Why Buyer Love Letters are a Big Mistake

In the competitive world of real estate, buyers are often looking for any edge they can find to secure their dream home. One strategy that has gained popularity in recent years is the “love letter” to sellers—a heartfelt note explaining why the buyer loves the home and should be chosen over other potential buyers. While this might seem like a clever tactic, there are several compelling reasons why buyer love letters are a no-no in modern real estate.

Discrimination is Real

Firstly, buyer love letters can lead to unintentional discrimination. Fair Housing laws are designed to prevent discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. When buyers include personal information in their letters, they may inadvertently lead sellers to make decisions based on these protected characteristics, thereby violating these laws. For example, mentioning family composition, religious practices, or even cultural background could sway a seller’s decision, sometimes unconsciously.

As a potential buyer, you might think a love letter explaining how your kids would enjoy Florida summers in the backyard pool would be just the thing to give you the edge over other buyers. Who wouldn’t want your wholesome family buying the home they raised their kids in? Well, if you come across a seller who can’t stand the thought of a new family in their space, you’ve got yourself a problem.

Discrimination based on familial status, race, and other protected classes is as real in 2024 as it was decades ago. Unfortunately, some sellers see buyer love letters as a way to weed out certain people from living in their homes.

Aside from the potential discriminatory implications, this can also create an emotionally draining situation when you are trying to figure out why your offer wasn’t chosen.

Secondly, love letters can create legal complications. If a seller chooses a buyer based on the emotional appeal of a letter, rather than the financial and logistical merits of the offer, it could lead to disputes down the line. Other buyers who were not selected might claim that the decision was discriminatory, potentially leading to lawsuits and financial penalties.

Offers Speak Volumes

Moreover, the focus should always be on the strength of the offer itself. A well-structured offer with a competitive price, pre-approval from a reputable lender, and reasonable contingencies will always stand out more than any emotional plea. Sellers are primarily interested in closing the deal smoothly and efficiently, without potential legal pitfalls.

Finally, love letters can sometimes backfire. Sellers might view these letters as manipulative or insincere, which could harm the buyer’s chances. In the high-stakes world of real estate, professionalism and straightforwardness are often more appreciated than emotional appeals.

In conclusion, while love letters to sellers may seem like a sweet and personal touch, they carry significant risks that can outweigh their potential benefits. Buyers should focus on making a strong, clean offer that speaks for itself, and leave the emotional connections for after the closing date. By doing so, they not only protect themselves from legal complications but also maintain the integrity of the home-buying process.