Whether you are advertising a house in a newspaper or online, it is important to decide which property features you will describe in the headline and ad copy.

One good strategy is to make a list of your property’s most appealing features, then decide which of them to trumpet in your ad. Depending on the type of house you are selling and the kind of buyers you are likely to attract, here are some features that could merit mentioning in your ad:

Financial Incentives

  • Assumable mortgage
  • Commercial zoning
  • Eager seller
  • Home warranty
  • Low down payment
  • Low maintenance fees or costs
  • Low property taxes
  • Monthly costs are lower than renting
  • Owner financing or rent-to-buy possible
  • Owner retiring
  • Owner transferred
  • Seller will pay closing costs

Property Features

  • Alarm system
  • Architectural details, such as crown moldings, chair rails, etc.
  • Builder’s name, if well known in the area
  • Central air conditioning
  • Deck
  • Energy efficiency
  • Exercise room
  • Exterior lighting
  • Finished basement
  • Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
  • Garage – heated, three-car, etc.
  • Granite countertops in kitchen
  • Great for entertaining
  • Heat pump or other energy-efficient systems
  • Home theater
  • Hot tub
  • In-ground pool
  • In-law or extra apartment with rental potential
  • Kitchen – gourmet, great for entertaining, etc.
  • Landscaping
  • Light-filled or bright
  • Master suite with separate bath
  • Move-in condition
  • New bathrooms or kitchen
  • New improvements, such as roof, furnace, electrical service or wiring
  • New septic system
  • Open floor plan
  • Outbuildings that can be used for shops, storage, rental income, etc.
  • Pride of ownership that shows
  • Solar heating or electrical
  • Square footage (if it represents a good value for your price)
  • Town sewers
  • Upscale appliances that appeal to luxury-oriented buyers
  • Views of mountains, lakes, sunsets, sunrises
  • Window – new and energy efficient
  • Wood floors

Quality of Life

  • Association benefits (clubhouse, pool, etc.) if property is in a complex
  • Condo association mows lawn, does landscaping
  • Fairway-side location at golf club
  • Gated community
  • Great neighbors
  • Nature trails or state land adjoining property
  • Shopping or malls nearby
  • Short commuting time from nearby trains or buses
  • Town has a pool, golf course or other amenities

Family-Friendly Extras

  • Dead-end street
  • Excellent schools
  • Family neighborhood
  • Fenced yard that is great for kids or pets
  • School system

Related Information

How to Set Up Showings for Rental Properties 
How to Sell Investment Properties Faster by Offering Rent to Buy
Get your New York Real Estate Salesperson license
Train to be a Property Manager
Personal Real Estate Coaching
Five Real Estate Investment Deal-Breakers