The Lost Interview - Letters, Prayers, and Property: The Unconventional Approach to Winning Bids

In a recently rediscovered interview, real estate agents Kelly Marie and Pippin Galloway from the Meaningful Moves team at Coldwell Banker Apex shared their unique approach to helping buyers win in competitive markets. Their secret weapons? Heartfelt letters, prayers, and a focus on the intrinsic value of a home.

The Power of a Personal Letter

In today’s seller’s market, buyers need every advantage they can get to stand out from the competition. One surprisingly effective tactic is writing a personal letter to the seller, explaining who you are and why the home is perfect for you.

“When we represent a buyer in a seller’s market like we’re in right now, we always write the letters,” says Kelly Marie. The letter helps transform the buyer from just numbers on paper into a real person with hopes and dreams. Including photos and personal details can really tug on a seller’s heartstrings.

Pippin recounts how a letter helped one of her buyers beat out 25 other offers, including all-cash investors. “I had her write a letter. I added two. We put pictures, the whole nine yards… Out of 26 offers, we won.”

Valuing a Home's Intrinsic Worth

For many sellers, a home represents much more than a financial asset – it’s the setting of treasured family memories. Wise agents and buyers recognize and speak to this intrinsic value.

“Most people, their home is so much more than just brick and mortar,” Kelly Marie explains. “If you can relay that information, that message to the seller, then it just kind of gives your person a little bit of a leg up.”

Pippin adds, “That’s why we’re called the Meaningful Moves team. We really do put meaning into it. We care.”

The Power of Prayer

In addition to letters, the Meaningful Moves team believes in the power of prayer and that turning to God. Pippin and Kelly Marie, integrate their faith as an integral part of their business and their commitment to clients. “We do also pray over our clients,” Pippin shares. “And then communication and knowledge. It’s important.”

The Importance of Inspections and Communication

Even in a highly competitive market, buyers shouldn’t skip the crucial step of a home inspection. The Meaningful Moves team advises their sellers to get a pre-listing inspection to avoid surprises.

“One of the things that we try to have every seller do is get the home inspection before you list the house,” notes Kelly Marie. “That way, it’s not a surprise… when the repairs do come, they already know what to expect.”

Throughout the process, clear communication between all parties is paramount. “It takes four parties working together to make a smooth transaction,” says Pippin. “That’s the buyer, the buyer’s agent, the seller and the seller’s agent. If we can all four work together… then it’s usually pretty smooth.”

The Bottom Line for Buyers

When asked for their number one piece of advice for buyers in today’s market, Pippin doesn’t hesitate. “Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better it is… If you want to buy a house in this market, ask, don’t be afraid to ask. Nothing is too dumb. Nothing is too little.”

Of course, Kelly Marie adds with a laugh, “If there was just one thing, it would be to call Kelly Marie and Pippin Galloway.”

Jokes aside, working with an experienced, communicative agent who’s willing to go the extra mile can make all the difference for buyers trying to secure their dream home. Sometimes, that extra mile might include a heartfelt letter, a few prayers, and always, a focus on what makes a house truly meaningful.