If you have a buyer who wants to submit a love letter to a seller…
If you have a seller who wants to review a love letter from a buyer…
Use every method you have to stop this potential FAIR HOUSING violation. Nip this in the bud. NAR alert that love letters are high risk for fair housing complaints and lawsuits.
Talk to the buyer well in advance of this issue arising. Nip in bud.
Talk to the seller well in advance of this issue arising. Nip in bud.
Talk to your BIC asap if this issue arises.
Talk to the SCR hotline 803-772-5206 asap if this issue arises.
Consider shielding buyer names from sellers since some names might be indicators of protected fair housing classes (e.g., national origin, religion, sex). Perhaps use a table with contract terms sans names in multiple offers for example.
Example love letter excerpt:
"My partner Paul and me (Vishal) can imagine our child wheeling his wheelchair into your beautiful spacious den on Christmas morning."
SCR Forms require parties to comply with Fair Housing.
Buyer Agency:
NONDISCRIMINATION: Broker and Buyer agree that all actions carried out under this contract shall be in full
compliance with local, state, and federal fair housing laws against discrimination including on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, familial status, marital status, age, disabilities/handicap, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Listing Agency:
FAIR HOUSING: Owner and Broker agree that this property is offered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap,
familial status, or national origin and is listed in full compliance with local, state, and federal fair housing laws.
Posted by: Byron King on 2/24/21 (This information is only accurate as of 2/24/21. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 2/24/21 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org)