Listing agents, like all salespeople, have to do something to attract potential buyers, and one way they do this is by finding euphemisms to throw the most flattering light onto a home – and sometimes obscure a home’s flaws.
Realtor.com is here to help you understand what certain terms really mean in real estate lingo, and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Cozy
This warm and fuzzy word inspires many positive vibes. But make no mistake, “cozy” is code for small. There’s nothing wrong with a tiny house or kitchen, but it’s nice to know a place is diminutive before you take the time to see it. Reality check : Check the square footage and floor plan.
Custom
“Custom” usually signifies that the owner has adapted the home to his or her own particular taste. It sounds fancy, but just what is that taste? The results could well be odd, inconvenient, inappropriate, or just plain bizarre. Reality check : Ask the listing agent what is unique about the home. As for whether it’s a positive or negative, you be the judge. Some people like having a “custom closet” for their projects.
Needs TLC
This is yet another term that tugs at the heartstrings, right? This typically means that the house needs major work. If you’re lucky, it’s just a new paint job; if less lucky, you could need new plumbing, wiring and roof. Or it might be cheaper to just tear the whole place down and start fresh. Reality check : Ask the listing agent what renovations need to be done.
Charming
This is yet another euphemism in the real estate world where the reality is not so swoon-worthy, it just means the house is old. Reality check : Check the listing to see if it mentions the age of the house. You can also ask the realtor for this information, as well as the age of major appliances within, like the boiler.
Up and coming neighborhood
You’re thinking streets lined with cool restaurants and cafes! But it could also mean you might hear unwanted noises when you go to bed at night. There can be an extremely long gap between “up-and-coming” and “arrived.” Meanwhile, you’ll be putting up with a rundown area and longtime neighbors who are resentful of the newbies, as well as the noise and other inconveniences of construction. Reality check : Type the address into My Local Crime to pull up local crime statistics. Meanwhile, Gravy will give you the scoop on an area’s events, from bars to restaurants to rock concerts.
Secluded
Way off the beaten path or freeway, it could take you hours to commute to work or even the local grocery store. Reality check : Check Google Maps in satellite mode so you could see how off the beaten path this is.
Just had a total face lift
It sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it? A “face lift” for a home is quite simple. Loosely translated, this means the seller painted everything. This sounds good, except for the fact that paint is often used to hide things such as water stains and cracks in the wall that could signify foundation problems. Reality check : Be sure to ask if the home has any history with water damage or foundation problems; sellers are required to disclose any known problems.
