AllReal Estate

The Art of Creating Compelling Property Listings: Tips and Tricks

September 21, 2023
Discover the secrets to crafting standout property listings. Dive into expert tips and tricks that captivate buyers and maximize real estate success.
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When marketing a property, a captivating and persuasive listing can be a game-changer. A meticulously crafted property listing not only highlights the features of the property but also serves as a reflection of you, the agent. Selling effectively requires both a compelling property listing and a powerful presentation. Therefore, investing time and money in a quality listing presentation is essential.

Just as aspects of your outward appearance, such as the car you drive or the clothes you wear, reflect you to a certain extent, so are the property listings you create. So, you should create the best property listings possible. Produce property listings you are proud to show clients and accurately reflect you as an agent.

Also, compelling property listings must capture the interest and imagination of not just prospective buyers, but also listing agents and sellers. You want other agents and sellers to remember you and want to work with you in the future. A property listing is an opportunity to show other people how good you are at your job. Remember, as an agent, you are not simply selling a property, you are selling a lifestyle, and your property listings should reflect that. 

Here are essential tips and tricks when it comes to creating compelling property listings:

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Write an Engaging Headline

The headline is the first thing potential buyers see when browsing property listings, so it should be enticing, engaging, and highlight the best feature of the property. The headline should also be short, descriptive, and use powerful adjectives to create emotional impact. For example, “Charming Victorian Home in the City Center” or “Stunning Modern Villa with Spectacular Ocean Views in Malibu” are attention-grabbing headlines. Compare these headlines to “Four-bedroom City Home” or “Beachfront Property.” The first two catch your eye immediately while the last two are boring and generic.

You can also highlight key features in the first paragraph, like an open floor plan, renovated kitchen, hardwood floors, or beach views. Describe the overall style and ambiance. Is it contemporary, traditional, minimalist? Use descriptive adjectives to help buyers visualize the property by simply reading your opening paragraph.

high quality photo kitchen

Use High-Quality Photos

You should invest in high-quality photos because these images set the tone for your property listing and help you tell a story about the property. Great photos are essential in attracting potential buyers because they showcase the property in its best light. Include a mix of interior and exterior shots, and highlight unique property features such as an extensive yard, infinity pool, or rustic fireplace.

The photos in your property listing should help buyers envision themselves living there. The main photo should be an attractive image that captures the essence of the property. This first impression is critical in engaging potential buyers. The succeeding images should flow in a logical sequence. Ensure to exclude any blurry or dark images from your property listing.

Use a mix of wide-angle shots with close-ups, and at least one-eye level photo of each room. Highlight recent updates such as a remodeled bathroom or kitchen. Take numerous photos of the exterior and interiors to give viewers a comprehensive view of the property. While there’s no set rule on how many photos you should use, aim for 20 to 30 photos to give buyers a comprehensive sense of the property. 

Remember that in order to have high-quality photos, the property must be staged well so that it looks great in photos. If you can’t stage the property in person, there are several online platforms and services that allow you to do a virtual staging of the property. Staging is crucial in presenting a property in its best light, so this is a step you shouldn’t miss.

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Create an Engaging Property Description

The property description should provide an attractive and compelling narrative that sparks a buyer’s interest. Use creative words and begin with an engaging opening sentence. Highlight the property’s unique features using specific adjectives, such as “sprawling backyard”, “spacious open plan”, and “top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances.” Using descriptive languages helps buyers visualize the property and also evokes positive emotions. 

 

Highlight specific features like lots of natural light, hardwood floors, spacious garage, rustic fireplace, and more. Include specific details and measurements instead of using generic statements. For example, you can say “spacious dining area with large windows facing east that let in plenty of natural morning light,” instead of “open dining area with windows.”

 

A compelling property listing should also highlight nearby amenities, transportation options, neighborhood highlights, and schools. These vital pieces of information give the potential buyers the information they need about the property, and also shows them that you are an expert on the area.

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Focus on the Lifestyle

Again, you are not just selling a property, you are selling a lifestyle. While you should always mention a property’s details, such as number of bedrooms or square footage, you must go beyond simply providing technical information. Emphasize the lifestyle that the property offers. 

 

Describe how the property can make a person feel. Close to nature? Peaceful? Give potential buyers a sense of feelings and memories that they can connect to the property. For example, describe how the open-concept kitchen is ideal for cooking meals with loved ones while listening to music.

You can also use descriptive phrases that help the reader visualize what it’s like to live in the space. Refer to the sounds, smells, and textures they would experience if they were in the property. 

For example, say “Wake up to the rustling of leaves outside your window while birds sing a charming morning song.” or “The spacious kitchen features granite countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances that make cooking a delight for anyone who enjoys preparing food for friends and family.” 

Using emotive and sensory language helps bring the listing to life.

you are worthy of love

Share Neighborhood Highlights

The lifestyle you are selling is also highly dependent on the location and neighborhood it is in. You can help buyers visualize the area by including important details and amenities. For example, share the street address and mention nearby major roads, public transport options, and local landmarks.

 

For example, you can state, “Located on a quiet tree-lined street one block away from the Roosevelt Elementary School and a five-minute walk to Main Street.” Another example is “The property is an easy 15-minute drive from downtown, with convenient access to the highway and a bus stop only one block away.” These are clear and specific descriptions of where the property is located. 

 

You can also describe the nearby amenities, the local neighborhood, and what can be found within walking or short driving distance. For example, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, workout studios, and parks. You can also include nearby natural attractions, such as lakes, hiking trails, reserves, or beaches. If your target market is mostly young families, talk about family-friendly attractions such as highly-rated schools, libraries, theme parks, and playgrounds.

 

Mention any other positive neighborhood highlights and features such as close-knit community, excellent school district, and low crime rates. This information will all help the potential buyer imagine how it would be like to live in the area.

upper part of the house

Highlight the Property’s Unique Selling Points

Every property has its own unique selling points that make it stand out from other properties. Maybe it’s a custom-built kitchen, location near the city center, or spacious backyard. It could also be the home’s historical architecture, renovated bathrooms, or sweeping views of the nearby mountain range.

You can also include the unique activities the property facilitates. Is it perfect for stargazing at night? Entertaining friends and families? Raising young children? Share different examples of ways the new owners could enjoy the space and lifestyle the property features offer buyers. For example, you can say “The backyard fire pit is ideal for roasting marshmallows with kids on summer nights.” or “The home office offers a dedicated space for remote working or homeschooling.”

Highlighting these unique features captures a potential buyer’s attention and differentiates it from other properties. A compelling property listing should also showcase these unique features through 3-D walkthroughs, short videos, and drone shots of the property. 

 

While high-quality photos are essential, most buyers nowadays also expect videos to be included in a property listing. Several online platforms can help you create virtual walkthroughs and 3-D renderings of the property you are selling. You can also work with graphic artists or video editors to create these types of content. Taking the time and effort to include such details in your property listing also showcases your skills and experience as an agent. 

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Pay Attention to Length and Grammar

Another thing to keep in mind while creating a property listing is the way you write it. Pay attention to the length, grammar, and accuracy of your listing. These details are also vital when creating a compelling property listing, which should be well-written, concise, and free from mistakes. 

 

An effective property listing is concise and straight to the point. Avoid using unnecessary words and phrases that don’t add value to the overall message of the listing. Keep in mind the key points you want to emphasize and don’t go overboard when writing. Of course, it’s also vital that you use proper grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. Again, your property listing is a reflection of who you are. Write professionally and avoid using slang or jargon that people will find hard to understand.

 

Your property listing should also be accurate. Double-check your facts and details before sending out a property listing. Ensure that important information such as the property’s address, square footage, asking price, and highlighted features are correct and free from mistakes. A simple typo of 5,000 square feet instead of 500 square feet reflects badly on you and can mean the difference between a sale and a lost client.

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Use Highnote to Deliver Your Property Marketing

When it comes to presenting your property listing, Highnote helps you deliver your marketing in an attractive and compelling presentation you can create in minutes.

Using Highnote, you can put together and deliver all your property information and details in one trackable link. This means you get instant feedback on the property listings you send out using Highnote, such as how many times a potential buyer or another agent has opened and viewed your property listing. Simply put, Highnote elevates your existing presentations and differentiates you from other agents.

As real estate agent Nancy Braun shared, “Highnote is a gamechanger. It provides an easy to use platform to create a unique, appealing, and professional presentation. ” Highnote helps you become the best agent you can possibly be. 

Once you’ve crafted your property listing with Highnote’s tips and tricks, create a visually stunning presentation to showcase your listing and wow potential buyers with the listing presentation tools every real estate agent should know.

Real estate property listing

Elevate Property Listings with Highnote

Crafting a compelling property listing is essential in attracting potential buyers, other agents, and even future sellers. From professional photos to engaging headlines to selling a lifestyle, there are several important things to consider when creating great property listings. 

Use the tips and tricks mentioned above to create a property listing that stands out from the crowd and demonstrates who you are as an agent. Remember that each and every property listing you create represents you and your property, so take the time and effort to create the best property listing possible. 

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Author
Randy Tobbe is a dynamic and results-oriented sales and business development leader with a proven track record in financial, software, and consumer markets. He excels in identifying growth opportunities, enhancing relationships, and driving profitable sales. Randy is the Founder of RanToro Group, where he has been leading the company since September 2021. Prior to this, he served as the Director of Business Development at LionDesk from July 2017 to August 2021. He was also the VP of Sales and Marketing, and Partner at Realty Commander, where he played a crucial role from February 2010 to June 2017.