Neighbor News
25 Overused Real Estate Terms That Need To Be Retired In 2017
Every industry suffers from it — overused, industry-specific jargon that everybody's tired of hearing.
Every industry suffers from it — overused, industry-specific jargon that everybody’s tired of hearing. You know, words and phrases that sounded cool way back when… but they’ve lost their luster.
A group of fellow agents was asked to reel off their best examples of real estate jargon that needs to be retired ASAP. Here’s what they came up with.
1. “Will not last”
Not to burst your bubble, but those 317 days on market are telling a different story, chachie.
2. “Seller says sell”
No way! I thought you had snuck this listing on MLS without their knowledge!
3. “Huge deck for entertaining”
This is just one letter away from a whole heap of embarrassment. If real estate agents insist on using this one, it should be done with extreme caution.
4. “Bring your pickiest buyers”
It’s not that this is the most horrible statement ever…
5. “Needs TLC”
C’mon, you know it’s a hot mess. There’s a big difference between “Tender Loving Care”, and “Tile, Lumber & Concrete”. So which is it? Most people have been conditioned to equate TLC with Tons of Loose Cash.
6. “Pottery Barn decor!”
Pottery Barn is a store, not a style. Not to mention, the sellers will be taking that with them when they move out.
7. ANYTHING IN ALL CAPS
Just keep it lower case, will ya? Capitalize only the words that need it. Otherwise you might just earn yourself a new nickname. Perhaps something like…
8. “Cozy”
C’mon, let’s just call it what it is: an itty bitty nook. You know good ‘n well a twin size bed won’t fit in that room.
9. “Priced to sell”
Well geez, I’d certainly hope so. If it weren’t, would there be any point in trying to sell it?
10. “Mrs. Clean lives here”
Would she consider staying if I bought the house?
11. “Hot water heater”
Sorry, but technically it’s a “water heater”. Saying “hot water heater” is redundant. If the water was hot, you wouldn’t need a heater.
12. Anything with bad spelling/grammar
Prime example: “Lot’s of closest space in they’re. Pet’s will be out. Your gonna love it. Owner’s takeing there drapes. Large dinning room. Prestegous. On off the best area’s out their.” Oh, my eyes!
13. “Updated”
This is cool to use if the home has been updated in, say, the last few years. But when the home was “updated” in the 80’s… um, HELLO, it’s outdated again!
14. “Better than new construction!”
Not only is this a textbook example of hyperbole, but you also run the risk of conjuring up images of driving by a used car lot: “Come on down! These cars are better than new!” Just, no.
15. “Walking closets”
Ahh, so THAT’S why we keep shoes in there.
16. “Don’t let this one pass you by!”
Because it’s on wheels?
17. “Show and sell”
Really? I’m gonna show it for kicks & not try to sell my buyer a house?
18. “A decorator’s touch”
C’mon. You should just come right out and say it. It has funky wall colors, doesn’t it?
19. “Open house this weekend”
Which weekend?
20. “Sellers prefer XYZ Title”
Yeah, no they don’t. You do. Most sellers have no idea which title company to pick.
21. “Room for a pool!”
There’s nothing quite like advertising something that it doesn’t (but could!) have. Hell, room for a goat farm, or ferris wheel too I suppose. Doesn’t have it now, but hey… it totally COULD!
22. “Rancher”
Ranchers have cows. It’s a “ranch” style home.
23. “Too much to list”
No it’s not. C’mon, give it to me. I’d rather spend a few more seconds reading your listing description, than to visit the home and have it underwhelm my client.
24. “Boasts”
Just say no to this word. It’s one of the most overused words in modern real estate advertising. It’s simply lost its luster.
25. “Honey, stop the car”
I’m saving the best for last. And by best, I mean worst. source