How to Read Between the Lines on a Home Listing

If you’ve read a lot of home listings, you might have noticed that the same terms and phrases come up repeatedly. What do these terms really mean, and how can you scan a home listing to get the information you really need? What red flags should you watch out for when reading real estate descriptions? What additional questions should you ask when you don’t find the information you were looking for in the home listing?

Creative Real Estate Listing Descriptions

Descriptions on home listing sites aren’t intended to be deceptive; they’re meant to highlight a property’s best features while trying to be as attractive as possible. As a buyer, it’s helpful to understand what language in property listings really means. Here are some common words and phrases you might see in a home listing:

Example 1: Charming Urban Gem

This cozy vintage cottage offers tons of potential for the buyer who is ready to bring their vision to life. This one-of-a-kind property features original hardwood floors, classic fixtures, and retro styling throughout. Efficient use of space creates an intimate living experience, while the convenient location in an up-and-coming area provides easy access to major roads, public transportation, and amenities. Outside, mature landscaping creates privacy, while the low-maintenance yard is perfect for busy professionals.

Translation: This home listing is for a smaller home possibly in need of repair. It might have overgrown trees and bushes, but no yard. It could also possibly be located close to a highway in a busy neighborhood.

Example 2: Delightful Rustic Retreat

Rare investment opportunity in a unique one-of-a-kind country property. Offers authentic character you won’t find anywhere else. Original features throughout, including vintage wood paneling, appliances, and timeless décor. Convenient to nearby towns while maintaining peaceful country seclusion. This home is priced to sell quickly and won’t last long!

Translation: This home listing describes a most likely older cabin miles away from anywhere. It probably hasn’t been updated since the 1950s and may lack modern amenities such as indoor plumbing.

Again, the purpose of these creative real estate descriptions is not to mislead buyers, but to present the properties in their best light. Nevertheless, being able to zoom in on the most useful information in a home listing saves time and effort so you can find the property you’re truly looking for!

Look for What’s Not in the Home Listing

Even the best real estate descriptions focus on the buyer to make features seem attractive. When reviewing a home listing, take note of information that is absent. For example, if the kitchen isn’t mentioned at all, it probably needs updating. If the kitchen were brand new with attractive countertops and upgraded appliances, it would definitely be highlighted in the listing. Similarly, a home listing that focuses mostly on the location and surroundings of the home probably means that the home itself may be smaller or not the focus.

Analyzing Photos on Home Listing Sites

Here are some things to watch out for when looking at the photos in a home listing:

• A lack of any interior photos means the home may not be in great shape. This is normally also clear from the real estate descriptions.
• Limited photos that are restricted to certain rooms indicates that those are the only rooms that don’t need significant work. The best real estate listings have photos of every room in the home, including the basement, even if it’s not finished, as well as the exterior from multiple angles.
• Wide-angle lens photos make rooms appear larger than they actually are. Although these photos are common, especially with professional real estate photography, extreme wide-angle shots signal that rooms are much smaller than they appear.
• Artsy photographs taken from unusual angles may indicate that the photographer is trying out new skills, but it may also mean that something is being deliberately obscured. The same goes for heavily edited or filtered photos.
• Cluttered photos may indicate that the seller isn’t prepared to sell the home or is reluctant to do so. Although this isn’t necessarily a red flag, it’s something to be aware of.

If you’ve looked at a lot of listings, photos can start to blur together. To better understand what the home really looks like, take the time to look at the photos carefully, looking at all the details beyond the central focus of each image.

How to Determine What Home Listings Really Mean

Now that you’ve learned to decode common language used in home listings, it’s time to dig deeper to ensure that you don’t miss genuine opportunities. Here’s how to read between the lines in a home listing:

• Read the entire listing carefully rather than just skimming the highlights. Note what’s emphasized and what’s missing
• Drive past the property to see what it really looks like and what the surrounding area offers.
• Research the neighborhood independent of the home listing. Examine school ratings, and sales trends. Look at neighborhood pages to see what kind of conversations residents have and what concerns they have about the area.
• Request a showing, even if you have doubts. There are hidden gems to be found in home listings, and while you may not want a complete fixer-upper, you might find a home that just needs a few upgrades but is otherwise ideal for you and available at a great price.

Understanding real estate listings can take a bit of time and effort, and you might encounter some disappointments along the way. However, it will make it easier and faster to find that perfect property.