Short Answer
A love letter is a personal note from buyer to seller expressing why they love the home and hope to buy it. While these letters can create an emotional connection, they are increasingly discouraged in real estate. Fair housing laws prohibit using personal characteristics in housing decisions, and a love letter that reveals your race, religion, family status, or other protected characteristics could expose the seller to fair housing liability. Some agents advise sellers not to read them.
Love letters have been a traditional part of real estate, but their use is changing. The concern is that a love letter might inadvertently reveal information that could lead to discrimination. For example, mentioning that you want to raise your children in the home reveals family status. Mentioning a specific religion or cultural background reveals religion or national origin. Even mentioning your job or marital status could raise fair housing concerns. Some real estate associations now advise agents to refuse to deliver love letters. Other agents still accept them but advise sellers to focus only on the offer terms. If you want to write a love letter, keep it focused on the physical aspects of the home: the kitchen, the backyard, the neighborhood, and the community. Avoid any personal details about yourself or your family. Your agent can advise you on what is appropriate in your local market.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
I used to recommend love letters regularly, but the fair housing landscape has changed. Now I advise buyers to focus on offer terms rather than personal letters. The safest approach is to make your offer as strong as possible on its own merits. If you feel strongly about writing a letter, I will help you draft one that stays focused on the home itself, not your personal story.
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