For Our Homes.
Our Safety.
Our Families.
Require Standards for Kansas Home Inspectors
Oregon REALTORS® put principles into practice to further advance Oregon’s national leadership in fair housing legislation
In Oregon, redlining districts and other discriminatory housing policies historically prevented homebuyers of color from living in certain neighborhoods. Although these policies no longer exist, their impacts have been far-reaching.
As REALTORS®, we condemn discrimination of any kind as well as policies and practices that could lead to it. We have worked over the years with the state legislature to change such policies, and we are proud that, because of this effort, Oregon leads the nation in Fair Housing policies.
Last year, we supported two bills to protect Fair Housing; one banned “love letters,” and another increased education requirements for our members.
What’s Wrong With Love Letters?
Love letters – personal letters that are not part of the sale agreement – are often written by prospective buyers to sellers and contain personal information about the buyers. These letters sometimes contain family pictures or other details that could influence sellers. However, these personal details have the potential to create an environment where sellers are considering demographics such as race, marital status, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
Where Our State Stands On Love Letters
Starting this year, love letters, photos, or other information not related to the home sale are no longer allowed to be accepted by the seller’s agent in an offer.
LEARN MORE
Download our infographic to learn how Oregon REALTORS® is advocating to ensure the homebuying process is fair for everyone.
Add your voice today to support fair housing measures and get updates from the Oregon REALTORS®.
“A buyer can hurt their chances of winning if they choose to write a personal letter that forces them to disclose their race, gender, family status, etc.”
— Brad Twiss, owner of Neighbors Realty
Source: theguardian.com, Dec. 2, 2021 https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/dec/02/oregon-love-letter-home
“I was dumbfounded when I was (asked)… to submit one of these love letters. Being the recovering attorney that I am, I couldn’t understand why someone [would] want to know this information or would ask me to write a letter. … If I have approval from a mortgage company and money, and I’m ready to buy, what is this letter about?”
— Nancy from Hillsboro, Oregon
Source: opb.org, Aug. 31, 2021 https://www.opb.org/article/2021/08/31/think-out-loud-homeowner-love-letters/
WHAT OREGON’S NEW LAW SAYS ABOUT THIS PRACTICE
“In order to help a seller avoid selecting a buyer based on the buyer’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status or familial status as prohibited by the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601, et seq.), a seller’s agent shall reject any communications other than customary documents in a real estate transaction, including photographs provided by a buyer.”
— Oregon statute (HB 2550)
“We are limiting transmission of communications that are not relevant and could potentially be breaking Fair Housing laws.”
— Rep. Mark Meek, D-Oregon
Source: opb.org, Nov. 27, 2021 https://www.opb.org/article/2021/11/27/bend-oregon-lawsuit-real-estate-love-letters-ban-free-speech/
Oregon REALTORS® Stands Against Discrimination
Our real estate professionals have a high standard for fairness in housing, based on a culture of personal and professional accountability. Oregon REALTORS® stands at the forefront of the fight for fairness in housing. We’re proud that our state is a national leader in Fair Housing legislation and the first in the nation to take action to prevent the potential for discrimination posed by love letters.
Additionally, we supported a bill to require regular training for REALTORS® on Fair Housing laws. REALTORS® will take a certified Fair Housing course to activate their license, and take an additional course every two years to renew or reactivate their license.
Oregon REALTORS® believes that ending the use of love letters will help create a more level playing field for everyone. We all benefit when offers are judged on merit.
