Words to Sell Houses Changed

Words to Sell Houses Changed

Most listing descriptions once started with things like “granite countertops” and “wood floors” – but words like “large” and “spacious” became common this past year.

NEW YORK – “Large,” “great,” “full” and “spacious” were among the most commonly used words to draw homebuyers to real estate listings over the past year, as room to spread out became more important in the pandemic, according to a new study from Point2 Homes.

Point2 Homes pinpointed the most popular home description words and phrases in listing ads. The research team examined 43 million words from more than 640,000 listings nationwide. They identified trends and compared findings to a 2019 analysis to see how the most popular keywords have changed since the pandemic.

“Granite countertops,” “hardwood floors” and “stainless steel appliances” have long reigned as the most common words in listing ads, but fell from the top three spots this year. Instead, many of the most popular adjectives refer to the spaciousness of a home, such as “large” and “great.”

Other most common words, in listings for both single-family homes and condos, were “garage” and “parking,” the study found.

“The popularity of these home description keywords points to the fact that, during a year when planes were grounded and social distancing wreaked havoc, it was the car that helped people escape the confines of their homes and find comfort elsewhere,” the study said.

Beyond specific words, the following were the most popular home features and amenities from Point2 Homes listings’ review:

Single-family homes top 20

  1. Garage
  2. Walk-in closet
  3. Full bath
  4. Open floor plan
  5. Hardwood floors
  6. Granite countertops
  7. Stainless-steel appliances
  8. Laundry room
  9. Additional bedrooms
  10. Fenced backyard
  11. Double vanity
  12. Covered patio
  13. Formal Dining room
  14. Parking
  15. Natural light
  16. Large/spacious living room
  17. Bonus room
  18. Plenty of room
  19. Water heater
  20. Eat-in kitchen

Condos top 20

  1. Parking
  2. Garage
  3. Hardwood floors
  4. Walk-in closet
  5. Washer/dryer
  6. Stainless-steel appliances
  7. Granite countertops
  8. Full bath
  9. Open floor plan
  10. Shopping/restaurants
  11. Fitness center
  12. Laundry room
  13. Within walking distance
  14. Natural light
  15. Large/spacious bedrooms
  16. Tennis courts
  17. Easy access
  18. Quartz countertops
  19. Move-in ready
  20. Conveniently located

Source: “Real Estate Keywords: What 2021’s Most Popular Home Description Words Reveal About Post-Pandemic Buyers,” Point2 Homes (July 7, 2021)

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Heather Goldin