Unraveling The Mysteries Of REALTOR Speak

How Not to Advertise a Home for Sale!

estate hme! Kit w/42" cherrystaindcabs w/satnncklpulls, granitectops, cntrislnd w/barovrhng, tlebcksplsh, ss appls incldng a 5 burnrgascktp! Famrm w/cofferd ceilg, gaslgfp w/mrblesrrnd & cstmmntle w/wainscotng & cherrystaindbltns! Keepngrm w/stackdstnefp! Exquisite mbr w/trey & upgraded carpt! Mba w/lgcherrystaind vanity w/granite & tleflrs! Theatrerm w/sconcelghting!

This is a recent set of remarks for a home for sale that was actually printed in the Multiple Listing Service. Really??

Here's what it really says: Estate home! Kitchen with 42-inch cherry-stained cabinets with satin nickel pulls, granite countertops, center island in kitchen with bar overhang (for stools), tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances including a 5 burner gas cooktop! Family room with coffered ceiling, gas log fireplace with marble surround and custom mantle with wainscoting and cherry-stained built-ins! Keeping room with stacked stone fireplace! Exquisite master bedroom with trey ceiling and upgraded carpet! Master bath with large cherry-stained vanity with granite countertops and tile floors! Theater room with sconce lighting!

Not only does this "REALTOR Speak" leave a buyer scratching his head, but it's a disservice to a seller when someone can't understand what's so great about his home.

Here are a few more real estate buzzwords and their definitions: Comp-another property that would be similar to the property in question; CMA-a comparative market analysis that compares the subject property to other homes that are comparable in size, amenities, age and so forth to help determine value; FSBO-For Sale By Owner; MLS-Multiple Listing Service where homes are listed collectively for sale and/or rent; Bonus Room-this is a room, typically over the garage, that is an additional room other than the bedrooms; FROG-Finished Room Over Garage; Man Door-a utility door of normal size in a garage in addition to the overhead door for ease of access; 3 bd or 3 br, 2 ba-three bedrooms and two baths; Survey-a document drawn up that shows the corners of the property and any encroachments or easements that may be present thereon; Setbacks-these are measurements, determined by the developer of the property, at which homes and/or additional structures or additions must be kept from the front, sides and rear of the property lines; Does Not Convey-anything in the home or on the property which a seller does not wish to leave with the property.

These are only a few of many. If you have further questions about "REALTOR Speak" or anything else relating to real estate click here and ask anything you’d like to know. I am here to help.