Off the Record: Portland Real Estate Insider
Welcome to Off the Record: Portland Real Estate Insider, your ultimate source for all things real estate in Portland Metro! Join Joe and Makayla, as they take you on a thrilling journey behind the scenes of the bustling Portland Metro real estate market. From jaw-dropping success stories to nail-biting challenges, we spill the beans on it all, without holding back. Get ready to gain insider knowledge, uncover hidden gems, and discover the secrets of the trade that no one else will tell you. With our expert insights, you'll be hooked from the very first episode. So, whether you're a seasoned investor, a first-time homebuyer, or just curious about the world of real estate, be sure to tune in to Off the Record: Portland Real Estate Insider. Don't miss out - hit that subscribe button now and join us on this thrilling ride!
Off the Record: Portland Real Estate Insider
Buyer Love Letters in 2025: What’s Legal, What’s Not, and What Works
💌 Think buyer love letters are just sweet notes? In real estate, they can make — or break — a deal.
Episode Summary
In this episode of Off the Record, Joe and Makayla explore the sometimes heartwarming, sometimes controversial world of buyer love letters—those personal notes buyers write to sellers in hopes of making their offer stand out. Once banned in Oregon, these letters are making a comeback—just not without rules and risks.
You’ll learn what’s perfectly fine to include, what to avoid to steer clear of Fair Housing issues, and why emotions can sometimes play a bigger role in a sale than you think. Plus, Joe and Makayla share real-life hot takes, confessions from the field.
If you’ve ever wondered whether these letters actually work—or if you should use one—this episode is your insider’s guide to doing it smart, safe, and effectively.
Episode Highlights
- [00:03:20] What is a buyer love letter? — How they work, why buyers write them, and why sellers love (or hate) them.
- [00:10:12] From ban to comeback — Why Oregon outlawed love letters in 2021, and how they made a legal return in 2022.
- [00:12:12] What to include — Complimenting design choices, highlighting features, and expressing genuine excitement.
- [00:14:56] What to avoid — Topics that can lead to Fair Housing concerns, like religion, family status, or race.
- [00:16:58] Free resource for listeners — Details on the downloadable Buyer Love Letter Template at LivPortland.com.
- [00:18:19] Sellers’ perspective — How to present the option of love letters in multiple-offer situations.
- [00:20:12] Emotions vs. numbers — Why human connection can matter just as much as the bottom line.
Resources Mentioned
- Buyer Love Letter Guidebook (downloadable bonus with example letters and commentary) → LivPortland.com
- Must-read blog post: “Buyer Love Letters Are Legal in Oregon—but Use with Caution” → LivPortland blog
💡 Thinking about writing a buyer love letter? Download our free template and do it the right way → LivPortland.com
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