Buyer Love Letters: Outdated or Still a Smart Strategy?

Would You Write a Letter to Win Your Dream Home?

You’ve found the one — the house that makes your heart skip a beat. Maybe it’s the coastal charm, the sun-drenched lanai, or the perfect proximity to the golf course. You’re ready to make an offer… but should you also write a letter to the seller?

Buyer “love letters” — short, personal notes sent along with an offer — have been used for years as a way to stand out. And while they’re often associated with red-hot bidding wars, they haven’t entirely disappeared now that the Naples market has cooled a bit.

So do they still matter? And should you write one?

Let’s explore what these letters are, how they work (and sometimes don’t), and what to consider in today’s more balanced real estate environment.

What Is a Buyer Love Letter?

A buyer love letter is a brief, heartfelt note included with your offer. It’s meant to create an emotional connection with the seller by showing appreciation for the home and painting a picture of how you’d care for it. Common ingredients include:

• A quick intro about who you are

• What drew you to the home

• What you hope your life might look like there

Think of it as adding a human element to the paperwork — a chance to stand out not just on numbers, but on heart.

Do They Work in Today’s Market?

In some cases, yes — but with a few caveats.

While Naples isn’t experiencing the same bidding frenzy we saw a couple of years ago, desirable properties that are priced well still attract multiple offers. And when offers are close in terms of price and terms, a personal letter can sometimes be the factor that nudges a seller in your direction.

That said, a love letter should never be used to make up for a weak offer. If your offer is low or heavily contingent, no amount of sentiment will likely sway a seller. These letters are not a replacement for sound pricing strategy — but in some cases, they can be the cherry on top of a strong, well-structured offer.

Pros of Including a Buyer Letter

✅ Helps You Stand Out in a CrowdIf several offers are on the table and yours is comparable, a letter can make you more memorable and relatable.

✅ Creates Emotional ConnectionSellers who are especially attached to their home may appreciate knowing the next owner values it as much as they do.

✅ Can Be a Tie-BreakerIn a slower or stable market, where sellers might be choosing between two similar offers, the emotional resonance of a letter can help tip the scale.

Cons and Cautions to Consider

❌ Potential for Unintended Bias (Fair Housing Issues)

Even the most well-meaning comments can reveal personal details—like your family makeup, religion, or background—that might unintentionally influence a seller’s decision. For example, saying “Our kids would love the backyard” or “We can't wait to host our holiday celebrations here” might seem harmless, but it could open the door to conscious or unconscious bias. It’s best to keep the focus on the home itself, not who you are or how you plan to use it.

❌ Some Agents Discourage ThemTo avoid any appearance of bias, some listing agents won’t present buyer letters to their clients at all.

❌ They Don’t Fix a Bad OfferIf your offer is well below asking, full of contingencies, or unrealistic, a letter won’t save it — and might even seem like a distraction tactic.

Thinking About Writing a Buyer Letter? Here's What to Keep in Mind

If your agent (hi, that’s me!) agrees it’s appropriate and the listing side is open to receiving them, here are a few guidelines for writing a smart, safe, and effective buyer letter:

✔️ Keep It Focused on the Property - Talk about what you genuinely admire in the home — “the attention to detail,” “the beautiful natural light,” or “the peaceful lanai.”

✔️ Be Thoughtful About What You Share

If you choose to include personal details—like your family situation, age, or traditions—make sure they relate directly to the features of the home. For instance, mentioning how a home office suits your remote work setup is relevant. But avoid sharing information that could unintentionally trigger bias or distract from the strength of your offer.

✔️ Be Sincere, But Brief - A few thoughtful sentences go a long way. No need for a novel.

✔️ Keep the Tone Positive and Respectful - Gratitude and admiration — not persuasion or manipulation — are key.

Sample line:

“We’ve seen many homes, but this one felt special from the moment we walked in. The care you’ve taken with it really shows, and we would be honored to make it our home.”

So, Should You Write a Love Letter?

If you’re making a competitive and reasonable offer, and you want to show genuine appreciation for a seller’s home, a love letter can be a thoughtful touch — especially in a balanced market where the emotional side of selling may be more present.

But if you’re trying to use a letter to overcome a low offer or offset weak terms, it’s unlikely to help. A seller’s primary concern will still be price, terms, and likelihood of a smooth closing. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced agent who can help you strategically position your offer — and advise whether a letter will help or hurt your chances.

Need Help Crafting a Winning Offer — with or without a Letter?

Buyer love letters are not a magic bullet, but they can add a human element in the right scenario. When used thoughtfully — and legally — they can personalize your offer and help it stand out among similar ones.

Want help crafting an offer that balances market data with smart strategy (and maybe a little heart)? I’ve helped countless buyers in Naples navigate shifting markets and win the homes they love — and I’d be honored to help you too.

📞 Call or text me: (239) 287-2576📧 Email: renee@yournaplesexpert.com

Let’s write the winning story — together.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice. If you have legal questions or concerns about the legal implications of buyer love letters or any aspect of the home buying or selling process, I recommend consulting with a qualified real estate attorney for legal counsel.