Avoid These Mistakes When Writing to a Seller: What Not to Include in Your Letter

When writing a letter to a seller, there are certain things that you should avoid including to ensure that you do not violate any fair housing laws. Specifically, it’s important to avoid including any personal information that relates to a protected class of people. Here are some things that you should not include in a letter to a seller:

References to race, religion, national origin, color, family status, sexual orientation, or disability

Any mention of your own personal characteristics that would identify you as a member of a protected class

Questions or comments that could be interpreted as discriminatory or biased

Information about your financial situation, unless it is relevant to your offer or ability to complete the purchase

Anything that could be seen as an attempt to sway the seller with emotional appeals

By avoiding these types of comments or information in your letter to a seller, you can help ensure that you abide by fair housing laws and avoid any issues with discrimination or bias. Remember that the goal of your letter should be to express your interest in the property and your qualifications as a buyer, not to appeal to the seller’s personal characteristics or beliefs.

What to Leave Out of Your Letter to a Seller

When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of important factors to consider. One of the most important is how you’ll approach the seller. Writing a letter to a seller can be a great way to make a connection and stand out in a crowded market. However, there are some key things that you should avoid mentioning in your letter to the seller. Here are some guidelines to help you craft a successful and appropriate letter.

Be cautious with personal information

It’s important to remember that you are writing to a complete stranger. While it’s okay to share a bit about yourself and your family, you should avoid getting too personal. This includes things like your race or religion, national origin or color, family status, sexual orientation, or disability. These are protected classes under the fair housing laws, and mentioning them in your letter could be viewed as discriminatory or biased. Stick to talking about your personal interests or what you love about the home and neighborhood.

• Do: Share some personal details about your interests or hobbies.
• Don’t: Mention any protected classes or any other sensitive personal information.

Avoid mentioning protected classes

In addition to avoiding personal details that could be construed as discriminatory, you should also avoid mentioning any protected classes in your letter. These include race, religion, national origin, color, family status, sexual orientation, or disability. Even if you don’t mean any harm, mentioning any of these things could be seen as a violation of fair housing laws. Instead, focus on what you love about the home and how you envision living there.

• Do: Talk about your personal connection to the home and neighborhood.
• Don’t: Mention any protected classes or anything that could be seen as a violation of fair housing laws.

Don’t make assumptions about the seller

When writing your letter, it’s important to remember that you don’t know anything about the seller’s personal beliefs or preferences. Don’t make assumptions about their lifestyle, family, or interests. Stick to talking about the home and why you’re interested in it. Avoid any language that could be seen as presumptuous or patronizing.

• Do: Explain what you love about the home and what is drawing you to it.
• Don’t: Make assumptions about the seller’s lifestyle, family, or interests.

Leave out any negative comments about the property

Even if you’re viewing a fixer-upper or a house that needs a bit of work, it’s important to stay positive in your letter. Avoid any negative comments about the property or the neighborhood. Instead, focus on the potential of the home and how you envision making it your own. If there are specific repairs or improvements that you hope to make, mention them in a positive and constructive way.

• Do: Talk about the potential of the home and your ideas for making it your own.
• Don’t: Make any negative comments about the property or the neighborhood.

Don’t discuss finances or negotiating tactics in the letter

When it comes to negotiating the price or terms of a home purchase, it’s important to leave those discussions for later. Don’t use your letter as an opportunity to discuss specifics of your financial situation or your negotiating tactics. Instead, focus on sharing your personal story and what you love about the home.

• Do: Focus on why you love the home and what it would mean to you to own it.
• Don’t: Discuss any specifics about your finances or negotiating tactics.

Avoid threatening or coercive language

While it’s important to be assertive in your letter, it’s also important to avoid any language that could be seen as threatening or coercive. This includes language that suggests that you will only buy the home if certain conditions are met or that you’re the perfect buyer. Be positive and respectful in your language, and avoid any ultimatums or pushy tactics.

• Do: Express your interest in the home and how much it would mean to you to own it.
• Don’t: Use any language that could be seen as threatening or coercive.

Don’t use overly emotional language or be too informal in your writing

While it’s important to share your personal story and connection to the home, it’s also important to avoid using overly emotional language or being too informal in your writing. Remember that you’re writing to a potential seller, not a close friend. Use proper grammar and punctuation, and avoid slang or overly casual language. Keep your tone positive and respectful.

• Do: Use proper grammar and punctuation, and keep your tone positive and respectful.
• Don’t: Use overly emotional language or be too informal in your writing.

In conclusion, writing a letter to a seller can be a great way to make a connection and stand out in a crowded market. However, it’s important to be mindful of what you include in your letter. Avoid personal information, any mention of protected classes, negative comments about the property, discussions of finances or negotiating tactics, threatening or coercive language, and overly emotional or informal language. By following these guidelines, you can craft a successful and appropriate letter that will help you stand out from the rest of the crowd.