Most home buyers go online first when they are ready to begin house hunting. And, when scrolling through dozens of listings, the best way to get your home to stand out from the rest is with beautiful photos and an easy-to-read, well-written property description. Make a good first impression and pique a buyer’s interest to take the time to visit your home in person by using these tips for shooting attractive photos and writing a great description of your property.
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Hook Them With A Great Line
Take the time to craft a great opening line that tells a story of what makes your home so special. Remember what originally drew you to the home and consider using that to help sell the idea of how buying your home could improve someone’s life and is just what they need right now. Next, share important information about the house and highlight its best qualities. Then wrap it up by anticipating potential questions buyers might have and conclude with those details.
KISS
Think KISS: Keep It Simple, Seller! A good property description should be kept to 250 words or fewer to fit some listing service site requirements as well as catering to a vast majority of readers who have limited attention spans. You have to grab a buyer’s interest within the first sentence or two, so craft an engaging, descriptive headline, use short paragraphs full of vivid, positive language and intersperse attractive photos throughout the text.
Tell The Truth
“Be careful not to get carried away telling such an amazing story describing your home that it becomes a tall tale. Replacing the countertops does not equal a full kitchen remodel even if they do make the room look amazing. But, if your home has them, it’s a great idea to include specific features in your description like barn doors, hardwood floors and solar panels, as well as brand names of appliances or window coverings.” – Great tips by SW Calgary Realtor® Greg Kenndy
Write For Your Target Buyer
would your home appeal to a specific type of lifestyle? Today’s buyers look for or appreciate knowing that yours is a “green” or “smart” home or that it has a great spot for a home office or exercise equipment. Emphasize that in the description but be careful to avoid any reference to race, national origin, gender, disability or familial status, which is illegal in real estate listings.
Include Great Photos
Even with an amazingly written property description, poor or no photos limits the number of house hunters who will schedule a viewing. Great photos help tell the home’s story and encourage potential buyers to want to see it in person. A professional photographer will take the very best pictures, but if that’s not an option, the following tips can help you visually tell your home’s story.
Before taking a single picture, thoroughly clean your home and remove all debris, clutter, trash cans, toys, people and pets. Turn on lights and open curtains and drapes to let in natural light. Don’t try to be artistic by taking photos from odd angles. Shoot pictures from shoulder height and include three walls in each picture to help rooms look more open. Avoid editing or enhancing pictures and don’t even consider using any blurry, dark, clutter-filled or otherwise unattractive photos. You want to show your house at its best and each picture should impress viewers and create the desire to imagine themselves living there.