How to Interpret Common Phrases and Words Used in Real Estate Listings
An important part of browsing through real estate listings, when trying to find homes you might be interested in buying, is learning how to interpret some of the most common words and phrases agents use in their listings. Agents will often use describing words and phrases to make homes appear more desirable, and here are some of the words you might come across as well as the definitions of these words and phrases.
Quiet
Quiet is a word that can be good or bad, depending on what you think it should mean. When an agent describes a home as being in a quiet location, this could either mean that the neighborhood is really peaceful and free of noise, or it could mean that the house is located in a more rural area. Therefore, you should look up the address to see which of these is actually true before scheduling a visit.
Character
If you see a listing that states that the house "has character," this can also mean several different things. Older homes are often known for having character, which simply means that the homes have features you will not find in other homes, and this is often a good feature of a home. Having character can also be a negative thing, though, as it can simply mean that the home has some odd features that you may not love.
Potential
The word potential is commonly used to describe homes that need some work. A home listing that states this word will often mean that the house needs to be updated. When a house has potential, it generally means that the house could be really awesome – with the right work put into it. Another word that might be used in place of potential is TLC (tender loving care). A house listing that says it needs some TLC often means the same as a house listing that says the home has potential.
Cozy
You might also see listings that describe homes as cozy. Cozy is a word in real estate that might replace the word small. A house that is cozy is generally a home that is smaller in size than average homes, but cozy also can refer to the atmosphere in a home, and this can be a good trait.
Understanding how to interpret real estate listings can help you in your selection of which homes to view, and you can talk to a real estate agent for more help with this.
