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few months ago, I received an unexpected love letter from a stranger. While it came with a money offer, I was more flattered than anything else. However, real estate agents are now warning clients away from these types of "love letters" that detail why they're the perfect buyer.

    The practice has been around for decades but gained popularity in the competitive post-pandemic market where low inventory and multiple bidders reign supreme. This trend was even reflected in Etsy selling stationery templates for the perfect love letter, as reported by the New York Times.

    However, the National Association of Realtors warns that these notes full of personal details could lead to accusations of discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. A seller could be accused of refusing or accepting an offer based on a buyer's background information, such as their race, religion, or family status.

    For instance, a letter describing a family's idyllic Christmas scene would reveal their religion and familial status. Moreover, these letters often don't provide a full financial picture of the buyer. I've seen friends try to write these letters to snag a house, but my agent recently told me that a buyer had written one for my condo.

    The offer was at asking price, which seemed good enough, but my agent didn't show me the letter due to concerns about potential discrimination issues. In the end, it's essential to focus on the financial aspects of the transaction, such as price, closing speed, and ease of sale.