Pretty sure Property Listings use a secret language?
You’re not alone. Have you ever wondered what the word “character” really means when you’re searching for beachfront villas online?
Real estate listings are a fascinating study in marketing.
Agents and sellers are intentionally painting these properties with words to make them as attractive as possible.
The Problem
However, those words aren’t always used in the way you think they are. When you’re in the market for luxury villas for sale, knowing how to decode the language can save you a lot of time and money.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Misleading listing descriptions
- Sneaky ways sellers lie to you
- How to spot subtle warning signs
- Simple tips to save you time
Do Property Listing Words Even Matter?
Yes. Yes they do.
Remember: Listing descriptions are written by someone trying to sell a property.
They are going to use language that makes the positives shine and downplays the negatives. And when you’re looking at higher end properties like beachfront villas the creativity really ramps up.
Also…
51% of buyers found their home online in 2024.
That means you’re probably visiting countless listing descriptions daily as you try and find your dream home. Words on a screen are the deciding factor between you renting that beach view or calling it yours.
Consider this:
You’re making thousands (if not millions) of dollars spending decisions based on text that was written to manipulate you into calling the agent.
If you know what words they’re using – and why they’re using them – you have a huge advantage.
Lets get into the SECRET LANGUAGE sellers are really telling you when they use these words..
The Catchy Words Sellers Use and What They REALLY Mean
Cozy or charming
Oh hey. Small.
If someone describes a beachfront villa as cozy. Get ready to see some tight living quarters. “Charming” is almost always a nicer way of saying it’s outdated.
Original features or full of character
Need a new kitchen and bathroom. Probably upgraded the HVAC too.
Original features used to sound nice to me. But then I found out what they really meant. Old house = old everything.
Unless you actually like antique sinks and pink tile from the 1920s (not judging if thats your thing!) take everything with a grain of salt.
Up and coming Neighbourhood
Translation: This place sucks right now.
But will be worth more once they leave.
Whenever I see this phrase I immediately picture a rundown trailer park. Because that’s exactly what they’re selling. The “potential” of something thats not great now.
Motivated Seller
Something smells fishy.
Been trying to sell for years or they need out now. Either way you might be able to make some serious counter offers with this one. But ask yourself why they are so motivated.
Investment Opportunity
Fixer upper.
And I mean FIXER UPPER. As in, they probably got tired of looking at the issues and are hoping you won’t be as lazy.
False Warning Signs To Avoid When Searching For Properties
No mentioned parking.
No parking. Full Stop.
You can usually find a street spot. But if they don’t list parking that probably means the home doesn’t come with any. Unless they hide it in the descriptions you would be foolish not to ask.
Every sentence is about “location, location, location”
So this place is great, but the area isn’t?
Um…..why are you looking at this property if you love the location so much?
This is a big red flag for me.
If they spend 3 paragraphs gushing about how great the neighborhood is….but don’t mention anything about the home itself.
Trust me. Something is up.
Pictures taken at a weird angle.
Be skeptical of listings that use crooked photos.
Real estate agents use photography to help their homes sell 32% faster.
But some of these agents are sneaky. They’ll take pictures at extreme angles to make rooms look bigger and brighter.
Wide angle lenses are the worst for doing this. Trust me, the living room will look very small when you walk into “that spacious home”.
The same goes for photos taken during golden hour. If you can only schedule your visit at sunrise or sunset, there’s a reason.
Navigate Property Listings Like A Pro
Now that you know how to spot sketchy listings. Here’s how to use this info.
Ask for more photos
If they try and pushback or get angry. BOOM. Red flag.
Visit at different times of the day
Areas can feel totally different when the sun is shining versus at night.
See it once during the day and once at night. Visit on a weekend and weekday too. There’s plenty you can learn just from visiting the property at different times.
Ask questions!
Asking questions is maybe the most important step. However, you can really lose money if you don’t get comfortable with this.
About the repairs. About why they’re selling. About the neighbours. The more you know!
Bring someone with you that isn’t emotionally invested.
Emotional buyers are silly buyers.
Make your mom, dad or friend tag along. They’ll notice things you won’t because you’ll already have dreamcast yourself living there.
Finding The Good Ones
Now you know how to spot bad listings. Of course not every house out there is trying to screw you.
They really do exist. Trust me, I’ve bought plenty of properties that didn’t have sneaky backstories. So here’s how to spot the good ones.
Pay attention to details
Good listings will have specific measurements. List out every upgrade (with dates) they’ve made. And be honest about both the good and bad.
Look at the photos
If they only show you 3 pictures of the home. What are they hiding?
There should be multiple photos of every room. And they should come from different angles.
Trust your gut.
Listen to agent reviews.
Agents with decades of experience will have plenty of reviews. And for good reason, they’ve earned them.
You’re more likely to find a truthful description from these agents because their reputation is on the line.
Wrapping Up
Property Listings are designed to sell homes, not tell you the truth.
Once you realize that, you’ll view listings differently.
Keep in mind:
- Cozy = small
- Character = outdated
- Motivated seller = something is up
- If they only show you 3 pictures. Run.
Smart buyers use listing descriptions as a starting point for their research. They know where sellers are coming from with these words and take everything they read with a grain of salt.
Work smarter, not harder when you’re searching through property listings.
That dream home is waiting for you. You just have to know what to look past.