3 Tips on Writing a Good Real Estate Listing

This isn't a horrifically bad title - it says that you want to sell a home and the home is in Happyville, but it's not as strong as,

"Modern Happyville 4-bedroom on Half-Acre"

Which tells your buyers that the home is newer, that it's in Happyville, that it's a 4 bedroom home (giving an idea of its size) and the size of the lot.

Now if I was a home owner looking for something like that, I would be immediately be interested in knowing more. After all, there are so many good things that I know about this home already, I want to see if there are more good things. Which brings us to the second tip:

2. Keep giving the buyer good information that they can use

You don't want to stop with the title or weakly continue, "Lovely home just waiting for you to come take a look!" You want to continue striking out boldly with something like,

"Close to the waterfront, this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath Victorian home is 3 blocks from the Shopaholic Mall and the Glaze-Eye Movie Theatre. The 1/2 acre, fully fenced yard features plum, cherry and pomegranate trees that flower in years ending with 1,3,5, and 8. The kitchen has been recently renovated with EnergyStar appliances."

3. Don't be afraid to reveal flaws

Flaws may seem to be a detriment, but you can turn them around. Let's say that the roof leaks and the wallpaper was sold by a 70s dollar store and installed by an LSD addict:

"Roof repairs and some TLC needed to make this home realize its full value."

Will make your listing appear more "true". A home inspector will find this out anyway and it's much better to acknowledge the flaws in your property and play up the savings that the buyer will enjoy as a result. You don't have to point out every single flaw in the home; just the ones that are serious and likely to make a buyer think twice.

Lots of useful information is your key to a successful listing. The more information you give your buyers, the more likely you will attract people who want what you're selling and who are more likely to be serious about your property. By establishing expectations and trust by revealing information that helps your buyers to make their decision, you will improve your chances of selling your home.