Zillow and other home listing sites are great tools—they offer access to thousands of homes right at your fingertips. But what they don't always give you is the whole story. Listing language is often filled with coded phrases that sound great but can hide key details.
Let’s break down what those common phrases really mean—and how to spot the truth.
🏠 1. “Cozy” = Small
You’ll often see words like:
“Charming cottage”
“Cozy retreat”
“Perfect for first-time buyers”
What it might really mean:
The home may have under 1,000 sq ft, low ceilings, or oddly shaped rooms. These listings often use clever angles or wide-angle lenses to make the space appear larger than it is.
What to do:
Look up square footage and compare it to similar homes.
Review the floor plan (if available) to see room dimensions and flow.
Ask your agent about ceiling height and closet/storage space—two things that rarely show up in pictures.
🛠️ 2. “Ready for Your Personal Touch” = Needs Work
Also watch out for:
“DIY dream”
“Bring your imagination”
“Vintage charm”
What it might really mean:
The home hasn’t been updated in 20+ years. You might be dealing with:
Original shag carpet
Outdated electrical/plumbing
Appliances older than your favorite 90s sitcom
What to do:
Ask for the age of the roof, HVAC, water heater, and windows.
Check if the home qualifies for financing—some fixer-uppers don’t.
Get quotes from contractors before making an offer so you know what renovations will cost.
🏞️ 3. “Private Backyard” = Shares a Fence with 3 Neighbors
They’ll say:
“Backyard paradise”
“Lush, green escape”
“Ideal for entertaining”
What it might really mean:
You might find yourself looking into the windows of three surrounding homes or backing up to a busy street. Dense foliage may offer privacy now but could be difficult to maintain—or could be covering something up (like a cracked retaining wall or drainage issues).
What to do:
Use Google Earth or satellite view to scout the lot layout.
Visit the property at different times (especially evenings/weekends).
Ask about drainage, yard maintenance, and lot boundaries.
🪞 4. “Spacious” = Staged with Small Furniture
Common descriptions include:
“Open and airy”
“Great for gatherings”
“Plenty of room to grow”
What it might really mean:
Stagers often use scaled-down furniture to make rooms look larger. Mirrors, minimal décor, and clever photography can trick your eye.
What to do:
Ask for the actual room dimensions.
Bring a tape measure or use a home measuring app at showings.
Mentally place your current furniture in the space—will it fit?
🌆 5. “Minutes from Downtown” = Close to a Busy Road
Watch for:
“Ideal location!”
“Easy commute”
“Close to everything”
What it might really mean:
You might be right next to a freeway, airport flight path, or train line. These homes often sound convenient—but could come with noise, traffic, or safety concerns.
What to do:
Drive the route during both morning and evening rush hours.
Check for nearby commercial development (bars, factories, warehouses).
Visit the home in the evening and listen for ambient noise.
🧱 6. “Sold As-Is” = Proceed with Caution
Phrases to note:
“No repairs will be made”
“As-is sale”
“Seller will not entertain requests for concessions”
What it might really mean:
The seller knows there are problems but doesn’t want to fix them. Homes like this often have major deferred maintenance—or worse, hidden structural or safety issues.
What to do:
Never skip an inspection—even if the seller won’t fix anything.
Bring a contractor to your showing for a ballpark estimate.
Be prepared to walk away if the issues are more than cosmetic.
🎯 BONUS: Look at What’s Not Being Said
Sometimes the most telling part of a listing is what’s missing:
No interior photos? The inside likely needs work.
Only photos of the yard or kitchen? They're likely hiding dated or damaged spaces.
Very short descriptions? The agent may be trying to move the property quickly without answering too many questions.
What to do:
Ask your agent to contact the listing agent and dig deeper.
Look up the home's last sold price and listing photos on real estate history websites.
Trust your gut—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The photos may be pretty—but your dream home deserves a deeper look.
We're here to help you see beyond the listing and make smart, confident decisions from day one.
Ever toured a home that looked nothing like the listing? Drop your story in the comments—let’s compare notes! Or send us the listings you’re unsure about, and we'll help you break them down.
🏡
Partners Realty Group
(865) 789 – 6677
"We don’t just show homes—we decode them."
