Offer Love Letters? Not So Fast...

Published: Mon, 08/09/21

Fire on Flathead Lake

Last week the wild fires in Montana reached our beloved Flathead Lake. As this newsletter is going out, the fire fighters are still working on the "Boulder 2700" on the south end of the eastshore around the Finley Point area and north several miles. Click here for current updates on the situation.

Buyer "Love Letters"
Not So Fast..

Throughout time, buyers, especially in an ultra competitive market, have written letter to sellers to accompany their offers with information about themselves and how much they love the home they are hoping to purchase. Seems kind of lovely to add something so personal to an offer right?

In reality though these letters can unduly influence the seller in ways that can be discriminatory. Our team has experienced this when we had a buyer who was single bid on a hot property and the seller wanted to know about the buyer. The listing agent had suggested that the seller wanted a family (like theirs) who would raise kids in the home like they did. In a bidding war having the seller know the familial details of the buyer would put someone for example like our client who is single at a disadvantage over someone with a family. Bias and racism can also come into play when buyers include photos and background information. While these are technically legal, real estate attorneys are advising against these. Oregon has taken the first step to outright ban what they call Buyer Love Letters. Read more ....

Hollinger Team Gallery

NEW ON MARKET

UNDER CONTRACT

Marina Cay Condo
Bigfork, MT

$615,000

Bigfork Bay views
2 Bdrm

Beautiful Marina Cay furnished condominium in the Bay Building on Bigfork Bay. The 2nd story location gives you a great view of the water in the bay and Swan Range Mountain views over the village of Bigfork. Enjoy open floor plan with gas fireplace in the Living Room. Walkout to ample balcony overlooking the lawn and docks. Master bedroom also faces the water view; remodeled modern Master Bath. 2nd Guest Bedroom & Full Bath. Kitchen with eating bar and area for Dining Table open to Living Room. Elevator available.

Harbor Village Townhome

Bigfork, MT
$675,000

Fairway location
2 Bdrm

Beautiful & spacious Harbor Village townhome on the fairway. Mountain views from large partially covered patio. Single level for easy living! Great Room with fireplace and vaulted ceilings are open to Kitchen and formal Dining Room. Master Bedroom suite has pretty windows facing the fairway. Guest have their own wing and private bath; Office has Murphy Bed for a little extra guest area. Spacious laundry room leads to an immaculate double garage with good storage and corner workshop area.

Here is what The Hollinger Team is working on:

Scott negotiated a sale with his Buyer and Seller on 40 acres in Kila and closed on 10 acres out near McGregor Lake.
Kellie ushered in ten closings in July.
Dane listed a fairway townhome at Harbor Village on the Eagle Bend Golf Course and it went under contract within a week. He also closed on a lovely home on 3 acres in Creston.
Diana closed on a pretty home in Happy Valley in Whitefish and Kellie and Diana co-brokered a pending sale on this view home in Kalispell overlooking Village Greens golf course.
Drew is closing next week on this home in Columbia Falls.

What customers say...

New Friends!

My wife & I recently purchased a piece of property in Lake county and relied on Scott and his Team to assist us through the transaction. His Staff is so professional and spot on with details and communication! Scott was very informative and always available for my calls and questions. It was a very pleasurable experience and we feel like we have made a new friend in the community! - Rick D.

Moving somewhere else? We can also help you anywhere in the country with a local referral!

Contact your favorite Hollinger Team member anytime.

406-837-5531

Scott Hollinger Broker/Owner

Dane Hollinger Broker Associate

Drew Hollinger Sales Associate

Kellie Hilley Closing Mgr & Sales Associate

Diana Rahdert Marketing Mgr & Broker Associate

Photo of Flathead Lake's Finley Point