How to Write a Real Estate Listing

When it comes to how to write a real estate listing, there are a few things to keep in mind. One, if you’re using a Realtor or real estate agent, they will be the one to write the listing. However, that doesn’t mean that you, the seller, can’t provide some feedback before they put the listing together.

Two, there are lists of words, phrases, sayings and terms that can help a real estate listing. And there are lists of words, phrases, sayings and terms that can hurt your real estate ad.

So, I wanted to lay them out here–the descriptions that can help or hurt your real estate listing. That way, whether you’re selling your home yourself or using a professional, you can find the right words to use to sell your house faster.

How to write a real estate listing: top search words

Here are 19 words you should always include in a real estate listing. This is assuming these real estate buzz words accurately describe your home. Also, that they make sense appearing in your real estate listing.

1. Luxurious: The word luxurious signals that a home’s finishes and amenities are high-end.
2. Captivating: “Captivating” provides a rich, enticing description for buyers.
3. Impeccable: This is a rich (literally and figuratively) adjective that describes something about the quality of the home–in a good way.
4. Stainless: If you watch HGTV, then you know homeowners are crazy about stainless steel appliances–and have been for years.
5. Landscaped: Curb appeal sells! If you’ve recently landscaped your yard, let people know.
6. Remodel: Real estate experts know that it’s usually worth mentioning if you recently remodeled or made improvements to your home.
7. Beautiful: A beautiful feature like a view may be worth noting.
8. Spotless: Saying a home is “spotless” bumps up its value in the buyer’s mind.
9. Tile: New tile often signals that the home has been well cared for.
10. Upgraded: Upgrades are almost always a selling point.
11. Updated: To buyers the word “updated” says that something old has been replaced with something new.
12. Move-in: Saying a home is in “move-in condition” or is “move-in ready” says that the house is updated. Also, it says that it has the bells and whistles buyers may be looking for in a new home. Finally, it says that if you buy this house, you won’t have to do a thing when you get there.
13. Granite: Buyers love granite countertops. Home Depot nearly always has deals on granite countertops, if you’re looking to upgrade (see how I used that real estate buzz word there?).
14. State-of-the-art: State of the art is pretty self explanatory. It means your home is modern and updated (again, see real estate buzz word number 11).
15. Corian: If you don’t have granite, Corian is a second best contender. Home Depot also carries Corian.
16. Maple: Maple cabinetry is extremely popular among buyers.
17. Gourmet: A gourmet kitchen sounds like it stepped right off the set of a “Food Network” show.
18. Hardwood floors: Hardwoods beat carpeting any day of the week.
19. Amenities. Try to include the word amenities in your real estate listing. Maybe make it a subhead all its own. Amenities says luxury or upscale. Think about amenities you might find at a spa or a hotel. They definitely have a positive connotation.

Here is an alphabetical listing of real estate words that sell to include in a listing.

How to write a real estate listing: words to avoid

The words your real estate agent uses in your real estate advertising could affect the price you get when you sell your home–and not to your benefit. One, using the wrong adjective could cost you a good selling price. Two, using the wrong words in a real estate listing may turn your home off from buyers. Three, using the wrong words may make your home sit on the market longer. Finally, homes that sit on the market longer end up selling for less money.

Nine words not to use in real estate listing advertising:

1. Fixer: The word “fixer” implies “fixer-upper.”
2. TLC: Falls in the same camp as “fixer.”
3. Cosmetic: A buyer likely doesn’t want to hear that your home needs work.
4. Investment: Low-priced listings described as an “investment” signals a home that has seen better days.
5. Investor: For buyers this word can mean rundown and cheap.
6. Potential: A home with potential might sound positive. However, to a buyer, potentials says work-in-progress or not finished. Similarly, it might mean they need to spend money on it after they buy it. That’s not good.
7. Bargain: If you think your home is a great deal, a good rule of thumb is to let the price speak for itself. In conclusion,don’t say it’s a bargain.
8. Opportunity: In the corporate world an opportunity suggest something positive. In real estate, it’s the exact opposite. That word often suggests “investment opportunity” or “house-flipping opportunity.” Therefore, it can have negative connotations for buyer.
9. Nice: For low- and mid-priced homes, “nice” is highly subjective, especially if it’s used generally to say “a nice home.” The buyer is left to interpret what “nice” means. Your high school English teacher probably already warned you about using the word “nice.” For example, there are other, better adjectives out there. So, find a better way to describe your house, such as the words listed above in the top search words for real estate.

Final thoughts on how to write a real estate listing

Finally, keep in mind that the idea behind how you write a real estate listing and what you say is all about selling your house. You need to write your advertisement in a way that people will not only want to come see your house but they’ll want to buy your house.

So, play up the positives, avoid words and catchphrases that can read negatively, and, if necessary, tweak your listing based on feedback you get from showings.