4 Steps to writing a Description when selling without a realtor

Tell the story of your home

What will someone see when they first arrive.

“A beautiful fully attached home with newly pointed brick.”
“A beautiful detached home located on a beautiful setting.”
“As you enter the apartment you will notice the shine from the newly finished wood floors.”
“Large Stunning Colonial with detached 2 car garage, on a country like setting.”
“Recently updated, gorgeous ranch, with hardwood floors throughout, 3 bedrooms, Master bedroom with master bath, full finished basement, and much more.”

Add the basic layout

“This home has a very large kitchen, large dining room, separate den off the sliding glass doors to the back yard.”
“This home has 3 large bedrooms 2 full bathrooms with one in the master bedroom, a large den, dining room, and kitchen.”

You can add the details about each room after this opening.

Highlight the features

What are the best features of the home?

Large kitchen
Chiefs Kitchen
High end appliances
Large rooms
Lots of closets
Full finished basement
Recently renovated
Recently updated
New Roof
Eco Friendly appliances
Solar Panels

Here you can expand a little on each room if you like, or the most important rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Mentioning the important things you want to highlight. Again no formula on length. Although the person reading this, will also see the photos so going on too much can cause the read some fatigue. Keep it a few words, to 2 sentences at most about rooms.

For example, “Very large eat in kitchen with top of the line appliances. If you like to cook you will love this kitchen.,” would be better than “Very large eat in kitchen with granite countertops, subway tile back splash, GE Café Convection Oven with 6 burners, GE Refriderator with multiple settings for water and ice.

The cabinets are very large to fit all your dishes….” You get the idea. Yes if you feel it is important include it. But not everything needs to be mentioned.

As for bedrooms, you can mention the size, ie large, good sized, if it has a closet, and how many windows in a room that has a lot of windows. Most people like homes that let a lot of nature light in.

As for bathrooms, the same holds true, mention the size and if there is a large tub or something special about the shower, vent, heated floors, or fixtures.

You always want to mention is the basement is finished or not, and if the ceilings are high. Many homeowners like to finished basements to use for extra living space.

If there is something unique or special about the living room or dining room be sure to include it. Is it large, have lots of windows, hardwood floors, a fireplace, access to a yard, or garage.

The idea here is to highlight what you think is the best thing about your home, room by room. It is ok to leave out the mentioning of rooms if you don’t think it is worth mentioning.

Highlight the area

Many buyers will know about what is located in your area. But that does not mean they specifically know what is close to you. Many times buyers think they know the area only to find out there is much more. So be sure to include the things that you like about living in this location. I want to caution you here about certain things to leave out.

I do want to suggest not mentioning the proximity to any houses of worship for any faith. It is proven that these phrases can make someone feel discriminated against. Like if someone is catholic and the listing states, “…near the synagogue on Main Street.” It leads someone to believe the seller is looking for a particular type of buyer. Similarly, you should consider leaving out that your home is, “…great for a young family.” You don’t want to filter out anyone whom does not have a family. Yes you think it is great to raise a family but some one may want to buy it that does not. They may live with their parents and want the space. So avoid using these terms in order to appeal to all buyers.

Tell a little about the area in terms of the home.

“Near everything”
“Short drive to town”
“Walk to the lake”
“Near public transportation”
“Near Parks”
“Great block”
“Quiet area”

Words to avoid

I know it sounds crazy but realtors have tracked terms that they avoid based on unexpected reactions.

AVOID: “Motivated seller.” Instead use, “You will love this home.”
AVOID: “Move in Ready.” Instead use, “All you have to do is unpack your bags.”
AVOID: “Move in Ready.” Instead use, “All you have to do is unpack your bags.”
AVOID: “Clean.” Instead use, “Super well kept and maintained.”

You don’t have to be a professional writer to tell the story of why a buyer should look at your home. Good luck and if you need any help, email me at Greg@Ownersre.com, and I will help you free of charge.