5 tips for writing an awesome home description that will attract buyers & standout amongst the others
We all know a great first impression is crucial when it comes to listing your home. Professional photos aren’t the only essential part of creating an attractive listing. Your description is the buyers first chance to read about the property and discover all that it has to offer. The buyer will be looking for how closely the home matches the criteria they are searching for. This could be a huge factor in securing a showing from someone viewing your listing.
Now that over 90% of home buyers start their search online, an enticing home description is more important than ever.
1. Create a standout opening statement
Start with a compelling opening statement that answers the buyer’s “what am I looking at?” question. Be direct and to the point. Get creative! Focus on the buyer – make them want to know more about the home.
2. Be Specific & Accurate
Provide clear and specific information about the property (how many beds/baths) and it’s standout features.
Describe the property accurately – setting unrealistic or hyperbolic expectations helps no one.
Format matters. Use complete sentences, proper grammar and punctuation, without over using an exclamation! Arrange the items featured in the description to match the order of your photos. And pay attention to length
Be descriptive without over using adjectives, choose them wisely. Include words that add value, such as “updated”, “upgraded”, “captivating”, “impeccable”
3. Build Character & Tell a Story to the Buyer
Highlight unique features and use creative words – character will help buyers differentiate your listing from others and something the right buyers would appreciate. Desirable elements of the home that might not be obvious or captured in the photos.
Mention finishes and upgrades such as hardwood flooring, new countertops, and use brand names when describing appliances.
Include desirable neighbourhood features such as parks, walking trails, nearby shopping, restaurants, attractions.
4. Avoid 'Red Flag' Terms
Avoid red flag words, such as “needs TLC”, “fixer”, “potential”, “bargain”, that could deter potential buyers, imply that the home needs a lot of work and give the impression there is a lot of room for negotiating.
Exceptions to this may be if these terms are accurate, as a result you’re priced accordingly and you’re aiming to attract a flipper or someone looking to invest in a project and renovation.
5. Take note of punctuation
It may seem obvious, but punctuation matters when writing a home description. For example, every sentence should not end in an exclamation point! You want to highlight the parts of your home that are amazing and using an exclamation point at the end of every sentence will take away from when you really want to use one. Avoid long, run on sentences. Make your description as easy to read a possible for potential buyers.
Need some inspiration?
Here are some home description examples from Bōde sellers that might help you get started! If you would like further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of the Bōde Team at help@bodecanada.com
Example:
This stunning private 2-storey property is located in beautiful Shawnee Park within walking distance to Fish Creek Park (5 minutes), Fish Creek C-Train Station (5 minutes), as well as close to schools, shopping and much more! Step into your dream home with approximately 3000 sq. ft of total developed space with COUNTLESS PREMIUM UPGRADES that make this home one of the most upgraded in the community! There is a double attached insulated / painted garage, fully finished basement with a gym or media room, & it backs onto extremely private green space. All three floors have 9 foot ceilings & you will be greeted on entry by an open concept floor plan, gleaming hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, & an upgraded $8,000 KitchenAid 6 Burner Gas Range. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths (with gorgeous ensuite), upgraded laundry, & the ultimate bonus room for entertainment! The additions to this house are breath taking, you need to see it in person!
Example:
Immaculate tree-lined Mount Pleasant 2-storey duplex with over 2300 sq. ft. developed living space. Only minutes to the bustling downtown city core! A gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, a huge 2-tier granite island, built in cabinets and fabulous backsplash. A spacious living room with a cozy gas fireplace. 3 bedrooms upstairs. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet and a 4-piece en-suite bathroom featuring massage bathtub. Fully-furnished basement suite with separate entrance as a mortgage helper, boasting 4th bedroom, en-suite family room with 2nd fireplace, 2nd granite countertop kitchen, and a 2nd laundry area. The yard is fully landscaped including a deck and attached gazebo/hot tub. Large double heated garage & extra garage door opening into the backyard.
Example:
This amazing penthouse unit is on the 4th floor and features expansive vaulted ceilings allowing an incredible amount of natural light to stream into the open-concept living room and kitchen. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan feels spacious due to the well thought out layout and vaulted ceilings. This unit features wide plank laminate flooring, large windows, stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, a massive kitchen island with seating for 6. This top floor corner unit boasts 16ft-ceilings, giving you outstanding views yet the windows are high enough for privacy. Your future home includes secure underground parking, bicycle storage racks and storage lockers. Window coverings are installed on all windows including top down, bottom up blackout binds in the bedrooms. Conveniently located close to downtown, Kensington, 17th Ave, Crowchild Trail, Bow River Pathways and is within walking distance to the Sunalta LRT station.
Why Bōde?
