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In the luxury real estate sector, potential clients have always had demanding requests. In recent years, not only have their wish lists become more specific, but the vast majority of property searches begin with online listings long before buyers engage with a seller or agent.
How can you grab their attention at this early stage so your listing stands out? Be sure to mention the qualities that matter most to this affluent audience.
This does not have to be a rigorous or technical process. “Most of my data comes from in-person networking, talking to agents, or talking to buyers,” says Susan Schall, real estate associate at Venture Sotheby’s International Realty.
Samuel Wilson, real estate professional at Sotheby’s International Realty – Cape Cod Brokerage, agrees. “I gather most of my keyword statistics through conversations with other agents and potential buyers,” he says.
Through these relationships and information exchanges with colleagues and clients, Schall and Wilson have seen patterns emerge, patterns they can intelligently incorporate, if relevant, when listing new properties.
5 terms that home buyers frequently search for
1. Name the specific neighborhood: Although smaller than a city or town, many residential areas are known by different nicknames or epithets. Steeped in history, Wilson’s Cape Cod Market has been around for generations and draws a lot of interest. “For example, buyers want to know if a property is within the Hyannis Port Civic Association, which offers additional amenities in the form of beaches and yacht clubs,” says Wilson.
2. Emphasize property privacy: Now more than ever, buyers want peace and space. “Privacy is the biggest request I get when buyers are looking for homes in luxury communities,” says Schall.
3. Consider the house pool: Another trend gaining traction is the pool, although in some markets, like Schall’s, this isn’t new. “In the luxury category, a pool is almost a requirement, or at least a lot that can accommodate one,” he says. “This has been constant throughout my 16 years in Pleasanton, California.”
4. Mention parking space or garage: Newer than the need for a pool is a property’s ability to accommodate car collections. “I’m getting more requests for homes with large garage spaces in the luxury category,” says Schall.
5. Be clear about the school district: “I think it’s important to consider what school district the house is assigned to,” he adds. “In our area, the Internet often gets it wrong and some prospects skip a house because they believe, incorrectly, that the house goes to the schools in the neighboring town. I often notice, “the award-winning Pleasanton schools.”
4 additional factors agents should consider
1. Detached Dwellings: The guest cottage seems to be gaining in popularity as many buyers may have family or domestic help to move into their property for the short or long term, but be aware that buyers may use terms different when they look for it. .
2. Rental opportunities: “We’re getting more questions about summer rentals and Airbnb, especially with the ever-changing ‘sandbanks’ of local taxes and regulations,” notes Wilson. “Therefore, we take great care to properly present rental opportunities to potential buyers.”
3. Closed communities: For various reasons, public safety is a priority for many, and the gated neighborhood concept has appeal. Schall sees this notably among out-of-town buyers, with many former Silicon Valley residents moving to Pleasanton.
4. Recreational access: Shoppers want activities nearby, either for themselves or their children. Schall began to notice this trend as more people in his area began to seek access to golf.
3 Ways Agents Should Be Cautious
In addition to tapping into terms that will pique a prospect’s curiosity, here are some other tips that Wilson and Schall share with their fellow agents:
“With many homes that are over a hundred years old, we are careful to present older, less updated homes as opportunities for buyers to make their own story in the property,” says Wilson. “We avoid terms like ‘investor’, ‘superior fixer’ or ‘handyman special’.”
Choose descriptors that are on-brand for the high-end real estate market, for example, exceptional rather than fantastic. “Read luxury listings from other luxury areas and model the text after some of those listings,” suggests Schall.
While agents sometimes tap into a particular zeitgeist—for example, buyers in some markets may be looking for “modern” homes—Wilson discourages chasing buzzwords. “Luxury buyers are smarter than that,” he says. “Be honest but optimistic about the property.”
And remember, keywords are only one piece of the puzzle. “Luxury is a small category and inventory is low, so searches tend to be in price ranges rather than specific features,” explains Schall. But by being specific about the features that clients favor, agents can help speed up their search and find their dream home faster and easier.
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