Friday, July 13, 2012

6 things your home listing should include - cont.

3. Use the right adjectives. Too much fluff can be off-putting, Johnson says, so use descriptors sparingly. And choose the words that pack the most punch. 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." Likewise, homes that were described as "beautiful" or "gorgeous" sold 15% faster.

That doesn't mean that every house or room deserves that descriptor, but if it fits the bill, by all means use it, agents say. "Beautiful landscaping" is a good combination.
But don't exaggerate. The worst thing, agents say, is building buyers' expectations with a grand description of something only to have it fall far short in real life. Remember, "spacious" is a relative term. "Open floor plan" on the other hand, works for everyone.

Here's Johnson's makeover on a listing that went overboard with the adjectives:
Before: "Splendid, Sweet, and no other Equal! This one hits the sweet spot! Tons of hardwoods, gorgeous granite countertops, plantation shutters, 2 covered patios, crown molding, stone fireplace and fantastic fixtures. You will love the updated style Highland Home floor plan with the California kitchen. Both master and secondary bedroom downstairs. Massive master suite! Don't forget an awesome gameroom and fully wired media room. Exemplary Frisco ISD!"
After: "Highland home with ideal open floor plan including master and extra bedroom down, game & media room wired for surround sound, hand-scraped wood extended thru 1st floor including study, kitchen open to family room with granite, stainless appliances, double ovens, 5-burner gas cooktop, oversized master, larger than average secondary bedrooms, plantation shutters, sink in 3 car garage, pool-sized yard with covered patio, established neighborhood feeds to Exemplary Frisco ISD with quick access to major highways."

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