Free Letter of Intent ( LOI ) Template

Use a letter of intent to negotiate the terms of a sale, outlining the terms of an agreement to be written in a future contract. Learn more about what a letter of intent is below and the different types you can use.

Table of Contents

• What is a Letter of Intent?
• Different Types of Letter of Intent
• How to Write a Letter of Intent
• What Should be Included in a Letter of Intent?
• When Should I Use a Letter of Intent?
• Why You Should Use a Letter of Intent
• Letter of Intent Sample

What is a Letter of Intent?

A Letter of Intent is a written document that outlines a preliminary agreement between two parties regarding the terms of a potential purchase or other transaction. Think of it as a road map for how the negotiation and deal will proceed. The two parties can settle on certain terms while agreeing to continue negotiating the other terms and details of the transaction before signing a purchase agreement.

As a reference, a Letter of Intent is known by other names:

• Intent to Purchase Letter
• LOI
• Letter of Interest
• Term Sheet
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Assurance Letter
• Framework Letter

Different Types of Letter of Intent

Below you can find different versions of a letter of intent that fulfill the same purpose as a traditional LOI but for unique situations.

The LOI templates below are blank, fillable, and free to download.

How to Write a Letter of Intent

Here’s how to write a letter of intent to purchase:

Step 1 – Initial details

To start your letter of intent, you need to fill out the essential information regarding the seller, buyer, and the item being purchased.

Step 2 – Purchase price

Next, you need to include details about the purchase price. If no purchase price for the transaction is decided until the completion of due diligence, you can note that here. State the purchase price of the item in question and when the money is due. You can detail that a certain amount will be required upon signing the letter or, if you’re using one, upon signing a purchase agreement.

Step 3 – Conditions and exclusivity

If the transaction will be subject to any conditions, this is the place to include them. As well as if the seller agrees to not negotiate directly or indirectly with any other party concerning the item in question.

Step 4 – Termination

In this section, state when the letter will automatically terminate. For example, it could be upon execution of a purchase agreement or a mutually written agreement between the parties.

Step 5 – Governing law and non-binding clause

You need to detail which state the letter of intent will be governed by and include a clause on whether the letter is binding or non-binding.

Step 6 – Signatures

Finally, finish your letter of intent by having both parties sign.

What Should be Included in a Letter of Intent?

When filling out a letter of intent, it’s important to include the information below. To ensure you don’t miss out on crucial information, it helps to use a blank, fillable template.

Who are the Parties?

Identify who is the seller (the current owner) and the buyer (the potential new owner).

What is the Transaction?

Describe in detail what is being purchased, including any agreements on what will be included or excluded in the transaction the parties will negotiate.

What are the Terms?

Include any terms that have been agreed upon, such as purchase price or price adjustments. If the seller has agreed to exclusivity (i.e. not to negotiate with other parties), that should also be included.

What about the Letter of Intent Itself?

The agreement should explicitly state whether it is binding or non-binding – don’t leave this open for a court to determine. Also include when it (and negotiations) will end and which state’s law will govern it.

Are there any Conditions?

The parties can include certain conditions that must occur before a final agreement will be signed, such as:

• the buyer securing financing
• the buyer completing due diligence
• the buyer successfully selling his or her home
• an inspection of the property
  regulatory or other required approvals

A Letter of Intent can be a legally binding contract between the parties or a non-binding agreement between the parties.

Here are some other terms that may also be included:

• Confidentiality – the agreement and any information learned will remain confidential
• Covenants – things each party must do while negotiations are taking place
• Special Terms – any special terms that the parties agree will be in the purchase agreement, such as leaving certain items of furniture or hiring certain employees

When Should I Use a Letter of Intent?

This agreement is most often used in transactions involving a purchase. Sometimes two parties will know they want to do a business deal together, but they aren’t ready to sign an agreement. For example, they may agree that one party will sell his or her business for a certain price, but they do not yet agree on who will take on certain business liabilities. The parties can sign this document to show each other a good faith intention to negotiate a deal. It can also help parties get on the same page as to what they expect from the purchase. A letter of intent could be used after a request for proposal.

Here is a list of some possible LOI relationships:

Why You Should Use a Letter of Intent

Without this document, you might miss several purchase or sale opportunities. Sometimes banks or lenders will require proof of a deal before promising to grant financing. Or, if you are still negotiating certain terms of the deal, either side may question the other party’s commitment to getting the deal done and walk away.

Here are some of the suffering using this document might help prevent:

Letter of Intent Sample

You can see a sample letter of intent for purchasing general property below. You can download this LOI sample in PDF or Word format: