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Real Estate Listing Terminology What Does it Really Mean?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Home Jane Realty BRE# 01439865

The first thing we do when we come across a home is look at the photos and then, if we like what we see, we read the description. That should tell us more about the home and encourage us further to visit it. So why are we sometimes incredibly disappointed when we get to the home?What is the real meaning of real estate listing terminology

Photos can be touched up, and so can the actual wording.  Let's look at some examples:

Charming: this is generally used when nothing else can be said and a red flag should pop up in your mind.

Emotional: what on earth do these words mean? Are they warning me I will break down in tears at the sight of the home? In horror or in awe?

Romantic: see above. Should I bring a table and some candles with me to get in the mood?

Peek-a-boo view of the ocean: bring a ladder, and if you place it just so, bend your neck at a 90 degree angle, you might just see the spray from a breaking wave.

Hillside home with spectactular views:  I hope you don't get nosebleeds easily, and heaven forbid you forget the milk. It will take you an hour to drive down to the nearest supermarket.

Easy access to the freeway:  bring earplugs so you can drown out the noise while visiting the place.

Needs TLC: if they have thought to mention it, bring a wrecking ball.

Very clean: the owner has a top grade vacuum cleaner needed for the shag carpet.

Recently painted: still scraping off the paint droppings.

Original condition: the price needs to be the original one too.

First time on the market: see above.

Motivated seller: not motivated enough to meet your low ball price.

Bring all offers: yep, but they had better be at asking.

Back on the market, buyer didn't perform: chances are seller didn't either.

Best home on the block:  only home on the block.

Up-and-coming neighborhood: it's not there yet.

Sold as is: seller is dreaming. You are not moving in without a roof.

This won't last long: dead right. Your 180 day listing agreement is about to expire.

I could go on, but please feel free to add your own pet favorites.

 

 

 

 

Comments(81)

Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

How about Winter Water View - you can see the water after the leaves are totally off the trees and the view of the water is about the size of a dime.

Oct 04, 2014 05:48 AM
Bill Reddington
Re/max By The Sea - Destin, FL
Destin Florida Real Estate

Your interpretations are something we see all the time. Sometimes here the gulf view is around the corner of the balcony for example.

Oct 04, 2014 02:32 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I just wanted to review some of these for may be a re-blog.I love your definition of charming hahastill so much!

Oct 04, 2014 04:19 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Debra Peters now that is funny

Bill, well at least you can confirm that there is a gulf.

 Laura Cerrano, thank you kindly.

 

Oct 05, 2014 04:11 AM
Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

Jane Peters you can't make this stuff up! We come across so many things that can make us smile and laugh! You should create a blog on photos that don't belong on the web. Don't you love those bathroom pictures with the toilet seat up?!? What were they thinking? LOL!

Oct 05, 2014 08:52 AM
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

Fantastic list... actually chuckled at a few of them.

Oct 05, 2014 09:12 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Debra, Those are classic photos. You can't sell a place without looking right into the toilet.

Oct 05, 2014 09:16 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Richard, I'm glad.

Oct 05, 2014 10:58 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Jane,

OMG..I loved these!! Congratulations on a well deserved featured post! Really got some chuckles..thanks for sharing this list!

Oct 11, 2014 11:35 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Dorie, please feel free to use them in your next listing

Oct 12, 2014 04:21 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

We speak realize - and our buyers and sellers need translation!  This post will go a long way Jane.

Oct 13, 2014 12:52 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Joan, I hope so. 

Oct 14, 2014 05:34 AM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

i love it when I see the one that says "this won't last long", on a listing that's over 300 days old.

Oct 15, 2014 06:13 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Alan, nice to see you

Oct 16, 2014 07:38 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Jane, I love love love this list. Too funny and too true. I have seen discriptions that only the white house would likley even come close to. And when I see it, it is a head scratcher and I wonder if the agent has ever been here. 

Nov 05, 2014 02:29 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

William, don't you just love the "gorgeous", "stunning", etc. descriptions and just looking at the pictures indicates that the agent has never seen gorgeous and stunning.

Nov 06, 2014 04:39 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Wow you knocked it out of the park with this one! Hope you're taking it easy this weekend.

Nov 08, 2014 01:21 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Georgie,  thank you.  Hope you had a great weekend.

Nov 10, 2014 04:16 AM
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Jane,

These are so funny and gave me a real laugh. I clicked on this thinking it was going to be one of those educational blogs for the buyers and then realized it was very informative. Love the last one the best!

Nov 10, 2014 02:39 PM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Kristin,  thank you.  Glad you enjoyed it.

Nov 11, 2014 04:42 AM