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You've probably seen the advice:
Write the seller a beautiful letter.
Tell them about your children.
Tell them how you imagine Christmas morning.
Include your family photograph.
Explain how the house is perfect for “a family like yours.”
Lisa generally prefers not to build negotiations around personal information that can create fair-housing concerns.
WHY?
Because the seller may suddenly know things that should not be part of a housing decision.
A letter or photograph could reveal:
- Race
- Religion
- Familial status
- Disability
- National origin
- Other protected characteristics
Now the seller possesses information that may create legal and ethical concerns.
See what fair housing means for the full picture.
LET THE OFFER COMPETE ON LEGITIMATE TERMS
- Purchase price
- Financing
- Closing date
- Due diligence
- Earnest money
- Possession
- Other objective contractual terms
These are appropriate reasons to compare offers.
See how Lisa negotiates a buyer's offer.
WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO SAY I LOVE THE HOUSE?
Lisa can communicate legitimate transaction-related enthusiasm without turning your offer into a biography.
For example:
Buyer loves the property and is highly motivated to complete the transaction.
That communicates seriousness without introducing unnecessary personal characteristics.
SELLERS SHOULD BE CAREFUL TOO
Lisa's seller content should link back here.
If a seller receives personal information, offer decisions should remain grounded in legitimate financial and contractual factors.
See how to compare multiple offers for the seller side.
