In a competitive real estate market, buyers often look for creative ways to stand out. One long-used tactic is writing a personal letter to a seller — sometimes called a “love letter” — explaining why you want their home. But in 2025, experts say this strategy might do more harm than good.
With the spring housing season in full swing and listings increasing in many markets, buyers may feel pressure to act fast. Still, real estate professionals caution against relying on emotional appeals that could raise legal concerns or turn off sellers.
Do homebuyer letters help or hurt?
Love letters from buyers once seemed like a way to build rapport with sellers. But Charlie Lankston, executive editor at Realtor.com, says the impact is mixed.
“A seller with a strong emotional connection to their home might be more inclined to accept an offer from someone who shares that connection,” Lankston said. “But others may see it strictly as a business transaction and be put off by personal appeals.”
A 2021 Zillow survey of real estate agents ranked love letters among the least effective buyer strategies. Agents suggest consulting with your real estate professional before including one in your offer.
How to write a buyer letter — if you choose to
If you do decide to include a letter, experts recommend focusing on what you appreciate about the home itself. Be sincere, but avoid stating plans to remodel or upgrade the property.
“A little praise goes a long way — highlight specific design features you loved during the tour,” Lankston advised.
Avoid sharing personal details that could reveal characteristics such as race, religion, family status, or occupation. These disclosures could unintentionally expose sellers to Fair Housing Act violations.
Legal risks and controversy
The National Association of Realtors has warned that buyer letters may pose fair housing risks, especially when they contain information that could influence a seller’s decision in a discriminatory way — whether consciously or not.
In 2021, Oregon passed a law banning real estate agents from delivering buyer letters to avoid potential discrimination. The law was later overturned as unconstitutional, but it highlighted growing concerns across the industry.
Legal experts say proving discrimination linked to a buyer letter is difficult, but the perception alone has led many brokerages to discourage the practice entirely.
Better ways to strengthen your offer
If you want to make a strong offer without including a letter, real estate professionals recommend focusing on your finances:
- Have a mortgage pre-approval letter ready
- Offer more than the standard 20% down, if possible
- Ensure your credit and financial documents are in order
- Consider a cash offer if you have the means
You can also ask your agent to find out what matters most to the seller. A flexible closing date or lease-back agreement might appeal to a seller who hasn’t secured their next home yet.
According to Realtor.com, active home listings jumped more than 30% in April compared to last year. In some cities like San Diego, San Jose, and Washington, D.C., listings rose by more than 67%. With homes taking longer to sell and 18% of sellers cutting prices, buyers may soon have more leverage — even without writing a love letter.
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