How you present your listing online can affect how quickly it sells. Compelling listing descriptions capture more attention online and attract a larger pool of qualified buyers.
Anyone selling a home can draft up a listing description, but writing a listing description that sells requires key elements that some real estate agents leave out.
After you write your first noteworthy listing description, you will have a solid template for all future listings. The format remains the same, making it easy to repurpose, saving time, and helping you sell your listing faster.
What do good real estate listing descriptions include?
A compelling listing description creates interest by telling a story through illustrative words and formatting. Depending on the listing website, whether the MLS or a third-party platform like Zillow, you have limited space to detail the listing.
It’s crucial to provide the most notable information in your listing description. For example, you should avoid general property statistics or contact information.
So, what should a winning real estate listing description look like? Here are our top four rules for a listing description that sells:
- Highlights of unique features
- Words that sell
- Professional photos
- No basic information
Highlight unique features
In a market with several cookie-cutter new builds, it’s ideal for letting buyers know that your listing is different. Even if your listing is relatively similar to others in the area, pick a few distinguishable features to highlight in the listing description.
If the listing has a stone fireplace, mention how the new homeowners can cozy up to the fire during the holidays. If it boasts a large kitchen island, talk about how the kitchen is great for gathering.
Or, if the listing includes spa-like amenities, let potential buyers know. Always mention the steam shower!
Words that sell
Words carry significant weight, especially in a listing description. Your primary goal with a listing description is to bring buyers to the property. The words you add should convince potential buyers that your listing is worth a look.
Real estate companies continuously research what words help sell a home. When you draft your listing description, use words proven to sell.
Here’s a short list of words that sell listings:
- Move-in-ready
- Upgraded
- Outstanding
- Walkable
- Natural light
- Upscale
- Vaulted ceilings
- Gourmet kitchen
Professional photos
While professional real estate images aren’t exactly part of the listing description, they are a crucial component of the overall listing packet.
Online buyers see the listing photos before they even click through to the property page. If you want your outstanding listing description seen by buyers, you need professional pictures of the property.
Real estate photography and listing descriptions go hand-in-hand. It’s convenient for buyers to read about the listing and then reference the property photos simultaneously.
No basic information
Most listing websites limit the space of the description box. Additionally, these websites include spots for basic property information. If you want to make the most of your listing description section, leave out the basic information as much as possible.
Including snippets of general property statistics, like square footage or details about the bedrooms, is sensible. To do this, sprinkle in the information alongside more compelling and illustrative words.
For example, instead of saying, “This home is 1,720 sq. ft. It has four bedrooms and two bathrooms,” try saying, “This 1,720 sq. ft. home is cozy and welcoming with a gourmet-style kitchen, two beautifully renovated bathrooms, and four west-facing bedrooms.”
Examples of real estate listings that sell
Now that we covered what to include in your listing description to sell a home, let’s take a look at two winning examples:
Example 1
Basic information: 4,210 sq. ft. single-family home, 5br, 4ba, 0.9 acres, mountain views
“Welcome to your stunning 4,210 sq. ft. ranch-style home! This spacious retreat includes beautifully vaulted ceilings in the living spaces and sweeping views of the front range. Enjoy coffee on your wrap-around deck while taking in this property’s breathtaking mountain views. The newly updated primary bedroom features luxury vinyl flooring and an ensuite bath with a large steam shower. This nearly one-acre property feels secluded but is close to downtown and all major shopping areas. Come see this hidden gem today!”
Example 2
Basic information: 1,500 sq. ft. high-rise condo, 3br, 2ba
“Soak in the sunsets in this gorgeous 1,500 sqft high-rise condo! A one-of-a-kind space for living the big city dream, this home features floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful skyline views. Located in the desirable lower downtown district, enjoy morning walks to local coffee shops and bakeries. Convenient to public transportation and major highways. With three bedrooms, this home is perfect for a small family, or turn the third bedroom into a home office! Schedule a showing today.”
How Virtuance improves listing descriptions
Pairing professional real estate photography with compelling listing descriptions sells homes. Elevate your real estate business by partnering with Virtuance for your photography and visual marketing needs.
With Virtuance, your overall listing presentation will stand out from the competition. You can expect to sell your listing faster and for more money with Virtuance’s professional real estate pictures. Schedule your shoot today.
