plan to buy a home. You’ll likely have to take part in it as well.

 

What can you expect from living in a community association? That’s what you’ll learn today, as well as a few tips on how to build a better association.

It depends on the type of community association

The Community Associations Institute splits community associations into three types in its introduction to association living.

 

The association category depends on space ownership by the homeowners.

  • Planned communities

The most common type of community management entitles homeowners to the property, residence, and its lot. Residents own their interests separately from their neighbors.

However, membership is mandatory, and common areas belong to the association, though members still have obligations with them.

  • Condominiums

In condos, homeowners usually own the space within their homes. However, the land underneath their unit and its physical boundaries are not their property.

However, owners usually act as co-owners for common areas. The association may still own properties, but it depends on state law.

  • Cooperatives

In the rarest community association category, a corporation owns all properties making up the cooperative. Homeowners are entitled to shared interests and occupation rights.

Board members are more similar to shareholders, and the association owns more than common areas.

Rules and fees

Most homeowners relate their community management association with regulation. Assessing your association’s rules is the first step to get along with everyone.

Let’s go through the most common types of rules.

Esthetics

Most community associations are relatively strict with what homeowners can do with their homes’ exterior. It’s more prevalent in condominiums, but you should always ask about outdoor decorations before breaking any rules from your association.

Pets

Not all communities are pet-friendly, but even the ones that are might have restrictions. Check whether pets are allowed and which races are permitted.

Occupancy

Your community association may limit whether you can rent your home for short or long terms. Some communities may also restrict the number of people per unit.

Vehicles

Finally, some associations restrict specific vehicle categories, like food and business vehicles, boats, and trucks.

Governance

Governance depends on the type of community association, but most communities follow the same approach. All homeowners are members of the board, and they’re responsible for partaking in meetings and decisions related to rules and community developments.

Community management

Finally, we can split management approaches into three categories. A community management association can come in many ways.

Homeowners aren’t always direct managers. The association can come from volunteer work or third-party services.

  • Volunteering

Volunteer community associations work from the homeowners’ will. The board manages the association directly, or they can create committees with groups of residents.

  • Association employment

Some associations prefer to employ a dedicated community manager. This manager works under the board’s direction for a salary.

  • Management firms

Finally, the community association can hire a management company. These companies send a representative who acts as the community manager.

An Association’s Impact on Property Value

For many, homeowner associations are necessary for any neighborhood. They help keep everything organized. Today, many prospective buyers look solely for homes tied to an HOA. However, the pros and cons of HOA management companies still require consideration.

You might think that an HOA increases a property value due to its advantages. While it mostly does that, it’s somewhat more complicated.

What does a homeowners association do?

Essentially, HOAs keep neighborhoods organized. They aim to protect homes’ market values from damages and other adverse impacts coming from homeowners. They enact rules to guarantee a community’s cooperation and healthy relationships.

HOAs often impact neighborhoods’ curb appeal positively. Without them and their rules, keeping good-looking properties can be more challenging.

That translates into better communities

HOA rules usually hold communities to higher standards. Many homeowners admit to improvements in the neighborhood after creating or hiring an HOA. That goes beyond the moral and social implications, as property values usually improve as well.

HOAs often focus on property value

Most people believe that an HOA merely works toward harmonious neighborhoods. However, the financial benefit of HOAs is their value protection. Most HOAs focus explicitly on ensuring market values.

 

However, we’re still analyzing the pros and cons of HOA management companies. Therefore, we’ll dive into the negatives in a bit.

Value goes beyond numbers

When a home’s value, we need to consider more than its market numbers. Many people are willing to spend more on a home if they know they’ll get along with neighbors and won’t have to worry about property damages.

Improving properties

Speaking of damage, HOAs protect homes from deterioration—both from the surroundings and owners. HOA companies help guarantee that the property is in good shape for future buyers.

How does the price reflect this?

In the end, supply and demand drive market values. HOA management helps keep properties’ attractive, which entices more buyers. As such, an efficient HOA can benefit homes’ prices noticeably.

HOA and property taxes

When analyzing the pros and cons of HOA management companies, people tend to overlook taxation. The relationship between HOA and property taxes is relatively complicated, but we’ll do our best to summarize it.

 

Essentially, HOAs can result in double transactions due to common areas owned by the association. These organizations can avoid this issue by separating properties and alerting authorities about inequities.

Legally complicated

The tax implications from HOA require study and legal consultancy in most cases. HOAs need to take several steps to ensure the community doesn’t suffer from double taxation, and the process can be lengthy.

Lower property value by law?

A primary law principle is that property values decrease with rights carved from the assets to benefit other parties or properties. The latter would acquire this lost value, and HOAs could account as said third parties.

What can communities do?

The best approach for communities is to appeal to property separation between what’s owned by individuals and the HOA. Additionally, appealing the transfer valuation can help lower property taxes in the community.

5 Best Practices For A Buyer To Seller Letter

Finding the house of your dreams can be bittersweet. On one hand, buying it is a major achievement, and the peace it brings is equal to none. However, losing the bid on that house can feel like your soul gets crushed.

That’s why prospective buyers often do everything they can to get that house. A buyer letter to seller is an excellent way to tip the balance in your favor. However, you need to know how to write it properly.

What exactly is a buyer letter to seller?

In competitive housing markets, which many states across the country are experiencing right now, it can be hard to find the right edge over other buyers. So many buyers are exhausted with finding a house they love, putting in an offer, only for another offer to be accepted. Clever has a great article explaining what these letters are. It’s essentially a complimentary letter for your offer directed to the seller. The goal behind it is to create a more personal connection with your seller.

So, these letters to the seller focus on triggering an emotional response. You want them to prefer you for more than your bid. The best letters can convince sellers to accept your offer, even if they have larger bids from other buyers.

Why should you care?

A buyer letter is a significant leverage if you write them correctly. You can add more weight to your offer after creating an emotional connection with a seller. Therefore, you don’t need to rely solely on your capital.

If no one uses these letters, the decision is a lot simpler for the seller. They just need to go for the highest bid. Therefore, this strategy can help you curb a significant disadvantage, especially if you’re somewhat low on funds.

The 5 keys for a good letter

Anyone can write a buyer letter to seller, but writing the perfect letter can be a challenge. You need to know which words you should use as well as which emotions you want to target.

Luckily, Investopedia has several tips you can use to craft a great letter. We’ll summarize them into the 5 main practices you want to implement.

Before diving into it, keep in mind that every seller is different. Not all of them will respond to the same triggers in the same way. It’s your responsibility to understand them and proceed accordingly.

Connections

Find something relating you and the seller together. Focus on these aspects to help them empathize with you. Universities, hometowns, and hobbies are a great start.

Conciseness

You want to cover all the aspects you need, but don’t make it too long. Keep the letter straight to the point. You don’t want the seller to feel bored reading it,

Positiveness

Don’t bring up uncomfortable topics. That includes previous lost offers. You don’t want to come off as dramatic or desperate.

Be engaging

Avoid generic sentences, like “I like your house.” Explain why you like it and how it fits your life goals. However, do avoid mentioning remodeling or any changes to it.

Proofread!

Before sending it, read everything you just wrote. You want to spot errors, sure, but your main focus should be on whether or not you’re sending the right message.