What to Look for in a Property Listing Before You Enquire

Sending an enquiry is a commitment of time, yours and the seller's. Before you reach out, spend a few minutes evaluating the listing properly. Here's what a thorough buyer checks before they press send.

Photos: what they show and what they don't

Good listing photos are bright, wide-angled, and show every major room. If a listing has only exterior shots, or five photos of a ten-room property, ask yourself what's missing and why. Dark, narrow, or selective photography is rarely accidental.

Conversely, a listing with honest photography, including the less glamorous angles, is usually a seller who wants to attract serious enquiries rather than waste everyone's time.

The description: detail over adjectives

Phrases like "lovely home" and "great potential" tell you nothing. What you want is: square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, floor level (for apartments), parking, storage, furnishing status, and any known issues with the property. Honest, specific descriptions save you from viewing a property that was never right for you.

Price context

Look at comparable listings in the same market and price range. Is this property priced competitively? Significantly above market? Below? A price that seems too low in a market you don't know well is worth investigating before you get excited.

The seller's profile

On House48, sellers and realtors have profiles. Check response rates and any reviews or indicators of activity. A responsive, verified seller is a smoother experience than an unresponsive one.

Your genuine questions before you enquire

Before sending a message, write down the three things you most need to know that aren't in the listing. Lead with those in your enquiry. It signals that you're serious and gives the seller something specific to respond to, which tends to get better, faster responses.

Read: Connecting Buyers Directly to Sellers through House48

A strong enquiry starts with a thorough read.

Browse listings and send your first enquiry at thehouse48.com