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How to Write a Real Estate Listing to Sell?

Writing a real estate listing to sell your house or apartment isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. The goal is to present the property clearly and concisely, highlighting its key features to attract the largest number of potential buyers. Including as many relevant details as possible is essential. Here’s a checklist to guide your writing:
  • Type of property (house, apartment)
  • Year of construction
  • Type of transaction (sale, life annuity)
  • Surface area in square meters (Carrez law) and, if possible, the size of key rooms like the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms
  • Number of rooms
  • Location and orientation of the property
  • Asking price
  • Energy performance certificate (EPC)
  • Additional features that make your property stand out (size of outdoor spaces like a garden, terrace, or balcony; flooring materials, etc.)
  • Proximity to amenities such as shops, schools, transportation, city center, beach, train stations, etc.
  • Contact information
It’s important to include relevant details about the property and each room. If you’ve recently renovated any part of it, make sure to mention it—it’s a significant value add for your listing. Lastly, avoid emphasizing negative aspects in the ad while remaining honest and transparent. Potential buyers will notice any drawbacks during their visit.

What Title Should You Choose for Your Listing?

The title is the first impression a buyer will have of your property, so it should help them relate and imagine themselves in it (e.g., “Beautiful Family Home” or “Well-Designed Studio for a Student”). While it’s important to highlight the advantages and key features of your property in the listing, avoid overdoing it. An excessive use of superlatives can make buyers skeptical. A neutral and professional tone will inspire more confidence and encourage potential buyers to contact you.

How to Showcase Your Property with Photos?

Photos are just as crucial as the title of your listing. They provide buyers with a first glimpse of your property and can convince them to schedule a visit. In fact, photos are often the reason a potential buyer clicks to learn more. Listings with high-quality photos are viewed 7 times more often. Choose bright, well-lit photos of both the interior and exterior, ideally taken on a sunny day. Landscape (horizontal) orientation is preferable to portrait (vertical), as it presents the property more favorably. Pay attention to angles and ensure rooms are tidy and uncluttered. Like with the text, don’t try to hide anything—transparency builds trust. A listing with only one photo doesn’t offer enough to spark interest or help buyers envision the property. Add descriptive captions to your photos to make them more meaningful; this can further convince buyers who are skimming through your listing. Consider hiring a professional photographer for optimal quality. At Carmen Immobilier, we work with photographers who specialize in real estate to ensure the best possible presentation. Finally, stage your property by adding decorative touches like flowers, and carefully arrange the photo sequence so it feels like a virtual tour for potential buyers.

How to Publish a Real Estate Listing Online?

The internet provides numerous opportunities for individuals looking to sell their property. Before committing to any platform, make sure you understand the terms of use. Free versions of some websites may have limitations (such as a restricted number of photos or character limits) or might sell your contact information to real estate agencies. Some real estate agencies offer the option to publish your listing for free on their websites. Be selective about where you post your property. The audience on platforms like Le Bon Coin differs from those visiting real estate agency websites directly. Ensure you choose the platform that best matches your target buyers and offers the right tools to showcase your property effectively.

What Should I Do If My Listing Gets No Results?

Price is often the main barrier for potential buyers. A property listed at the right price is typically sold within three months. Have you priced your property correctly? Is it too high or too low? Don’t hesitate to consult a professional who can help you determine the fair market value, as they have a thorough understanding of the local market. Ensure your listing is visible on the websites and not buried on the later pages of search results. To boost your property’s position, you may need to pay for additional visibility options. Finally, if after several months you’ve had few or no visits, contact a real estate professional. They can help you refine your listing and enhance your property’s appeal for a quicker sale. At Carmen Immobilier, we offer tools to promote your property across multiple leading real estate platforms and access to a database of potential buyers interested in similar properties. Keep in mind that nearly three-quarters of French buyers prefer working with a real estate agent to purchase a property rather than dealing directly with individuals.