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Selling through Writing

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX nova

"Great 3 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow home for sale. Great for first time buyers."

Are you sold? Or, maybe you're yawning? I noticed in real estate that a lot of people do not take advantage of the free advertising space in the MLS write-up. It doesn't have to be perfect, but still take the time to write something with a little creativity.

In my previous profession I worked in public relations where I did some writing. Of course in PR you usually avoid what we called fillers or flowery language. I must admit it is still changeling for me to use so many marketing terms in my writing, but that's what we're doing - marketing.

Here is what I try to do when I prepare my write-up:

1. Have a good look at the home. What do you like, what are its best selling features?
2. Ask the home owner what they like most about the home.
3. Grab a piece of paper, a pen and find somewhere quiet.
4. Make a list of the homes best features (key words).
5. Pick a theme for your write-up

Once you made your list sit down and write out the house's story. The theme can be focused on particular buyers (sport lovers, computer geeks etc.) or a feature, (convenience, ocean paradise etc.)  Use your key words to describe the home. Give a written tour of the home. Please don't write a book, but write a nice paragraph or two about the home and its unique selling features.

Not only will your sellers appreiate it, but it will also make your property listing stand-out.

Comments(7)

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Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Stacey- I have found that the best results and showings and solds are from listings where I write a story about the house from either the sellers vantage point or mine. People love stories. Katerina

Jan 26, 2009 06:17 AM
KARIN SMITH
SMITH REALTY GROUP - Slidell, LA
BROKER/REALTOR

Stacey; Great tip and I strongly agree.  Second to photos, words sell!

-Karin :)

 

Jan 26, 2009 06:20 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Hi Stacey !

I think asking the seller what they like about the house is a good question that many dont ask. Now many sellers will tell you how 'great' their house is, but there's a difference between what they think is great, and what they truly like about it...I think you can benefit from knowing both.

Nice post !

Sheldon

Jan 26, 2009 06:22 AM
David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc - Newtown Square, PA
Realtor, Homes Just West of Philadelphia PA

Good points.  Every house has a "hook".  I may not see it and the seller often doesn't realize it, but a great unrecognized feature usually becomes apparent in the first week or so in the feedback from potential buyers.  When it appears, I adjust my descriptions and advertising accordingly.

Jan 26, 2009 06:29 AM
Tyson Bradley
Keller Williams Realty - Virginia Beach, VA

It's suprising how often we underestimate the power of words in our listings! -I've been through plenty of yawn-parties when looking up property myself. This is a great reminder for myself to use words wisely and experiment with them - not just to get the boring facts out there. Thanks!

Jan 26, 2009 06:31 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Great post Stacey. We find it much more effective to write a story and make a point to ask our sellers what features attracted them to buy the home. Too many agents use abbreviations and realtor jargon and don't effectively communicate to the buyer. Thank you for your great insight.

Jan 26, 2009 07:37 AM
Greg Brown, Sales Rep Toronto, Durham region
Sutton Group Heritage Reallty Inc., Brokerage - Whitby, ON
www.GregBrown.Realtor

Writing descriptions of a home is a true art. 

Oct 11, 2020 10:29 AM