How should I interpret home descriptions in ads or listings?

• Always assume that the broker is putting his or her best face forward – your job is to peek behind the facade to get at the truth.
• If there’s a positive feature present, however, you can be sure that they’ll always emphasize it.
• Here are some significant phrases to watch out for:

1. Fantastic view – that could mean one where you have to twist your neck out the window to see anything.
2. Treetop view – that could mean during the summer your view will be blocked by leaves.
3. Just renovated – it probably needs a minimal amount of redecorating.
4. Move-in condition – it may be pristine or it may need a coat of paint.
5. Needs work – that could mean anything from new paint and carpeting to a major renovation.
6. Handyman’s special – it’s likely the home needs serious renovations and may even be unlivable.
7. Bright and sunny – it may have a southern exposure, or maybe every room is painted bright yellow.
8. Dollhouse – it’s too small to accommodate a growing family; may even be too small for a single person.
9. Oversized rooms – could mean anything over nine by nine feet.
10. Street parking – that means the home doesn’t come with a parking space or a garage.  If the home is in a congested area, street parking may not be easy either.
11. Deeded parking space – you get your own parking space.
12. Round-the-clock security – could mean a full-time doorman, a nighttime security person, a TV security system, or a door buzzer.
13. Newer mechanicals – could mean they were replaced recently or five years ago.
14. Newer roof – it could still need to be replaced.
15. Needs new roof – it probably leaks.  Check for watermarks.  Does it need repair or replacement?
16. Oversized lot – it depends on the location.  It may mean you’re getting more grass than the typical lot in that neighborhood. 

• Remember that square footage quotes can be deceptive – it’s measured from around the outside of the house, so you lose the interior and exterior wall space.