When you discover your dream home, you may wonder if there are ways to gain the upper hand in the competitive real estate market. One creative method you can use to stand out from the crowd involves crafting a personal love letter to the home seller, expressing admiration for the home and explaining why it is exactly what you have been looking for.
While this may seem like a heartfelt gesture to influence the seller’s decision, this approach may not be as effective as you think. Before you put pen to paper, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and rewards.
The allure of a love letter
In case you’re trying to purchase a residential real estate property in a highly competitive market, bidding wars may arise, and you may want to go beyond offering a high price to secure your dream home. In this case, a heartfelt letter to the seller can help propel you to the top of the list. By connecting with the seller on a heart-to-heart level, you can tap into the emotional side of the sale. You can talk about:
- How much you love the home’s architectural features
- How you envision raising a family in the home
- Personal stories that link you to the neighborhood
Suppose this emotional appeal resonates with the seller; you can successfully communicate your commitment and affinity for the property. But what if the seller does not have strong sentimental ties to the property?
The potential risks of writing a love letter
If you’re thinking about taking this approach, you should know that while love letters may seem harmless, they can carry legal and ethical risks. The seller is prohibited from being biased when choosing a buyer for their real estate property. When you write a love letter, you will likely share personal details about yourself that may reveal protected characteristics such as:
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial status
- National origin
Even if you had good intentions, your love letter might inadvertently create legal risks for the seller, as they might be seen as making a decision based on those details rather than purely on the merits of the offer.
While writing a love letter to a home seller in New Jersey might seem like a way to personalize your offer and show commitment, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. With appropriate legal guidance, you can use safe strategies to secure the dream home you’re on the hunt for.
