Selling your home during this current recession is sometimes more frustrating then many would like to admit. When your home is marketed for sale, the thing that most people will see first (and first impressions are of utmost importance... they either keep their attention or move on very quickly), are the photos and the home description. The photos should be professionally taken and show off as much of your property as possible, both inside and out.

The main topic I am going to discuss here is the house description. There are certain things that people are looking for in a house, not to get into too much psychology, but there are key things that should be stressed, within the body of the description or in the beginning.  

People buy security, not warranties; they buy luxury, not tubs; they like privacy or seclusion, but want the convenience to where ever they need to get to regularly; they like to cozy up to a fireplace not the fact that there is one. They want to be a family even if they are in separate rooms, or know what their kids are doing in the family room while they are cooking dinner, not just have an open floor plan. Many people don't know real estate lingo like "Open Concept Floor Plan." Make sure that you describe the benefits that your buyer will enjoy with each of the features of your home.

If you are selling a luxury home... they want their visitors to envy them- maybe not openly, but they want to impress them. It is a fact that people want warmth, comfort, relaxation, enjoyment, privacy, etc., etc., etc. in their home. If you work these words into your description they will help a person feel the home.

Don't just list features. That is cold and doesn't stimulate any emotions. Actually describe the things that you felt when you bought your home. You made plans about how your experiences would be (regardless of how they turned out) while you walked through it the first time. This is the "picture you want to paint" with your words.  

I would also highly recommend a full color brochure with the description and exterior photo on the front and features and room measurements listed on the back with interior photos. One sheet is best, and a brochure box outside will allow people to get the information they want while sparking interest. I would list the features that you have on the back, because they are important to know, (they just don't spark any emotions). Do not put the price on the brochure. This gives them reason to call.  

Here are some examples that might help you as well:  

As-Is but beautiful! Custom doors lead you into your ceramic tiled foyer. go through glass French doors into your raised formal living room to entertain your guests surrounded by incredible lighting and hardwood flooring. The lighted raised ceiling, recessed lighting and window lighting all set the right mood for any gathering. Step down into your dramatic formal dining room with the step constructed from glass back lighted blocks.Your Sunken Family room is the perfect place to kick back and relax in front of your dramatic fireplace. Your fully equipped kitchen with Corian countertops and tile backsplash is great for easy clean up! Keep your custom landscaping looking beautiful all year with your sprinkler system. Enjoy privacy in your fenced yard and store away all your tools in your newer custom shed. Short sale subject to bank approval  

Luxury,Seclusion,Convenience,Privacy...have it all!Be the envy of your friends!Enjoy living on the most scenic lot in Surrey Lake.Watch deer roam acres of preserved land behind your home.Walk-out your sun-filled basement into your oversized fenced yard.Stroll out your gate along a path to the lake for some peace&quiet,you can even take your fishing pole. Enjoy your morning coffee at the kitchen island as the sun warms your home w/Southern Exposure shining in the palladium windows or step out to your deck & enjoy your own park-like setting.

Live in luxury w/soaring vaulted & 9 ceilings. Move in & Relax, EVERYTHING has just been completed-from the new carpets to the prof. painted walls. Invite your guests into your 2 story foyer & entertain in your Living & Dining rooms w/custom moldings & Natural Maple Hardwood Floors.Cozy up in this family room by a marble gas fireplace with a 22' ceiling loaded with warm lighting & a convenient add'l staircase. Relax in your Jacuzzi in the huge master ste. Feel secure as your children play in this enormous walk-out bsmt.   

Enjoy privacy & seclusion w/out isolation in your beautiful custom built estate home sitting back 350' on 6.6 acres at the end of the culdesac, in prestigious Horseshoe Run Estates. Move in & relax-EVERYTHING is like new- professionally decorated w/neutral colors & luxurious trim & crown molding throughout. These hardwood floors lead you through most of the 1st floor & up the T shaped staircase, adorned w/ stunning runners. Get away from it all in your opulent master suite-soaking in your whirlpool tub, or relaxing in your sitting area. Cozy up by the fireplace in your spacious 2 story family room where custom draperies wrap these floor to ceiling windows. You'll realize you just may need to do some shopping to fill these gigantic closets. Enjoy your morning coffee at your island in your enormous fully equipped kitchen or step out onto your deck that wraps the entire back of your home while you watch the wild deer & turkey roam. Your children will have lots of room to play & tons of fun in the tree house. Don't miss the view from the sun room & office. This community allows gentleman's farms  

Spectacular landscaping surrounds this home nestled on almost 10 acres. You can bring your farm, & potentially build on the extra land, w/ proper approvals. Enjoy your morning coffee on your back deck, overlooking all the best nature has to offer. Relax in this giant great room in front of a fire in this Rumfort fireplace. Cozy-up in your sunroom w/ true southern exposure in front of this wall of windows. Prepare grand cuisine w/ ease in this spacious kitchen w/ all the extras. Store everything away in the numerous cabinets & huge closets. Get away from it all in your master bath soaking tub. Your loft is the perfect place to kick back & look out at the stars. All the best was put into this home & no expense was spared. This 20'x24'-2 sty garage has a finished 2nd flr. More upgrades than you could ever imagine. A list of the extras can be faxed, Surveys are on file.  

Sincerely,
Diane Testa
Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors
Cell # 856-229-5533