Cracking the Ottawa Code - What is that Ad really saying?

Posted on April 29, 2008 
Filed Under Buying Your New Home, Moving to Ottawa, Valerie Zinger

We are all either reading or writing real estate ads or home descriptions.  Just for fun, think of how unappealing an ad would be if it said:

“  This old house is a block away from the Level Four Lab hospital.  After a month, you will hardly notice the emergency helicopter landings and the ambulance sirens.  Because it is on the side of a hill, the foundation shifts and the retaining wall needs to be rebuilt every two years.  The neighbours are nasty and one in particular likes to spy and gossip.  There is just enough room for a couch and a two person kitchen table in the main living area.  The house was built before people owned real wardrobes so there is no place to hang your clothes.  The pipes are rusting and some major plumbing and electrical work is required.  The owner wants out and as fast as possible.  Let’s make a deal.”

old-house.jpgAs if…..  No.  I am sure that we all want a little dressing on the description.  Like most consumers I want to be told how wonderful my purchase is and how wise a decision maker I am.  Who wants the full unvarnished truth?  All you need is a little savvy in understanding what the ad is really telling you.   Now, if you want to crack the code on what those ads are saying, look out for things like: 

Cosy - Could mean so small that you can’t swing a cat without hitting all four walls

Needs TLC - Could mean that you will be doing a lot of work to make it habitable

Completely updated - Could mean a new door knocker was installed or a room recently painted or a whole renovation job

Minimal yard maintenance - Could mean there is not a plant or tree in sight or that the yard is non-existent

Suitable for a professional couple or empty nesters - Could mean that it is a two bedroom home in a neighbourhood with no schools or public transportation

Wonderful investment opportunity - Could mean that you will never want to live there yourself but can think of maybe others who would

Spotless - Could mean no one is living at the house

Hardwood floor under the carpet - Could be but can it be salvaged

Quaint - Could mean not only is the house small but it is also very old

Great potential - See TLC

When you are out house hunting, have some fun cracking the code.  Nothing beats seeing the property.  The description is only the teaser to get you to look. Don’t be too disappointed with the ad not describing the house. 

Even Coke has a hard time being “the real thing”.

Photo credit:  “Rectangles” at http://www.flickr.com/photos/erica_marshall/523903641/

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca

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