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How do you capture
your audience in a few words? "The
right turn of a phrase can make a big difference in how fast your home sells, says
Melinda
Fulmer for MSN Real Estate News.
"The right
description can get the home a second look; the wrong one can sour buyers
on the property in a matter of seconds." she says. "So choose those words
wisely."
What to Say in Your
Listing
Amenities: Describe all the "extras" that might not
be obvious in pictures. An oversized garage, great views, or
added privacy should be noted in the description.
"If a community has
great amenities such as a neighborhood pool or nearby walking or biking
trails, mention them." says Fulmer. "If
the elementary school is a short walk away, that should be featured prominently
and ditto for perks such as short commutes or proximity to highly desirable
restaurants and shops."
Lifestyle: "A home is a place where they will create
memories." says Fulmer, "So give them a hint about what those memories might
be." How will they enjoy the home and
its features? Suggestions include; "Relax with a glass of wine on the
custom deck overlooking the well landscaped backyard" or "entertain
friends in the gourmet kitchen."
Be a Name Dropper: Does the home have a customized kitchen? Fulmer
suggests making sure you point out features and brands that buyers covet, such
as expensive appliances and upgrades.
Buyers Trends: "I try to hit [buyers'] hot
buttons," says Julie Johnson of BHG David Winans & Associates in
Dallas. "I give as many details or facts about a property as I can." Point
out that the home has a new roof, walk-in closets, and a fully finished
basement.
Hold the Fluff: Use descriptive words sparingly and don't
exaggerate. "A Canadian study conducted
more than a decade ago - but to which agents still refer - found that homes
described as "beautiful" sold for 5% more than those in "move-in
condition," says Fulmer. "Likewise, homes that were described as
"beautiful" or "gorgeous" sold 15% faster."
Use Spell Check: Nothing is worse than bad grammar and
misspelled words. "And be careful with abbreviations that people
might not understand." says Johnson. "While
agents might use "WBF" as an abbreviation for wood-burning fireplace,
many home shoppers would have no idea what that means and therefore can't be swayed
by it."
Be Motivating: Motivate the buyer to come see the home
before it's too late. Phrases such as "priced
to sell" and "great deal" might be the key to fueling more interest.
Remember to use the biggest selling points in the first
couple of lines to engage the reader.
What You Don't Say
can't Hurt: Don't feel the need to
point out cosmetic flaws. Buyers will discover a home's quirky floor plan or
tiny garage once they visit. For some it will be a deal breaker; for others,
maybe not, suggests Fulmer.
"Likewise, don't use
words such as "as-is," "fixer" or "handyman's special."
Buyers reading "as-is" in a listing will often imagine the property
to be in far worse condition than it is." she says. "Some euphemisms such as
"adorable," "quaint" or "cozy" merely emphasize a
negative quality, such as lack of space. Let the square footage speak for
itself."
Read
more at MSN Real Estate
Posted on March 18, 2013 14:34:58 by IPTV.Boyz
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