Finding a Period House
One of the first challenges is finding a period house to buy. If you are researching an area, it can be worth approaching owners direct; if they are considering selling you may be the first in the queue.
Try a letter like the following:
"Dear Sir or Madam,
My wife and I are hoping to buy a home in this area, and we have been looking for suitable houses. Walking by, we very much liked your property – I wondered if you had considered selling your home in the near future, and if so, would you be interested in selling privately, rather than through an estate agent?We are in a very good position to buy, having already received offers on our home, and have finance ready for a purchase. If you are interested in selling, please give us a ring and perhaps we could take a look at your property with a view to making an offer?
Please be assured that we are genuine local buyers looking for a single house; we are not acting on behalf of anyone else such as an estate agency or developers – we have a young family and are simply seeking a larger home.
Please accept our apologies for bothering you if you are not interested in selling, but if you are, then we hope to hear from you."