In today’s real estate market, listings are worth their weight in gold.
With limited inventory and increased competition, waiting for opportunities to fall into your lap is a losing strategy.
Instead, it’s time to get creative, get proactive, and, more importantly, get results without blowing your budget.
Today, we're breaking down a simple yet powerful tactic: a low-cost, high-reward strategy that can change how you source listings.
Let’s talk about The Magic Buyer Letter Strategy.
We all know buyers who are pre-approved, motivated, and ready to go, but they can’t seem to find the perfect home in today’s tight market.
Instead of seeing them as a challenge, why not turn them into your biggest asset?
Enter the Magic Buyer Letter.
The concept is simple: Use your motivated buyers to create off-market listing opportunities.
Think of it as flipping the traditional listing process on its head. Rather than waiting for homes to hit the market, you actively search for homeowners who might be on the fence about selling and give them a reason to consider listing their property.
The key phrase in this strategy is “earliest thoughts.” You’re not targeting sellers who are ready to move tomorrow. Instead, you’re reaching out to those who might be quietly contemplating a change.
This early engagement gives you an edge, letting you build relationships with potential sellers while your competition is still asleep at the wheel.
Let’s get into the meat of the strategy. The letter itself.
Here’s an example from real estate pro Jeremy Applebaum:
“Hi! Our client, Molly, recently missed out on a home in Alto Villas. She’s looking for a house nearby with a fenced-in yard so she can be close to her grandkids. Molly is a well-qualified buyer and flexible with her timeline—she’s happy with a closing in the next 3 to 6 months. If you have even the earliest thoughts of making a move or you know a neighbor who might, give us a call!”
Jeremy sent his letter to less than 200 people and got 5 inbound calls and a new listing!
What makes this letter work? It’s authentic, relatable, and to the point.
Jeremy personalizes the message with Molly’s story, making it feel less like a mass-marketing tactic and more like a genuine opportunity. It invites a response without being pushy.
The magic doesn’t end with direct mail.
Take the core idea and spread it across multiple channels for maximum impact.
I call this the Land and Expand approach:
A well-crafted video can be a game-changer. Take a cue from agent Jason Cassidy, who created a short, specific video for social media:
If you’re seeing this message, it’s not an accident. I have buyers, Shawn and Amanda, looking for a detached home for up to $2 million in the North County Coastal area. They’re pre-approved just finishing up selling their place downtown. They’re looking to move in the next 30-60 days. If you or someone you know has a home in this range, please reach out!
This message is direct, detailed, and it creates a sense of urgency. Perfect for platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
Don’t underestimate good old-fashioned mail.
Jason took the same message from his video and put it on a postcard. Nothing flashy, just a screenshot of a map and a circle around the specific neighborhood his buyers were scouting.
Spoiler alert: This exact tactic landed his $3.5 million buyer a listing.
A postcard like this stands out because it’s personal and local.
You’re not just spamming a broad audience; you’re targeting homeowners who could be a perfect fit for your buyers.
Before you start knocking on doors or making cold calls, use your database. Send out a simple email to your contacts.
Something like:
I’m about to reach out to homeowners in [specific area]. If I find any great deals, would you like me to let you know?
This email serves two purposes: It primes your contacts for follow-up and gives you a reason to reconnect later.
You’ve sent the letters, expanded to other channels, and secured a listing. What’s next?
Don’t just pat yourself on the back. Use that win to get even more listings.
This is what I call a Marketable Moment.
Send a follow-up to your farm area with a headline like:
Found the perfect home for my client—could yours be next?
Tell the success story in a way that highlights your ability to solve problems and find off-market opportunities. It’s the ultimate trust-builder.
Here’s why this approach is so effective:
Imagine having a proven playbook at your fingertips, full of templates and strategies that top agents are using right now to secure more listings. What difference would that make in your business?
If you're ready to stop guessing and start implementing what works, sign up for Listing Leads and get instant access to the exact tools that could be a game-changer for your marketing.
The Magic Buyer Letter Strategy is more than just a tool for finding listings. It’s a way to position yourself as the agent who doesn’t wait for opportunities but creates them.
Start small, be consistent, and keep refining your approach.
The market is tough, but so are you. It's time to roll up your sleeves, craft that first letter, and start turning ‘early thoughts’ into your next listing.
Q: How many letters should I send?
A: Start small and targeted. Jeremy Applebaum sent less than 200 letters and got five inbound calls. It’s about quality, not quantity.
Q: Does this only work in luxury markets?
A: No! You can adapt this strategy for any market. The key is being specific about your buyer’s needs, no matter the price point.
Q: How often should I use this strategy?
A: This is NOT a one-and-done deal. Make it a regular part of your marketing strategy, monthly or quarterly, depending on your buyer pool.
Q: What if I’m a new agent without a big database?
A: Perfect! This is an excellent way to build your database. Start with just one or two buyers and use their needs to connect with potential sellers.
Q: How do I measure the success of this strategy?
A: Track responses, appointments set, and listings won. But also pay attention to the connections you're making - even if they don't result in immediate listings, you're building relationships that could pay off in the future.
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