Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2013 and recommended “love letters” as a buyer strategy for Seattle home buyers. Guidance on this practice has changed significantly since then, and this post has been rewritten to reflect current thinking on the fair housing risk involved.

A “love letter” is a personal note a buyer sends along with an offer — sharing why they love the home, what they picture their life looking like there, sometimes with family photos attached. In Seattle’s competitive market, it used to be common advice for standing out. It’s not anymore, and there’s a real reason why. [Read more…]