2024: A Charming, Boastful and Ample Year

Relocating to Pittsburgh, or perhaps within Pittsburgh?  We've interviewed dozens of Pittsburgh home shoppers over the last year about their dirty little zillow habits, and it's clear that listing descriptions aren't typically what sells them on their future home.  More often than not, people perceive them as dispensable fluff.  One buyer we recently spoke with said, "they're only good for comedic value."  The truth is, listing descriptions are not going anywhere, and there must be a reason why...

What purpose do real estate listing descriptions actually serve? When crafted properly, quality listing descriptions drive digital traffic to a particular home and convert to in-person showings, the most important metric for a home seller about their likely success closing with terms that satisfy their goals.  They are also a time capsule of sorts, revealing what words, trends, and sentiments were top of mind in your local real estate market.  

9 Facts About 2024 Pittsburgh Real Estate Listing Descriptions You Didn't Know You Needed

1. 6322 of them pulled you in with their "charm." Is it time to find a charming little drawer and put this descriptor away?
2. 5584 listings used the word "boast," often in descriptions of what can be found on particular floors.  Do you live on a boastful 1st floor? 
3. 4786 reminded you of all the space you'll luxuriate in used the word "ample."  Yep. We get it. You won't feel cramped.
4. Get out your stun guns, friends! 2689 "stunning" homes were sold in 2024.  We're still getting off the floor on that one.
5. Buyers in 2024 were looking for move-in ready homes. Of the 2148 listings that used the word "renovate" in the description, 51% took a price reduction.
6. 104 houses described as Tudors were sold according to the West Penn Multi list in 2024. Castle chic, anyone?
7. 159 sold listings were described as mid century homes to potential buyers.
8. Only 4 listings referred to "magic" and none of them were found in the City of Pittsburgh.  We disagree, and think living in the City of Pittsburgh is magical every single day :). 
9. The end of an era - goodbye, man caves! Of the mere 5 listings that used the word "cave," 4 of the 5 were man caves - the 5th was a "gaming cave"