What Is a Blind Offer?
A blind offer (also called a "take-it-or-leave-it" offer) is a written purchase offer sent to property owners without prior communication. Unlike traditional real estate negotiations, you're making a specific dollar offer upfront—the seller either accepts by signing and returning, or they don't.
The approach is simple: send a large volume of low offers (25-30% of assessed/market value), and a small percentage of motivated sellers will accept. At 100 offers per week with a 3-5% response rate, you're looking at 3-5 potential deals every week.
Blind offers eliminate back-and-forth negotiation. Sellers who respond are pre-qualified as motivated—they've already said "yes" to your price. This saves enormous time compared to fielding calls and negotiating with tire-kickers.
Types of Offer Letters
There are three main approaches to direct mail for land acquisition:
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Offer | Specific dollar amount included in the letter | Pre-qualifies sellers, shorter sales cycle | May under/over-offer on some properties |
| Neutral Letter | "We're interested in buying" without a price | Flexibility to negotiate | More tire-kickers, longer sales cycle |
| Ranged Offer | Offers a price range (e.g., $1,500–$2,500) | Balance of specificity and flexibility | Still requires follow-up negotiation |
The 3-Document Offer Package
A complete offer package consists of three documents:
1. Cover Letter
The cover letter introduces you, explains why you're writing, and gently nudges the seller toward accepting. Key elements:
- Professional but friendly tone
- Clear explanation that you're making an offer to buy their property
- The specific offer amount prominently displayed
- Simple instructions: "Sign the attached agreement and return in the enclosed envelope"
- Contact information for questions
- Expiration date (typically 2-3 weeks) to create urgency
February 5, 2026
Dear [Owner Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I'm a local land investor. I'm writing because I'm interested in purchasing your property located at:
APN: [Parcel Number]
Legal Description: [Legal Description]
After reviewing the property, I'd like to make you a cash offer of $[Offer Amount] for the property, as-is. This is a "top dollar" offer—I'll pay all closing costs and handle all the paperwork.
If you'd like to accept this offer, simply sign the enclosed Purchase Agreement and return it in the prepaid envelope provided. This offer expires on [Date + 21 days].
If you have any questions, please call me at [Phone] or email [Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Company Name]
2. Purchase Agreement
A simple, one-page purchase contract that the seller signs to accept your offer. Essential clauses:
- Parties – Buyer (you) and Seller (them)
- Property Description – APN, legal description, county, state
- Purchase Price – The dollar amount you're offering
- Earnest Money – Typically $100-$500, deposited after acceptance
- Due Diligence Period – 30-60 days to verify title and property
- Closing Timeline – Typically 30-45 days after due diligence
- Assignment Clause – Allows you to assign the contract if needed
- Signature Lines – For all parties to sign and date
Have a real estate attorney in your state review your purchase agreement before using it. Contract law varies by state, and a properly drafted agreement protects both you and the seller.
3. Return Envelope
Include a pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope (or at minimum, pre-addressed). This removes friction and makes it easy for sellers to respond. The small cost ($0.50-$1.00) dramatically increases response rates.
Calculating Your Offer Price
Your offer price is typically 25-30% of assessed value or market value, whichever is more appropriate for your market.
| Assessed Value | 25% Offer | 30% Offer |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $500 | $600 |
| $5,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 |
| $10,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| $20,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| $50,000 | $12,500 | $15,000 |
Some investors adjust their percentage based on property characteristics:
- 20-25% for raw, landlocked, or rural parcels
- 25-30% for standard vacant lots with road access
- 30-35% for desirable locations with utilities
Mail Services & Automation
Sending 100+ letters per week manually is unsustainable. These services automate printing and mailing:
| Service | Cost per Letter | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lob | $0.85-$1.50 | API integration, address verification, tracking |
| Click2Mail | $0.75-$1.25 | Bulk upload, templates, USPS discount rates |
| PostGrid | $0.80-$1.40 | API-first, webhooks, international support |
| Yellow Letter HQ | $1.00-$2.00 | Handwritten-style letters, real estate focused |
Tracking & Follow-Up
Not every offer gets a response on the first attempt. Implement a follow-up system:
- Initial Offer – Send complete package with 21-day expiration
- Follow-Up Letter (Day 30) – "Did you receive our offer? Still interested!"
- Second Follow-Up (Day 60) – Adjusted offer or final reminder
- Add to Drip Campaign – Quarterly postcards for non-responders
Use a CRM or spreadsheet to track every offer sent. Record: date sent, property details, offer amount, response received, and outcome. This data helps you refine your pricing and target better counties over time.
How Greenlane Land Helps
- Offer Calculator – Auto-calculate offers based on assessed value percentage
- Template Library – Proven cover letters and purchase agreements
- Mail Merge – Generate personalized letters from your list in seconds
- Lob Integration – One-click send to print and mail automatically
- Response Tracking – Log returned offers and move deals to due diligence
- Follow-Up Automation – Schedule 30/60-day follow-up letters