How to Write a Letter of Intent: Free Templates, Samples, Checklist & PDF

What Is a Letter of Intent?

A letter of intent is a written document you use to communicate your intention to pursue a particular opportunity or transaction.

Depending on your situation, you might use an LOI to express your intention to:

• Pursue employment with a company.

• Enter into a business partnership.

• Purchase a business.

• Purchase property.

• Lease commercial space.

• Apply to an educational program.

• Transfer to another school.

• Begin negotiations.

• Collaborate with another organization.

• Provide or obtain professional services.

• Pursue an investment or acquisition.

• Establish a future business relationship.

Your letter may simply introduce your interest, or it may outline proposed terms before you and the other party prepare a more detailed agreement.

For more examples of formal professional correspondence, you can also review [17 Professional Official Letter Samples].

Why You Might Need a Letter of Intent

You normally use a letter of intent when you want to move a discussion from an informal conversation toward a more serious next step.

For example, you might have already spoken with a business owner about purchasing the company. Instead of immediately preparing a final purchase agreement, you could use an LOI to outline the proposed purchase price, financing conditions, due diligence period, and anticipated closing timeline.

You could also use a much simpler letter of intent when you want to introduce yourself to an employer that interests you even though the company has not advertised a specific position.

The purpose changes depending on your situation, but the basic principle remains the same:

You are communicating serious interest without necessarily completing the final transaction in the letter itself.

How You Know Whether You Need a Letter of Intent

Before you start writing, determine what you are actually trying to accomplish.

You probably need a letter of intent when you want to communicate:

• Your serious interest in an opportunity.

• Your proposed terms for a transaction.

• Your intention to negotiate.

• Your desire to form a partnership.

• Your interest in future employment.

• Your intention to purchase something.

• Your preliminary agreement on major points.

• Your desire to move to the next stage of a process.

You may need a different type of letter if your main purpose is simply asking someone to take an action.

For example, if you are requesting documents, approval, payment, information, or assistance, an official request letter may be more appropriate.

How to Write Your Letter of Intent Step by Step

You can adapt the following process to almost any type of LOI.

Step 1: Decide Exactly What You Intend to Do

Before you write your opening sentence, define your objective.

Avoid starting with a vague idea such as:

“I want to see if we can work together.”

Instead, identify the opportunity more precisely.

For example:

“I would like to explore a strategic marketing partnership between our companies.”

Or:

“I am interested in purchasing the business located at [address].”

Or:

“I would like to be considered for current or future operations management opportunities with your company.”

When your purpose is clear to you, it will be much easier to make it clear to your recipient.

Step 2: Research Your Recipient Before You Write

Your letter will usually be stronger when you address it to a specific person.

Before sending your LOI, confirm:

• The recipient’s full name.

• The recipient’s job title.

• The company or organization name.

• The correct mailing or email address.

• Whether a particular department handles your type of request.

• Whether the organization requires a specific form or process.

You should also research the organization enough to explain why you are contacting it specifically.

A personalized letter usually sounds more credible than a generic letter you could send to anyone.

Step 3: Use a Professional Letter of Intent Format

For a formal LOI, you can use this structure:

[Your Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Company Name, if applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Company or Organization]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Subject: Letter of Intent Regarding [Specific Purpose]

Dear [Recipient Name]:

[Opening paragraph]

[Details and proposed terms]

[Conditions or important information]

[Requested next step]

Sincerely,

[Your Signature, if printed]

[Your Printed Name]
[Your Title]

You can shorten the heading when you send your LOI by email.

Step 4: State Your Intent in the Opening Paragraph

Do not make your recipient search for the purpose of your letter.

Your opening paragraph should answer this question immediately:

What do you intend to do?

For example:

“I am writing to express my interest in purchasing the commercial property located at [Property Address].”

Or:

“I am writing on behalf of [Company Name] to express our interest in exploring a strategic partnership with [Recipient Company].”

Or:

“I am writing to express my interest in future marketing opportunities with [Company Name].”

Your opening sentence should make the purpose unmistakable.

If you are writing specifically about employment, you can compare your draft with [Letter of Intent for a Job: Free Template].

Step 5: Explain Why You Are Interested

After you state your intention, explain why the opportunity is important or appropriate for you.

Your explanation should be specific.

For employment, you might highlight:

• Your experience.

• Relevant skills.

• Accomplishments.

• Knowledge of the company.

• How your background could contribute.

For a business partnership, you might explain:

• The problem you could solve together.

• Your complementary services.

• Your target market.

• Your proposed contribution.

• The possible benefit to both organizations.

For a purchase, you might explain:

• What you want to purchase.

• Why you are interested.

• Your proposed price.

• Your financing.

• Your intended timeline.

The stronger your connection between your objective and the recipient’s interests, the more persuasive your LOI becomes.

Step 6: Outline Your Preliminary Terms

You will not need detailed terms in every letter of intent.

However, if your LOI involves a business transaction, partnership, property purchase, acquisition, or similar arrangement, you may need to identify major proposed terms.

These might include:

• Purchase price.

• Payment structure.

• Financing.

• Assets included.

• Responsibilities of each party.

• Proposed start date.

• Due diligence period.

• Closing date.

• Confidentiality.

• Exclusivity.

• Conditions that must be satisfied.

• Approval requirements.

• Expiration date of the proposal.

Do not add terms just to make your letter look more sophisticated. Include terms because they help both parties determine whether it makes sense to continue negotiating.

If you are considering buying a company, [Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business] provides a more specialized structure for that transaction.

Step 7: Identify Important Conditions

If your intention depends on something happening first, say so.

For example, you might make a business purchase dependent upon:

• Financing approval.

• Review of financial records.

• Inspection of assets.

• Verification of inventory.

• Review of existing contracts.

• Lease approval.

• Regulatory approval.

• Satisfactory due diligence.

You could write:

“This proposal is contingent upon satisfactory completion of due diligence, verification of the company’s financial information, and approval of financing.”

Conditions help prevent your recipient from assuming that you have already agreed to proceed regardless of what you discover.

Step 8: Be Careful With Binding and Non-Binding Language

You should never assume that simply calling a document a “letter of intent” automatically determines its legal effect.

When your LOI involves significant money, real estate, business ownership, confidentiality, exclusivity, financing, or other legal obligations, you should have the document reviewed by a qualified attorney before signing it.

If you intend the general business proposal to be non-binding, you might include wording such as:

“This letter is intended only to summarize the parties’ current intentions and proposed terms for further discussion. Except for any provisions expressly identified as binding, the parties do not intend this letter to create an obligation to complete the proposed transaction.”

Do not automatically insert language like this into every situation.

Your wording should match your actual transaction and applicable law.

For a business acquisition, you can study the structure used in [Non-Binding Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business].

Step 9: Tell Your Recipient What You Want to Happen Next

One of the easiest ways to weaken an LOI is to end without a next step.

You should make the next action clear.

You might ask your recipient to:

• Schedule a meeting.

• Arrange a telephone call.

• Review proposed terms.

• Respond by a specific date.

• Provide additional documents.

• Sign an acknowledgment.

• Begin negotiations.

• Contact you regarding available opportunities.

• Prepare a formal agreement.

For example:

“If these preliminary terms are of interest, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you next week to discuss the proposal in more detail.”

A specific next step gives your letter direction.

Step 10: Proofread Your Letter Before You Send It

Before you send your letter, check every important detail.

Verify:

• Names.

• Company names.

• Addresses.

• Dates.

• Dollar amounts.

• Property addresses.

• Proposed timelines.

• Contact information.

• Attachments.

• Conditions.

• Deadlines.

You should also remove unnecessary sentences.

Your recipient should be able to quickly understand what you want, why you are interested, and what should happen next.

Free General Letter of Intent Template

Use this template when you need a flexible LOI that you can adapt to a professional, business, educational, or organizational situation.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Company or Organization]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Subject: Letter of Intent Regarding [Purpose]

Dear [Recipient Name]:

I am writing to formally express my intent to [describe what you intend to do] involving [company, organization, opportunity, property, program, project, or transaction].

I am interested in this opportunity because [briefly explain your reason]. Based on [your experience, previous discussions, research, shared objectives, or another relevant factor], I believe there may be a strong opportunity to [describe the desired outcome].

At this stage, I propose that we consider the following preliminary points:

[Describe important proposed terms, responsibilities, dates, conditions, or expectations.]

These points are intended to provide a basis for further discussion and may be revised as additional information becomes available and the parties continue negotiations.

I would appreciate the opportunity to [schedule a meeting, discuss the proposal, review additional information, begin negotiations, or identify another next step].

Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you would like to discuss this proposal further.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your Letter of Intent for a Job Template

You can use a job LOI when you want to introduce yourself to a company even when you are not necessarily responding to a specific advertised vacancy.

For additional employment-specific guidance, review [Letter of Intent for a Job: Free Template to Get Noticed Fast].

[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[City, State]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Subject: Interest in Current or Future [Field/Department] Opportunities

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]:

I am writing to express my interest in current or future [type of position] opportunities with [Company Name].

I have [number] years of experience in [industry or specialty], with particular strengths in [skill], [skill], and [skill]. In my current or previous role with [Employer], I [briefly describe a relevant accomplishment or responsibility].

I am particularly interested in [Company Name] because [specific reason related to the organization, industry, services, growth, values, or work].

I believe my experience in [relevant area] could allow me to contribute to your team, particularly in [specific function or challenge].

I have attached my resume for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience might fit your current or future staffing needs.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your Business Partnership Letter of Intent Template

When you want to explore a collaboration between two businesses, your LOI should explain what each organization may contribute and what you hope to accomplish together.

You can find a more specialized example in [Free Partnership Letter of Intent Template].

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Company Name]
[Address]

Subject: Letter of Intent for Proposed Business Partnership

Dear [Recipient Name]:

I am writing on behalf of [Your Company Name] to express our interest in exploring a potential business partnership with [Recipient Company Name].

We believe our organizations may have an opportunity to collaborate on [describe project, service, product, market, or objective].

Under the proposed arrangement, [Your Company Name] could contribute [describe your resources, expertise, technology, services, customers, distribution, or other contribution]. We would like to explore how [Recipient Company Name] could contribute [describe possible complementary contribution].

Our preliminary goal would be to [describe intended outcome].

We propose discussing the following areas:

[Proposed responsibilities]

[Financial arrangements, if applicable]

[Timeline]

[Confidentiality requirements]

[Performance expectations]

[Other preliminary terms]

At this stage, this letter is intended to provide a basis for further discussion rather than serve as the final partnership agreement.

If you are interested in exploring the proposal, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you during [time period] to discuss potential terms and next steps.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]

Your Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business Template

An acquisition LOI generally requires more detail because you may be discussing significant financial and legal terms.

Before sending one, review [Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business: Free Template].

[Date]

[Seller Name]
[Seller Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Subject: Letter of Intent to Purchase [Business Name]

Dear [Seller Name]:

I am writing to express my intent to pursue the purchase of [Business Name], located at [Business Address], subject to satisfactory due diligence, negotiation of final terms, and execution of a definitive purchase agreement.

Based on the information currently available, I propose a purchase price of [Amount], subject to adjustment based on the final structure of the transaction and information discovered during due diligence.

The proposed transaction would include [describe assets, inventory, equipment, intellectual property, contracts, goodwill, ownership interests, or other items].

I propose a due diligence period of [number] days during which I would review relevant financial statements, tax records, contracts, leases, inventory, equipment, liabilities, employee information, and other material records.

The proposed transaction would also be subject to [financing, landlord approval, licensing, regulatory approval, inspection, or other conditions].

If due diligence is completed satisfactorily and the parties reach agreement on final terms, I propose a closing date on or about [Date].

Except for any provisions specifically identified as binding, this letter is intended to summarize preliminary terms for discussion and is not intended to constitute the final purchase agreement.

If these terms provide a reasonable basis for further negotiations, please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your Letter of Intent to Purchase Property Template

If you want to purchase real estate before submitting or negotiating a final contract, an LOI may help you communicate your preliminary offer.

You can compare your wording with [Letter of Intent to Purchase Property].

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Seller Name]
[Seller Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Subject: Letter of Intent to Purchase [Property Address]

Dear [Seller Name]:

I am writing to express my interest in purchasing the property located at [Property Address].

Based on the information currently available, I propose a purchase price of [Amount], subject to negotiation and the completion of applicable inspections, financing, appraisal, title review, and due diligence.

My preliminary proposed terms are as follows:

Purchase Price: [Amount]

Financing: [Cash/Financing Details]

Earnest Money: [Amount, if applicable]

Inspection Period: [Number] days

Proposed Closing Date: [Date]

Additional Conditions: [List conditions]

I am prepared to move forward promptly if we can reach mutually acceptable terms.

Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you would like to discuss this proposal.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your School or Educational Letter of Intent Template

Your educational LOI should focus less on transaction terms and more on your goals, qualifications, motivation, and fit with the program.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Admissions Officer or Administrator]
[School or Program Name]
[Address]

Subject: Letter of Intent for [Program, School, or Opportunity]

Dear [Recipient Name]:

I am writing to express my intent to pursue [program, transfer, academic opportunity, scholarship, or other educational opportunity] at [School or Institution].

I am particularly interested in this opportunity because [specific academic, professional, or personal reason].

My background in [relevant studies, activities, employment, volunteer work, research, or accomplishments] has prepared me to contribute positively to [program or institution].

My long-term goal is to [describe educational or career objective], and I believe [School or Program] would provide an excellent environment for me to continue developing my skills and knowledge.

I would appreciate your consideration and the opportunity to complete any additional requirements necessary for [admission, transfer, enrollment, or participation].

Thank you for reviewing my letter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

If your situation specifically involves changing schools, review [Letter of Intent to Transfer to Another School] for a more targeted format.

Sample Letter of Intent for a Job

Jennifer Carter
742 Willow Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220
jennifer.carter@example.com
555-014-7284

September 27, 2026

Daniel Brooks
Director of Operations
Metro Distribution Solutions
Richmond, VA

Subject: Interest in Operations Management Opportunities

Dear Mr. Brooks:

I am writing to express my interest in current or future operations management opportunities with Metro Distribution Solutions.

For the past six years, I have worked in warehouse and distribution operations, where I have supervised shipping teams, coordinated inventory, improved order-processing procedures, and trained new employees.

In my current position, I helped introduce a revised inventory verification process that reduced recurring shipping errors and improved communication between our warehouse and customer service teams.

I am particularly interested in Metro Distribution Solutions because of your continued expansion throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. My experience managing high-volume operations and supporting growing teams would allow me to contribute effectively as your organization expands.

I have attached my resume for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about current or future positions that match my experience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Carter

Sample Letter of Intent for a Business Partnership

Michael Turner
Managing Partner
Turner Digital Solutions
245 Market Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
michael.turner@example.com
555-018-4421

September 27, 2026

Angela Brooks
Director of Operations
BrightPath Business Services
Philadelphia, PA

Subject: Letter of Intent for Proposed Business Partnership

Dear Ms. Brooks:

I am writing on behalf of Turner Digital Solutions to express our interest in exploring a strategic partnership with BrightPath Business Services.

Our companies serve many of the same small-business customers, but our services are complementary rather than competing. Turner Digital Solutions specializes in website development, online marketing, and customer acquisition, while BrightPath provides business planning and operational consulting.

We would like to explore a partnership through which our companies could refer qualified clients to one another and potentially develop combined service packages for small businesses that need both operational and marketing assistance.

Initially, we propose a six-month pilot program. During that period, each company would remain responsible for its own services, pricing, employees, contracts, and customer obligations.

If the pilot is successful, we could discuss expanding the partnership into joint workshops, educational resources, and packaged consulting services.

This letter is intended to outline our interest in further discussions and does not constitute a final partnership agreement.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet during the next two weeks to discuss the proposal and determine whether it makes sense for both organizations.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

Michael Turner
Managing Partner
Turner Digital Solutions

Sample Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business

David Mitchell
1680 Riverside Drive
Charlotte, NC 28202
david.mitchell@example.com
555-017-9312

September 27, 2026

Robert Jenkins
Owner
Jenkins Commercial Cleaning
Charlotte, NC

Subject: Letter of Intent to Purchase Jenkins Commercial Cleaning

Dear Mr. Jenkins:

Following our recent discussions, I am writing to express my intent to pursue the purchase of Jenkins Commercial Cleaning, subject to satisfactory due diligence and negotiation of a definitive purchase agreement.

Based on the financial information currently available, I propose a purchase price of $425,000 for the operating assets of the business, including equipment, customer contracts that may legally be transferred, business records, trade name, website, telephone numbers, and goodwill.

My proposal is contingent upon a 30-day due diligence period during which I will review financial statements, tax returns, customer agreements, equipment records, employee information, insurance records, liabilities, and other relevant business documents.

The transaction would also be contingent upon satisfactory financing and confirmation that major customer agreements can be transferred or continued following the acquisition.

Assuming satisfactory completion of due diligence and negotiation of a final agreement, I would propose closing within 45 days after completion of due diligence.

Except for provisions specifically identified as binding in a subsequently reviewed document, this letter is intended only to summarize preliminary terms and provide a basis for continued negotiations.

If these terms provide a reasonable framework for moving forward, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and your advisers to discuss the next steps.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

David Mitchell

How Your Letter of Intent Should Differ From a Cover Letter

You should not automatically use a letter of intent and a cover letter interchangeably.

You generally use a cover letter when you are applying for a specific advertised job.

You may use a letter of intent for employment when you are interested in working for a particular organization but a suitable position has not necessarily been advertised.

A cover letter typically responds directly to the requirements in a job posting.

Your employment LOI often focuses more broadly on:

• Your professional background.

• Your interest in the company.

• The type of work you can perform.

• The value you could contribute.

• Your interest in current or future opportunities.

Before deciding which one you need, identify whether you are responding to a specific opening or introducing yourself for a broader opportunity.

How Your Letter of Intent Differs From a Contract

A letter of intent often comes before a final contract.

You may use the LOI to document the main points you want to negotiate before you invest additional time and money preparing a detailed agreement.

A final contract normally contains much more specific obligations, representations, warranties, remedies, deadlines, responsibilities, and legal terms.

However, you should not assume that every LOI is automatically unenforceable simply because a final contract has not yet been signed.

Your words, the structure of the document, applicable law, and the circumstances surrounding the transaction can matter.

For high-value or legally significant transactions, obtain professional legal advice before signing.

How Your Letter of Intent Differs From a Memorandum of Understanding

A letter of intent and memorandum of understanding, or MOU, can sometimes be used for similar purposes, but they are not always interchangeable.

You may use an LOI when one party is initially communicating proposed intentions or major terms.

You may use an MOU when multiple parties want to document their shared understanding of a proposed arrangement, collaboration, or project.

The title of your document is less important than what the document actually says.

You should choose the document based on your objectives, the terms being discussed, and whether legal review is appropriate.

Mistakes You Should Avoid in Your Letter of Intent

Do Not Make Your Purpose Vague

Do not make your recipient guess why you contacted them.

State your intention early.

Do Not Copy a Template Without Customizing It

A template gives you a structure, not a finished letter.

Replace every placeholder and modify the wording so that it reflects your actual situation.

Do Not Include Terms You Do Not Understand

This is especially important for legal or business LOIs.

Do not copy complicated confidentiality, exclusivity, indemnification, financing, non-compete, or governing-law language simply because you found it in another document.

Do Not Accidentally Overpromise

Avoid words such as “guarantee,” “agree,” “will purchase,” or “will enter into” when you really mean “propose,” “intend,” “would consider,” or “subject to.”

Your exact wording matters.

Do Not Leave Out Important Contingencies

If you need financing, inspections, approval, due diligence, or another condition before you can proceed, identify it.

Do Not Forget a Next Step

Ask your recipient to respond, meet, review the proposal, or take whatever action logically moves the matter forward.

Do Not Send Your Letter Without Checking the Details

A wrong company name, amount, property address, date, or recipient can immediately undermine the professionalism of your LOI.

Tips for Making Your Letter of Intent More Persuasive

Your best LOI is usually not the longest one.

You can make your letter stronger when you:

Lead with your purpose. Tell your reader what you want immediately.

Show that you understand the opportunity. Explain why you contacted this specific person, company, school, or organization.

Use concrete details. Replace vague claims with relevant facts.

Focus on mutual benefit. When appropriate, explain what the recipient gains from moving forward with you.

Make your proposed terms easy to understand. Your reader should not have to interpret complicated sentences.

Protect your flexibility. Do not make unnecessary commitments before you have the information you need.

End with action. Tell your recipient what you want to happen next.

If your LOI concerns a business relationship, you can also compare your approach with [Write the Perfect Letter of Intent for Small Business].

How Long Should Your Letter of Intent Be?

Your ideal length depends on your purpose.

For a job, educational opportunity, or simple professional introduction, you can often keep your letter to approximately one page.

For a business acquisition, investment, property transaction, or complex partnership, your LOI may need to be longer because you have more terms to document.

You should not add information simply to make your letter longer.

Include enough detail for your recipient to understand:

• Your intention.

• Your reasons.

• Your important proposed terms.

• Your conditions.

• Your requested next step.

Then stop.

Should You Email or Mail Your Letter of Intent?

You can usually send your LOI by email when the recipient accepts electronic communication.

Email may be especially practical when you are:

• Contacting an employer.

• Starting a business discussion.

• Applying to an educational program.

• Sending a preliminary proposal.

• Following up after a conversation.

For a significant business, financial, property, or legal transaction, you may attach a signed PDF rather than putting the entire LOI into the body of your email.

You should follow any submission requirements provided by the recipient.

What Should You Put in the Subject Line of Your Letter of Intent?

Your subject line should identify the purpose without sounding vague.

You could use:

Subject: Letter of Intent for Proposed Business Partnership

Subject: Letter of Intent to Purchase [Business Name]

Subject: Letter of Intent Regarding [Property Address]

Subject: Interest in Future [Department] Opportunities

Subject: Letter of Intent for [Program Name]

A specific subject line helps your recipient immediately understand why your message matters.