Real Estate Agent Speak … What Does It Mean?
Real Estate Agent Speak … What Does It Mean?
Agents say many things in their advertising, but often we’re left wondering what does it mean?
There is always an implied meaning, but the serious Buyer usually wants to know what they are really saying about a property. Sometimes even agents don’t know and need to make a translation phone call to find out.
For example, “Gourmet Kitchen”. A kitchen is often termed Gourmet if it has a 5 burner, or larger, cook top, over sized vent hood, and a double oven, but does that make it gourmet? We’ve had true gourmet cooks comment on the abuse of the term. One of their key determinants is the quality of the fixtures, i.e.- high heat cook top and broiler capabilities. A pot filler spigot by the cook top is fun, but does it a Gourmet Kitchen make?
The "Great Room" is another term used liberally. Is it an Open Floor plan – divided by pony wall but open, or is it one big room with the kitchen and dining areas in it? Mother in law unit is another advertising dandy. Is it a separate building or an add-on? Does it have its own kitchen, living room, private patio or garden?
“RV Parking” can be anything from room on the side of the house to park a tent trailer to a parking area for any sized RV complete with water, dump drain and electricity. “Horse set up” can be a lean-to with panels or a barn with power, tack room and automatic
waterer. “Garden area" can be rose or vegetable, functional or token.
“Fully Landscaped” – is it natural sage or lawn, shrubs, and trees? “Needs a Little TLC” – anything goes with this one. A little Tender Loving Care usually means thorough cleaning, yard care and paint, but could turn out to be carpet replacement, and more. It’s a little better than a “Fixer Upper”, but not “Move in Ready”. “Fixer Upper” That can be all the above plus broken windows, punched sheet rock and doors, missing fixtures and roof shingles, etc.
“Carpet Allowance” signals worn out or cat-affected flooring, but not always. A carpet color recognized to be unappealing can induce an allowance to help a sale. “Dog Run” can be anything from a cross fence by the garage that creates a closed area, to a true dog run with proper fencing, concrete for easy cleaning, dog house, etc.
“Great for First Time Home Buyer” usually means it is nominally priced or modest, but can also simply be smaller.
“Great Family Home” is another just about anything goes comment. Does it mean that there are many bedrooms, or enough bathrooms to get everyone out the door in the morning? Does a family or bonus room offering separation of kids from adults make it family? What is great for a family will truly be family specific.
Our Advice: Descriptive terms and what they represent mean a lot to a Buyer and can be an important factor in a sale. It is important to represent the property and its attributes accurately. Have your agent make sure that what has attracted you to the property works for your wants and needs, and isn’t something that has the description of what you want but is only 25% of your expectations. Description abuses can be laughable at times, but they can also waste time. Be sure to determine what that “cream puff” is really all about.
Ad language is designed to attract, to make the phone ring. It’s up to the Buyer and her Agent to determine if the property description is puffed.
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs … Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com
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Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com
2 comments:
Great Article..
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Lake Tahoe Real Estate
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