Real estate spiel decoded

The terms used to describe a property for sale have always been a bit tricky to understand, as agents tend to find words which paint their property in the most positive light. This is understandable, but what do these phrases actually mean?

Let’s take a look at some of the most common terms you’ll find when reading through a property’s online listing.

Quirky           

Quirky can often mean bad – that is, a “would-be” renovator or interior decorator was the previous owner and they liked things their way so you have dark cupboards masquerading as bedrooms and feature covered in interesting floral wallpaper.

Cosy

Let’s face it; cosy can mean tiny or miniscule or not enough space to swing a cat.

Snug

Ditto above, but imagine a property or rooms that are even smaller.

Adorable

The previous owner might have loved pink and that’s why every room (even the toilet) is painted their favourite colour.

Potential study or second bedroom

While there is legislation to prevent misleading advertising, sometimes a potential study or second bedroom is actually just the broom cupboard trying to be something else (and failing!)

Must-see  

Must-see if one of the most overused terms in real estate, because you’ve often seen most of the property via the online listing – that is, unless the agent is trying to create some excitement by only featuring the exterior of the property in the listing, which rarely works as a marketing tool, by the way.

Sunny

In some states of Australia, sunny is not necessarily a good thing – in fact, the cooler the better during our regular summer heatwaves.

Classic

Classic often means it’s weatherboard, fibro, really old or perhaps is filled with asbestos.

Classic Australian

This can sometimes reflect the fact that the property is old, fibro, has asbestos as well as an out-of-order outside loo.

Renovator’s delight

Renovator’s delight means all the above, but you’ll need to replace 98 per-cent of the stumps and take out a second mortgage to cover the refurbishment.

Character-filled

When a property is character-filled, it can mean that the previous owner was an amateur “artist” so each room has been painted with different exotic native animal motifs.

Funky

While funky is still generally cool, when it describes real estate you’re probably going to find shag-pile carpet, a conversation pit and paisley wallpaper throughout.

Courtyard

A courtyard can mean different things to different people, but generally it means an outdoor space of vague size or appeal.

Modern

The 1940s post-war property is mostly in original condition but the kitchen taps were updated in the 1990s so that could be classed as being more modern, I guess.

While this is a light hearted look at some commonly used terms, it’s important that investors do their due diligence on every property that they’re interested in.

This includes using the listing as the first port-of-call, regardless of the flowery language that may be used, and then attending an open home or inspection to continue their research.

If you are thinking of buying a new property, call us today on 08 6254 6333 to see how we can help!