I was recently on another forum answering questions for people about our area, when someone commented about the overuse of certain descriptors in real estate. In real estate, we have a term calling puffing. This is where a real estate agent promotes their listing with a verbose use of adjectives that makes most consumers head spin.

Most consumers are perfectly capable of seeing these exaggerated statements, and not take them literally, but does that make it okay? You know what I am talking about…stunning views (they omit of the dilapidated barn), beautiful hardwoods (that need to be refinished), and cozy (yes, for those cottages that you can’t fit a big screen television into).

With the propagation of listings, virtual tours, and photos online, the need for puffing seems to be diminished. I have seen homes described as updated while looking at 1970′s lime green carpet in the online photos. What does this say about the agent writing up the description?

On this same forum, there is a lot of feedback from disgruntled people and I have to wonder what impression do we as agents create for the consumer out there when we use such overly exaggerated terms. I have had buyers laugh and have laughed with them at terms used in a listing after observing the house. I think this sets the stage for a dishonest reputation. It’s no wonder many people de-value what real estate agents have to offer, and we often rank slightly higher than used car salesman.

It’s all about perception. I know I hate feeling deceived. When a buyer takes the time to screen a listing, or reads a description online there is nothing worse that walking onto that property and seeing the puffing that occurred. It sets a negative tone for the property as well as for the agent.

I for one describe what I see as accurately as possible. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but most would agree that avocado paisley floors are not “retro.”

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