When listing your property for sale, you want to use the right words to generate the right kind of interest from potential homebuyers. In today’s real estate housing market, homebuyer’s expectations have increased thanks to the beautiful homes they see on social media and in magazines.
Many real estate listing agents are very careful about which words to use when listing your investment property for sale. That’s because having your home’s description or listing ignored is a definite way to end up with it staying on the market for a very long time.
With that being said, here are some important things to consider before listing your property for sale.
Related: Listing Your Investment Property for Sale: Simple Steps to Be Ready
#1: Focus on style NOT substance
Studies have shown that words that describe the overall attractiveness of a property sell much faster than those that describe the “value” or “price” of a property. When listing your property for sale, concentrate on words that describe the style of your property. For example, words such as “beautiful” which describe how attractive the property is work wonders.
Every homebuyer has the ability to get a bargain on a property. For this reason, homebuyers in today’s market put great emphasis on the condition of the property rather than the “price” of it. With today’s widespread use of the internet, buyers have the ability to see and compare home prices in any neighborhood. That is why the pricing is no longer their number one concern.
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#2: Don’t tell the buyer what to do when listing your property for sale
When homebuyers look at different listings and see phrases like “must see”, they tend to become unmotivated towards viewing the property. In today’s housing market, the buyer is in control and in the driver’s seat. That is why telling them what they should and shouldn’t do can have your property on hold for a very long time.
#3: Be realistic with your property’s description
When listing your property for sale, you need to tell it how it is and be realistic if you want good results. Don’t write phrases and just assume that buyer’s know what you mean. Words like “foreclosure” tell buyers that there is a possibility for bargains and low offers. Words like “gourmet kitchen” mean that the property has a higher sale price. Be precise on the message you’re trying to send out and think about what results you’re aiming for.
#4: Don’t use confusing words
Here is another thing about homebuyers in today’s housing market; they know when they’re being deceived. So don’t try to waste your time by using words that confuse homebuyers. When listing your property for sale avoid using “cover-up” words to hide the flaws in your property. For example, everyone knows that the word “cozy” is just another word for small. Saying that your home is warm and cozy automatically translates into a very small house. Similarly, describing the neighborhood of your home as “up-and-coming” is just another way of saying that your home is located in the “not so good” part of town. Rather than wasting your time trying to trick buyers, be specific when describing and focus on presenting the strong aspects of your investment property.
Here’s the fact that real estate investors need to keep in mind when listing their property for sale: Buyers will see the truth when they see the property; so why try covering it up? And some buyers who were interested in the property without the exaggeration will be turned off by what they see as fraud or lying.
Related: Creating the Best Rental Listings for Your Investment Properties
#5: Only use pictures that match your description
If your home’s listing description goes on and on about what a magnificent and spacious backyard your property has, then make sure you have photos to back up what you’re describing. Homebuyers tend to get very suspicious when property listings don’t show any pictures or when images that are included in the listing don’t look anything like the home described. Make sure your photos match your property’s description on your home’s online listing website.
There are certain words or phrases that you should keep in mind when listing your property for sale. These words will help craft a vivid description of your home.
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The property is walkable to. . .
Probably the number one thing that attracts every buyer’s attention is proximity to public amenities. Homebuyers hold a special kind of love towards properties that are close to shops, parks, and restaurants.
Homebuyers are willing to pay more for properties that are highly “walkable” compared to homes in neighborhoods where cars are necessary to get to and from places. So if your home is “a walkable to property”, you should definitely mention it when listing your property for sale. Include the major hot spots your home “is walkable to.” Talk to your real estate agent and discuss together the best way to paint the picture of your home’s proximity to public amenities. Consider giving information like a precise distance or number of blocks or length of the drive that it would take to get from your property to certain amenities.
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Property’s floor plan flow
Words that describe a home’s spaciousness and openness of floor plan are generally more attractive to homebuyers. Buyers are more willing to come and see a home that is characterized by clean, clear space, and light flow. Be sure to avoid over exaggeration when describing your property. The last thing you want is to manipulate buyers by falsely describing your home just to get them there!
If for example, your home has a darker floor plan, then don’t go and describe it as bright and open. You could refer to your property as offering a more “formal style of living” and let the picture of your home do the talking instead.
Read Also: What Are the Best Ways to Market Your Rental Listings?
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Lifestyle upgrades
If your home has some major characteristics that are attractive to homebuyers (especially first-time homebuyers), then you can get big bucks when listing your property for sale. As an investor, you look for rental properties that represent an appealing lifestyle, so do homebuyers. For example, mentioning in your property’s description that your home has plenty of storage space, offers privacy and tranquility, or has uniquely furnished or enjoyable outdoor living spaces can capture the attention of many homebuyers who are ready to make a deal.
The bottom line
Words matter, not only when listing your property for sale, but in everything else you do in life. That is why it is very important to carefully choose the right terminology to ensure you’re making smart investment decisions and make a profit from your investment property.
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