Buying a house right now is an unusually stressful experience for buyers across Canada. Between the low inventory and the high demand, people have to make quick decisions and pay more than they may have been prepared to, to get the right home.

Buyers may also be considering alternative ways to make their offer more attractive, such as including a letter to the sellers.

Love Letters to Sellers

Including a letter about how much you love a house can create an emotional connection between the buyer and seller, potentially making you stand out in a competitive market. Depending on what you say, the seller may like what you have planned for the house, or they may feel good that you will not make any significant changes.

Explaining why the house is perfect for your needs, such as its proximity to good schools, community, or specific features that suit your lifestyle. By expressing your genuine interest and commitment to the property could persuade a seller to choose an offer that may not be the highest but comes from a seemingly reliable and dedicated buyer.

Cons and Risks of Love Letters

That said, a letter could wind up working against a would-be buyer. For instance, letters can unintentionally reveal personal information that touches on protected classes than the author intended to provide. This could lead to potential violations of Fair Housing Laws if the seller makes decisions based on this information.

Writing that you can picture yourself hosting Christmas dinners or having enough space for your family to stay when they come to Canada can tell the buyer about your religion and culture; including a picture of yourself can also be a disclosure of your race. Sellers might favor buyers based on their personal biases, leading to discrimination and unfair practices in the housing market. In the end the unfortunate reality is that sellers can use this information as a reason not to choose one offer over a similar one.

Should I Include a Letter?

Whether you want to include a letter with your offer is a personal decision. If you choose to write a letter you might decide to leave out information and keep it professional and focus on your appreciation for the property itself. Focus on what you love and value about the home.

Another thing to consider is how you might set your offer apart using other options, from removing contingencies to making financial assurances. Including, a mortgage pre-approval letter from your lender can show you are a serious and qualified buyer. Additionally, understanding the local market and offering a price that is competitive. Sometimes offering slightly above the asking price can make your offer stand out.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to review your offer and purchase agreement carefully and with legal counsel to be sure you know what you are agreeing to. Buying a house is stressful, but knowing what you can do to make yours the offer that a seller accepts can make it easier to find the next place you call home.