How to Write a Letter of Intent

Last updated March 18, 2025

When you need to formally express your interest or intentions, the first step is to write a letter of intent (LOI). Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking admission to an academic program, negotiating a business deal, or proposing a community initiative, an LOI serves as a crucial document that sets the stage for future agreements. It signals your commitment, demonstrates professionalism, and outlines your objectives in a clear and structured manner.

A well-crafted LOI not only conveys your enthusiasm but also establishes credibility and fosters trust between you and the recipient. In many cases, it acts as a preliminary agreement, helping to initiate discussions and pave the way for formal contracts or partnerships.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key components of an effective LOI and provide specific insights into crafting one for different situations. Whether you’re preparing for a business deal or an academic opportunity, knowing how to write a letter of intent correctly can make a significant difference. Let’s dive into the details to ensure your LOI makes a strong and lasting impression.

Letter of Intent to Purchase or Sell a Property

When buying or selling a property, a Letter of Intent (LOI) helps outline the key terms of the deal before drafting a formal contract. It acts as a preliminary agreement that clarifies the buyer’s interest, proposed price, and essential conditions, ensuring both parties align before moving forward with negotiations. If you need to write a letter of intent for real estate transactions, ensuring clarity in terms and structure is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings.

These are the key elements of a Letter of Intent to purchase real estate:

-A- The parties involved:

Clearly identify the buyer and the seller, including their full legal names and contact information;

-B- Purpose:

Clearly state the purpose of the LOI, whether to express intent to sell or purchase a specific property. Avoid using ambiguous terms and phrases. Use the technical description to create a binding effect over a property.

-C- Purchase Price and Structure:

State the offer price, if you intend to sell; or the bidding price, if you intend to buy. Describe your payment terms such as whether you will pay in cash, installment, or financing. Schedule the amount of down payments to be made and the dates they will be given, if any.

-D- Inspection and Contingencies:

State when the buyer will conduct due diligence and assess the property’s condition. List down the incidents that must be satisfied before the sale will be finalized, including: The availability of financing, the satisfaction of certain buyer requirements; or obtaining necessary permits;

-E- Closing Date:

Suggest a closing date for the negotiation where the payment shall be paid when all the conditions set were met;

-F- Earnest Money:

Specify the amount that the buyer will submit to demonstrate his commitment to purchase or the amount that the seller will require to reserve the property in favor of the seller. Lay down the grounds upon which the deposit shall be refundable.

-G- Confidentiality and Exclusivity:

A confidentiality clause will protect sensitive information shared during the negotiation process; while an exclusivity clause will prohibit the seller from entertaining other buyers within a period.

-H- Governing Law:

Specify the jurisdiction that will govern the LOI or any disputes arising therefrom

-I- Signature of parties:

Both parties should sign the LOI to acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the terms outlined;

-J- Expiration Date:

Include the date by which the LOI must be signed by both parties, after which the offer may no longer be valid.

By carefully incorporating these elements into your Letter of Intent to buy or sell, you will align the expectations of both parties and set the stage for a successful closing. To quickly and easily create an LOI to buy and sell, consider using an LOI Generator or an LOI template.

Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business

A Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business is a preliminary agreement that outlines key terms such as purchase price, payment structure, due diligence timelines, and contingencies. It helps both buyer and seller align on expectations, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership while protecting business assets, intellectual property, and operational continuity.

Here’s a sample letter of an LOI to purchase a business.

Letter of Intent for a Job

An LOI for a job is a document that a job applicant submits to a potential or existing employer expressing their interest in a specific position or company. Unlike a job application letter, this type of LOI can be submitted even when a specific job opening is not advertised. A well-crafted LOI can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

This type of LOI serves an important purpose:

As a proactive step toward your career goals by introducing yourself to an organization and expressing your interest in future opportunities.
When you’re interested in working for a specific company, but they haven’t advertised a position that matches your skills.

If you write a letter of intent for a job, you have the opportunity to (1) highlight your qualifications that would make you a strong candidate for the job you are interested in; (2) express your enthusiasm for a particular role or company; or (3) request the employer to keep you in mind for future openings.

How to write a Letter of Intent for a job –

Introduce yourself and the purpose of your writing.
Mention where you heard about the company or job role.
Specify the job position you are interested in.
Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and education.
Explain why you are interested in the company and how its mission aligns with yours.
Express your enthusiasm for the possibility of contributing to the company and request an opportunity to discuss how you can add value to the organization.
Provide your contact details and your availability for an interview.

Here’s a sample letter of an LOI for a job.

Letter of Intent for Graduate School

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a powerful tool to express your commitment and enthusiasm for a particular program in a graduate school. Writing this letter is a significant step in your academic and professional journey.

An LOI can highlight your dedication, clarify your career goals, and reinforce why you are a perfect fit for the program. In this section, we’ll show how to craft a compelling LOI that stands out to admissions committees.

1) Name and Contact Information:

Indicate your full name, address, and contact information at the top of the letter.

2) Date:

Write the date of the letter just below your contact information.

3) Recipient’s Contact Information:

Include the name of the admissions committee or specific person to whom the letter is addressed, along with their title, the department name, and the university’s address.

4) Greeting:

Address the letter to a specific person such as the head of the admissions committee or the director of the program. If you cannot find the specific name, you may use “Dear Admissions Committee.”

5) Highlight Your Academic and Professional Background:

Summarize your academic experience, including your undergraduate degree and any relevant research experience. If applicable, include internships, jobs, or volunteer work that has prepared you for graduate study.

6) Research Interests and Goals:

Clearly outline your research interests and how they align with the grad school’s strengths. Mention any faculty members whose work you admire and would like to collaborate with. You may also discuss your long-term career goals or desired career path and how the graduate school’s program will help you achieve them.

7) Explain Your Fit:

Mention specific features of the program that make it the right fit for you.

8) Convey Your Value:

Explain what you can bring to the program and how you can contribute to the university’s academic community.

9) Conclusion:

Restate your interest in the graduate program and your readiness to contribute.

10) Request Consideration:

Politely request consideration consideration of your application and express your hope for further discussion.

11) Proofread and Edit:

Ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors, typos, and awkward phrasing. Consider getting a mentor in your field to review your letter before submission.

Here’s a sample letter of an LOI for Graduate School.

Letter of Intent for College

A Letter of Intent (LOI) can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to your preferred college and program. It provides an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the institution, highlight your academic and extracurricular achievements, and demonstrate how you align with the school’s mission and offerings.

Whether you’re applying for early decision, responding to an acceptance offer, or reinforcing your interest after being waitlisted, crafting a compelling LOI can set you apart. Here are the key elements to make your letter impactful:

1. Personalize Your Letter –

Address the appropriate recipient by name and include their title to show you’ve done your research.

2. Clearly State Your Objective –

Open with a strong introduction that clearly explains why you’re writing. Specify your intended program and express genuine enthusiasm.

3. Align with the Institution –

Demonstrate your understanding of the school’s values, culture, and academic focus. Explain how your goals align with their mission and how you would contribute to their community.

4. Highlight Your Strengths –

Showcase relevant academic achievements, leadership roles, extracurricular involvement, or community service that make you a strong candidate for the program.

5. Include Quantifiable Achievements –

Provide concrete examples of your accomplishments, such as “ranked in the top 5% of my class” or “led a winning robotics team at a national competition.”

6. Maintain a Positive and Professional Tone –

Confidence and enthusiasm go a long way. Express your passion for the program while maintaining a respectful and professional tone.

7. Request Further Discussion –

Close your letter by expressing your interest in discussing your application further. Politely suggest a follow-up meeting or indicate your availability for any next steps.

A well-structured and sincere LOI can reinforce your commitment to the institution and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Here’s a sample letter of an LOI for College.

Letter of Intent to Sue

In legal disputes, a Letter of Intent to sue serves as a formal notification that you plan to pursue legal action if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution. This letter is a critical step in the pre-litigation process, as it provides the opposing party with an opportunity to address the matter before it escalates to a lawsuit.

A well-crafted LOI to sue can demonstrate your seriousness, establish a clear legal basis for your claim, and, in some cases, encourage a settlement to avoid costly litigation. It typically outlines the nature of the dispute, the legal grounds for your claim, the specific remedies sought—such as monetary compensation or corrective action—and a deadline for response before legal proceedings commence. If you need to write a letter of intent for legal matters, ensuring precision and adherence to legal language is critical.

Here’s a sample letter of an LOI to sue.

Conclusion

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a powerful tool in various professional, legal, and academic scenarios. Whether you’re expressing interest in a job, negotiating a business deal, applying to a college, or signaling potential legal action, a well-crafted LOI helps set the stage for productive discussions and formal agreements. By clearly stating your objectives, aligning with the recipient’s interests, and maintaining a professional tone, you can maximize the impact of your letter.

No matter the context, the key to an effective Letter of Intent is clarity, specificity, and a proactive approach. Taking the time to write a letter of intent that is well-structured and thought-out can enhance your credibility, strengthen your position, and increase the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome.

If you’re ready to write your own LOI, use the guidelines outlined in this article to craft a compelling and persuasive letter that makes a lasting impression.

Create a Letter of Intent Now

FormPros Has You Covered

Simplify your paperwork with FormPros! From creating paystubs, W-2s, and 1099-NEC forms to generating LLC Operating Agreements and even voided checks, our easy-to-use platform has you covered. Save time, reduce errors, and handle your business documents with confidence. Start now and see how FormPros makes professional form generation fast, affordable, and hassle-free!

Mark Mogilnitsky

Mark Mogilnitsky is a content writer specializing in Financial Form Generation, with a passion for simplifying complex processes for individuals and businesses. I thrive on crafting clear, engaging content that empowers users to navigate compliance and documentation with ease.