Ok - What do those buzzword REALLY mean?
Buying or selling a home? Congratulations! You’re about to enter a world filled with open houses, negotiations, and enough real estate jargon to make your head spin.
But don’t worry—I’m here to translate those fancy terms into what they actually mean. Because let’s be honest, some of these words are just creative ways to say, “This house needs a lot of work.”
1. Cozy = Teeny-Tiny (Hope You Like Minimalism!)
Sounds cute, right? But cozy is just a polite way of saying, “You better love your furniture because you’ll be tripping over it.”
✔ Pro Tip: If you can cook dinner, watch TV, and fold laundry all from the same chair, you’ve found yourself a cozy home.
2. Charming = Old, But in a Quirky Way
A “charming” house likely has original features—like creaky floors, weirdly shaped rooms, and a bathroom so small you can brush your teeth while sitting on the toilet.
✔ Pro Tip: If “charming” is paired with “great potential,” bring a contractor. And possibly a hard hat.
3. Fixer-Upper = Hope You Know a Handyman (or Ten)
If a house is labeled a fixer-upper, that means:
- The roof might leak.
- The wiring is definitely questionable.
- Your weekends will now be dedicated to Home Depot runs.
✔ Pro Tip: If you hear “good bones,” just know that’s Realtor-speak for, “It’s not falling down yet, so that’s a plus.”
4. Motivated Seller = Desperate (Make an Offer!)
A “motivated seller” means they’re ready to go—yesterday. Whether they’re moving, upgrading, or just really tired of mowing the lawn, they might be open to negotiating.
✔ Pro Tip: If you see “motivated seller” with “priced to sell,” don’t wait—someone else is already drafting an offer
5. Converted Garage/Basement = We Made a Room Out of a Space That Wasn’t a Room
A “converted” space could mean anything from an actual well-done extra room to a dark, slightly terrifying place with a random shower in the corner.
✔ Pro Tip: Always check if the conversion was permitted—or if Uncle Bob just got creative with drywall.
6. Great Potential = Bring Your Imagination (And a Contractor)
If a house has great potential or needs some updating, that’s code for:
- The kitchen hasn’t been updated since the Reagan administration.
- You’ve just walked into a time capsule – wood paneling, avocado green appliances, and floral wallpaper as far as the eye can see.
- You could knock down walls (but should you?).
- You’ll need to have vision—and maybe a lot of spare cash.
✔ Pro Tip: If you hear, “It just needs a little TLC,” prepare for the TLC to cost you thousands.
7. Won’t Last Long! = Hurry, Before Someone Else Takes It!
Translation: This house is a hot commodity. If you love it, don’t “think about it” too long—or someone else will be moving in while you’re still debating.
✔ Pro Tip: If you love it, act fast—but always get an inspection. No one wants surprise plumbing issues on move-in day.
What does this mean for you?
Real estate lingo is a language all its own, but now you know how to read between the lines. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just browsing for fun, I’m here to help translate and guide you through the process—no decoder ring required!
Ready to Discuss Your next step?
Thinking about making a move? Let’s chat! I promise to keep the jargon to a minimum.
