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August 13, 2008

Translating "for sale" jargon

Ever wondered what the buzzwords in listings mean? How much "loving care" does that "fixer-upper" need?

The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, in a tongue-in-cheek publication, tries its hand at defining common seller phrases -- particularly the ones its members have seen used a bit too euphemistically. (Thanks to Jon Boyd, past president of the group, for the heads up.)

A few examples from the publication:

"'Cozy condo': Often means it is so small that it is difficult to turn around in."

"'Easy access to everywhere': Can mean backing up to an expressway."

"'Finishing touches needed': Often means you need to bring your own lighting, hardware, paint, wood trim, and carpet."

Buyers: Have any listing descriptions made an impression on you, good or bad?

Sellers: Have you found the perfect description that will get buyers to look but not make them feel misled when they do?

Posted by Jamie Smith Hopkins at 11:11 AM | | Comments (1)
        

Comments

One of my favorites (as a potential buyer) is "Hurry, this one won't last". Then I look it up on Ziprealty to find that it has been languishing on the market for a very, very long time.

My second favorite is "This one is priced right!". After some research, you find it's 200% above its sales price 5 years ago.

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About Jamie Smith Hopkins
Jamie Smith Hopkins, a Baltimore Sun reporter since 1999, writes about the regional economy. Her reporting on the housing market has won national and local awards. Hopkins is a Columbia native and has lived in Maryland all her life, save for 10 months spent covering schools in Ames, Iowa.
She trained to become a wonk by spending large chunks of time as a geek and an insufferable know-it-all.
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