Five Listing Description Deal Killers (and makers)

BUY ME

Every aspect of a listing’s marketing can impact its sale price, even the word choice. For agents,  making sure descriptions capture a serious buyers attention is key to getting your sellers the most money.

When describing a home, the details matter.  In the bestselling book Freakonomics, authors Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner explain that “An analysis of the language used in real-estate ads shows that certain words are powerfully correlated with the final sale price of a house…. A ‘fantastic’ house is surely fantastic enough to warrant a high price, isn’t? What about a ‘charming’ and ‘spacious’ house in a ‘great neighborhood!’? No, no, no and no.”

Levitt and Dubner say, “If you study the words in an ad for a real-estate agent’s own home…you see that he or she indeed emphasizes descriptive terms (especially, ‘new,’ ‘granite,’ ‘maple,’ and ‘move-in condition’) and avoids empty adjectives (including ‘wonderful,’ ‘immaculate,’ and the telltale ‘!’).” Also, Don’t make it appear that your clients are desperate to sell, as in “Must Move Quickly.” You’re going after the buyers looking for their dream home – and willing to pay for it—not the bargain hunters!

Words that kill deals or decrease profits Fantastic Spacious “!” Charming Great Neighborhood

Words that make deals or improve profits Granite Energy-Efficient State-of-the-Art Maple Gourmet

The Smart Words Philosophy

When it comes to writing descriptions, the smart thing to do is to be very specific. Don’t be vague and use words like “fantastic,” “spacious,” or “charming.” Boring! Avoid sweeping adjectives.

Give specifics using descriptive, straightforward terms that tell the physical attributes of your home, as in “Marble,” “Spiral Staircase,” “Gourmet Kitchen with New Viking Appliances, and “Solid Bamboo Flooring.”

Remember, home buyers are interested in the facts not your (possibly biased) opinions.

Descriptions Matter

This time of year, there are many new listings hitting the market. Pay attention to these key power words that can help your listings get the right attention and ultimately the best prices. What power words are working in your market that might be missing from the list?

This Blog post is reposted from Trulia's Website for access to the complete article
Written By  Michael Corbett Posted January 23, 2012.

New Listing MLS # 20112550 Tensleep Rd

 5797 W Tensleep Rd

BIG-BIG-BIG! Don't be deceived by the other homes in the neighborhood THIS is a BIG one! 3,176 Sqft is more than double the size of the majority of homes currently on the market in this desirable neighborhood. Looking for a house to accommodate a plush sectional couch or a couple of king sized beds-- this is the home for you. The entertaining spaces on the first floor are open and inviting but easily defined for particular uses. Enjoy relaxing by the fireplace while keeping an eye on the apple pie warming in the kitchen oven. Or host a barbecue in your private backyard, and keep an eye on the tardy guest coming through the front door. On the first floor, the current owner has upgraded the flooring to hardwood and Linoleum tile. As well as, added conveniences such as a dishwasher and wire shelving in the walk-in pantry. If excitement should overtake you while visiting this home don't be afraid to do a flip in the upstairs hallway-- there's plenty of room. Labeling the rooms as over-sized is an understatement. The 2 twin sized beds are dwarfed in the expansive 14 x 15 ft room. And the master bedroom easily compares to a penthouse suite in most upscale hotels.  The 11 x 11 ft Master bathroom is roughly the size of most middle-class kitchens. No shortage on storage space in this home. Every room has a walk-in closet each one is so large you could get lost. Matter-of-fact the smallest closet fits an elliptical machine plus additional storage. Cul-du-sac living doesn't get much better than this. 5797 Tensleep is only a Stones Throw to Cook Medical, Ivy Tech and the proposed new YMCA. And a Hop- Skip- and a Jump onto 37 makes this a great location for commuting to Indianapolis or Crane. Tensleep is calling you home

New Listing MLS # 20111904 Tamarron Drive

 3839 Tamarron Drive

Shhh... One of Bloomington's Best kept secret neighborhoods-- TAMARRON. So close to IU, College Mall, and all East Side conveniences; But perfectly tucked away near nature preserves. 3839 Tamarron is within walking distance to University Elementary School. This is a 2,528 square foot home with 2 large family rooms and an open floor plan on the first floor. The heart of this home boast large picture windows with a built in bench and French Doors overlooking the spacious patio and backyard. This wall of windows lets in light through out the day. Don't be deceived by the exterior, there are 4 large bedrooms on the second floor-- each bedroom will have adequate space for all your belongings. Many UPGRADES can be seen through out the home such as a reverse osmosis water filtration system and dishwasher in the kitchen, newly tiled bathroom floors and toilets with enough power to flush away just about anything. Visit today to see how 3839 Tamarron will make your life complete.

New LIsting MLS # 20111775 Delila Star

2605 DELILA STAR

 Ca-Ching... Someone is going to get a deal on this house! Will it be you? Listing price is less than the new construction down the street and all other condos currently on the market in the neighborhood. Talk about VALUE. The Summit Ridge Community is a quick walk to Thomas Park, Clear Creek Trail Head, and Summit Elementary and just off the ROUTE 2 Bus line to downtown and IU campus. A Hop- Skip- and a Jump onto 37 makes this a great location for commuting to Indianapolis or Crane. Close enough to be plugged into the hustle and bustle of Bloomington's downtown but far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet. Warm and Cozy are just some of the words that come to mind when you step foot into this modern Condo in Summit Ridge. Well thought out, Open floor plan on the main floor allows for easy living and entertaining. Plenty of Storage; closets, pantry and under stairwell. French Doors off the kitchen lead to your own personal parking spot. Upstairs you will find 3 well apportioned bedrooms with large closets to store all your belongings. This home features 2 Full Bathrooms upstairs and 1 Half Bathroom downstairs. 2605 DELILA STAR is waiting for you to come home.

View Floor Plan Here

New LIsting MLS # 20111705 Catherine

5925 Catherine Street

Warm and Cozy are just some of the words that come to mind when you step foot into this Clean and Neat as a pin home. GREAT STARTER HOME in Clear Creek School District. The Winding Brook Community is a quick walk to Jackson Park, and Clear Creek Trail Head. A Hop- Skip- and a Jump onto 37 makes this a great location for commuting to Indianapolis or Crane. Close enough to be plugged into the hustle and bustle of Bloomington's downtown but far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet. 3 well apportioned bedrooms 1 updated Bath. Open Floor plan flows nicely between Living room, Dining room and Kitchen.This house is USDA Rural Housing 100% financing approved and all Appliances are included. Make 5925 Catherine your new home

New Listing MLS # 20111578 Stidd Drive

 4521 N Stidd

Looking for Seclusion and Privacy? Potential abounds in this large ranch over walk out basement on a private wooded lot tucked just outside of town. Enjoy the heart of the home while sitting in the living room and gaze through the large windows that overlook the deck and wooded back lot. Built in bookcase complement the room and add just the right amount of architectural detail to the vaulted ceilings. Sunlit and comfortable. The kitchen has new solid surface Corian and TONS of cabinet and pantry space. Open Floor plan allows you to cook and entertain at the same time. Unique features such as vaulted ceilings in bedrooms and pocket doors make this home flexible and customizable to your own personal needs. The basement space is ready for living with a gas fire place, double patio doors, and room to store all your belongings. So close to E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g but nestled away from the hustle and bustle. Go Shopping at College Mall in less than 10 minutes flat or be downtown or IU in 15 minutes. 4521 N Stidd wants you to call it home.

New Listing MLS # 20111160 Mill Stone Ct

3854 S Mill Stone Court

Comfort meets Stature at this lovely home nestled in Bloomington's Southside. Space abounds in this Large 5 bedroom 3.5 bath home with a finished basement. Situated on a secluded .52 acre lot in Jackson Mill. Light drenched rooms and an open floorplan make this house a pleasant place to call home. The well apportioned eat-in kitchen flows nicely into the entertaining spaces of the main floor. Yet, a quiet study located on the main floor is partitioned off with double french doors and makes for a private retreat. 4 spacious Bedrooms on the 2nd Floor provide plenty of space for living and relaxing and ample closet space to organize your belongings. Main Bedroom Suite features a jetted garden tub, double sinks, and a walk-in closet large enough to preform your morning calisthenics. The Finished Basement boasts tall ceilings and light filled spaces; as well as, a 7 point surround sound system perfect for media entertainment. A Bedroom and Full bath in basement aptly positioned for use as an au pair or in-law suite. Turn cartwheels in the gigantic backyard which is the largest lot in the neighborhood and play basketball on your own private court. Close walk to Olcott Park and Jackson Creek Middle School! Enjoy the proximity to Eastside shopping and IU access. 3854 S. Mill Stone Court Welcomes you Home!

View Floor Plan Here

New Listing MLS # 20111064 Ladd Ave

 704 W Ladd Ave

Charming 1950's Ranch over Full Basement near town. Warm and cozy 2,288 square foot home in Country Club Manor. Enjoy the warm hardwood floors on main level and 3 well appointed bedrooms. The central bath has been remodeled and features a laundry chute to the wash room in the basement. This home has a central vacuum system and upgraded mechanical systems. The roof  was replace with in the last 5 years. Water Heater was replace in 2008, and furnace was replace in the mid 90's.  Some of the main level electrical has been upgraded. The basement is finished with a wet bar and den. This house is situated on a large corner lot with a fenced yard, 12 x 24' deck, fire pit and large gardening and tool shed.

View Floor Plan Here

New Listing MLS # 20111038 Maybury Mall

3730 W Maybury Mall

Home sparkles and is ready for new owner! This Ranch over walk out basement has tons of space. 4 Bedroom 2 full baths with Den boasts of 1,750 finished Square Feet. Warm hardwood floors through out the first floor. Utilitarian Eat-in Kitchen with lots of natural light, walks out to a side deck perfect for summertime entertaining.

Finished basement has a large media room, full laundry room, full bathroom, one light filled bedroom, and a den and TONS of storage space. Property comes with Washer, Dryer and Refrigerator.

Close to West Side conveniences and a quick 10 minute drive to downtown and IU.

New Listing MLS #20110909 Clairmont Place

1416 E Clairmont Place

Easy lifestyle in Sherwood Oaks. What's better than living within walking distance to the Jackson Creek Trail. This home is conveniently nestled in the south side of Bloomington. Easy to get to anywhere in town and just as quick to Jump onto 37 to head to Indianapolis, Crane, or Lake Monroe. The home flaunts it's unique details; such as, an •Alluring Terrace in front, •Welcoming French Front Door, •A beautiful fireplace insert added to the •Stand alone Limestone fireplace, and •A cheerful Screened in Patio that looks over •The private backyard. Pride of ownership abounds and is reflected in the many recent upgrades. Carpets have been replaced, walls have been freshly painted and mechanical have been upgraded-- Furnace is less than 6 year old and was recently serviced. Privacy Important? The owner has planted wonderful trees in the backyard to give this home a park like setting. The home's living space features 3 large bedrooms, a formal living and dining room; as well as, a practical kitchen which is open to an adjacent cozy den. Located in Childs School District and Conveniently located near shopping, parks, and city services. Welcome home to an inviting ranch on a quiet cul-de-sac in Sherwood Oaks.

For more details Call 812-671-0060