What’s your view on estate agent speak?

10 Feb 2016 What’s your view on estate agent speak?

An estate agency in Essex has recently made the news after its listing of a two-bedroom flat with a brutally honest sales description sold for more than £20,000 above its asking price.

The agent warned “Wipe your feet on the way out!” about the flat which was heaped with rubbish and dirt left by rental tenants, which the vendor could not face clearing out.

The advert also noted the property’s mouldy walls and resident fleas.

Estate agents are renowned for their use of flowery language, jargon, and exaggerations of the truth when selling a property.  Often photos can even be misleading, using lenses that make rooms appear larger, and hiding unsightly areas.

So is the fact that this story made the national news, and that the flat sold for way above its £125,000 asking price, a sign that buyers value a good honest warts-and-all description rather than an advert that makes something out to be more than what it is?  After all, anyone who goes to view a property will soon find out if it’s different to how it came across in a listing, so maybe it makes sense to forewarn of any potential downsides from the outset and save people’s time.

On the other hand, it may be easy for potential buyers to rule out a property from an element in the description, when on viewing it may be something they are happy to overlook.  For example, a tiny third bedroom may be forgivable if the property has a stunning view, or potential to convert the attic or basement.

To help you on your property hunt, check out this tongue-in-cheek BBC guide to estate agent jargon to make sure you know your character cottage from your bijou basement.

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