We really want to sell the place, but mostly want our tenant to buy it (she's expressed light interest) so I wanted to propose a lease-to-own agreement to her and see what she says...Her rent is currently $1050/mo, and she's on month-to-month after completing her initial 12/mo lease.

Anthony,Do your feelings expressed above have anything to do with this?

I figured I could at least devote some time to talking to people first expressing that I'm interested in buying their house as opposed to direct mail.

Every time I expressed some interest in the property, the listing agent said he just received another offer.

Seller says he was considering it but open to other offers.Also says a large retail chain (holiday i--,) has expressed interest in setting up a franchised location there.

glad you bring up the other view...although i disagree with you, at least we have another viewpoint expressed..it's good to see you have closed some deals from that forum as well!

I contacted the listing agent to schedule a showing and expressed my willingness to put a cash offer on the home August of last year.

Very simple.As for the newbie sale, the key to any sale is a clear expression of confidence and professionalism.

Have the interested parites you have expressed the willingness to take on the repairs and upgrades themselves?

I'm not an attorney, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.If I have a standard "accepted" document in any transaction I always prefer to refer to an addendum for changes.