- Draw attention to the unique selling points (USP) of the property. Psychologists talk about the primacy and recency effect, whereby, when presented with a body of information, people are more likely to remember information from the beginning and the end. Take advantage of this principle by highlighting your property’s USP’s at the beginning and the end of your description. Fill the middle with more generic information.
- Don’t write your description as one large block of text. Make sure paragraphs are spaced out. Write numbers as digits, not words (25 rather than twenty five) – anything that makes it easier for the reader to manoeuvre through.
- Start a new paragraph for each room. Give its dimensions and then describe it.
- Provide information on the location. Detail the distance from the property to the nearest hospital, train station, town centre, schools and local shops.
- Ensure that there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Get rid of any abbreviations.
- Repetition must be avoided as it will give the impression that you are struggling for positive things to say about the property.
- Describe the parking situation. State if you have a garage or a driveway, or if the car will have to be parked on the street.
- Don’t be shy in praising the property. If the garden is beautiful then say so.
- Include all the important details that property buyers will be looking for; pool, gas, electric, central heating and air conditioning system, any appliances included, views from bedrooms etc.
Description writing
For many people, the first port of call when looking for a suitable property to buy will be a website like PropertyVisa. For this reason it is imperative that your property description is as well written and attractive as possible.
Initially, it may seem like the easiest thing in the world; list the dimensions of the various rooms, sing the praises of the views, explain how close the local primary school is and the job would appear to be done. However, a quick glance through various property listing sites highlights how easy it is to make an attractive looking property appear dull, boring and lifeless.
The following tips briefly describe important points to bear in mind when writing your property description. By following this guide you can ensure that when a prospective buyer reads about your house, he will instantly be hooked.
As opposed to placing adverts in newspapers and magazines, you do not need to worry about word count on PropertyVisa. However, having a large space for your text doesn’t necessarily mean that filling it will increase your chances of a sale. Don’t waffle. Only the essentials are necessary.