Yes, a number of times I've had a buyer who knew they were competing with multiple offers and they asked me "other than writing a fabulous offer what can we do to stand out?"  I suggested writing a personal letter to the Seller letting them know what owning their home would mean to them.  The result?  I believe, we have won the bid each time.  Can't guarantee it will work every time, but so far, we have won.

I have received a letter once. It turns out it was disingenuous when tested

For sure -  the letter is attached to form part of the offer ensuring the Seller gets to actually see it!  Everytime we've done so, the Buyer got the home.  I am surprised that I've never received one for my own Sellers though!

Yes,  once my buyer wanted to write a letter and I submitted it with the offer.

The offer was accepted.

Only a couple of times but it was the buyers that asked if they could do so

Absolutely.

Not in 26 years of real estate.

No... I don't encourage them. Here's a link to a recent Inman article about why sellers should not accept them. If you can't pull it up let, me know and I'll send it to you privately.

no

   No.  A lawyer warned me about potential Fair Housing issues with those letters.  I decided not to use that tactic.

I personally have never had this experience, but know some agents who have.  When I am presenting an offer, and with the Buyer's permission I do tell the Seller's about the family I am representing to personalize the transaction.. I find this  has been beneficial on several offers,  including when I purchased my own home, as I was competing with another offer.

A couple of times. This is not something I recommend or encourage.

I have written them as a buyer, probably more effective to just meet with the seller.

Yes, I've had good success with buyers who wrote letters to include in their offer to explain why they really wanted that particular home. 

Yes, but not by my proding.

I've never encouraged my buyers to do so, but I have had a couple of them voluntarily write letters which I then submitted with their offers.  Both did end up getting the homes.

I write letters on their behalf.   More than once it's what made the difference in getting our offer accepted.  Never underestimate the role of emotions in real estate.  ;)

No.

Yes, a few times. Works sometimes and other times not so much. 

Several times!

William Piotrowski - yes, few times. And it worked, too.

As a Buyer agent I try to present when possible, but when I can't I have had a Buyer write a letter and sometimes it works / sometimes not

Yes but, I try to get a feel from the listing agent as to his/her sellers.  If I think a letter will work, I send it, attached to the Offer (same file so they see it).

Yes, but I find it more effective to include a page that I write titled ABOUT YOUR BUYER. I humanize them in the letter. I find it works better.

Every single time for 18 years (except investors).

Yes I have.

Yes, especially in multiple offer situations and the letter was very effective in setting my buyer apart from the others.

It was the buyer's idea, not mine.

No I always write this letter.  I don't like any direct communication between my clients and the other party except if they are home during the showing.

Absolutely, but as a listing agent I do not forward them due to fair housing.

Yes, it is very effective.  

we are listing agents, and sellers do not care about the emotional aspect of the sale... they only want the most money with the best terms...period.

This is a great way to personalize the offer and we have had success with this.

Just got one along with a contract last night.

Yes.  It is an old practice out here.  I see about 40% of the agents perform it, 100% in multiple offers.  I've seen too many of those letters though give info that I wouldn't personally want out there.  I've done it in about 60% of my buyer-side deals last year, but it was at the buyer's request.

Yes.  With mixed results.

Yes, but it didn't sway them even a little.

William Piotrowski No

Against my advise yes.

Yes.

If a heated market AND when the house exhibits something leveragable.

Other agents say they are a waste of time, saying the seller is never perusaded. That lives in defiance of what ALL marketing companies know to be true.

Be alert for need and leverageable opportunity.

An example of leverageable.
The letter identified and praised the foliage and specimen plants the homeowner had nurtured over they lifetime living there. Knowing their lifetime of work was going to be preserved DID make a difference.

I have received a few as a listing agent.

9 out of 10 buyer letters ar enot looked at or discounted. A good offer speaks volumes over a buyer letter

Yes, and sometimes it works and sometimes not!