Real Estate Abbreviations
When advertising houses for sale, there are plenty of standard abbreviations and some not so standard abbreviations. Then there are those that even other Realtors can’t figure out. In this blog entry, we’ll look at some actual MLS entries. Some abbreviations look just like those cryptic singles ads. I can just see the next house ad:
SF, looking for s.o. that is willing to put time into new rel., must have steady income to qualify. Close to lake for long walks on the beach. Pic for pic.
It’s easy to create the standard abbreviations found in typical real estate ads. Just drop all the vowels and call it good. Let’s give it a try:
Great location close to lake with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fantastic master suite.
Becomes
Grt lctn cls to lk, w/ 3br, 2bth, fntstc mstr ste.
Uncommon Abbreviations
Most of the common abbreviations are easy to figure out. Let’s take a look at some harder ones. Here are some actual Public Remarks from the MLS along with my translation of what it actually means:
Sample MLS Abbreviations #1
ENJOY YOUR PRIVATE VIEWS OF MINNEHAHA CRK FROM YOUR LIV RM! INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY.BEAUTIFUL HWFS,FP,MAC IMPROVED.NEW: UPPER LVL INSULATION & CARPET,KIT FLRS & PAINT.UPDATED 4 SEAS PORCH.FAM RM CALLED FINISHED-CARPET,PAINTED BLK,FIN’D CEILING.VERIFY MSMTS
Here’s your opportunity to sandbag every spring when the snow melts because the creek is so close and will spill over each year. Beautiful hardwood floors, beautiful fireplace, beautiful MAC improvements. New upper level insulation (lower level has old insulation), new carpet and kitchen floors, and paint. Updated 4 season porch. Family room is included in the finished square footage, even though the ceiling is just open rafters that have been painted black. Verify measurements.
Sample MLS Abbreviations #2
Low-Traffic Street. Benches/Paths w/New (Old-Style) Street Lights. EZ to Show/QUICK CLOSE/NO R&R’s/Newer Roof/Boiler/Mechs – Much Copper-100 amp C/B’s – Att Gar+Off-St Park. HS TAX = $2,137 /// $$$$$ Reduced July 07 + 1-Year Warranty w/full price offer
Street is low traffic and has benches and walking paths with new street lights. Easy to set up appointment. No city required repairs / replacements, newer roof, boiler, and water heater, most of the plumbing is copper, some of it may still be galvanized, electrical has been upgraded to 100A circuit breaker box.
Sample MLS Abbreviations #3
FRESH PAINT AND POTTERY BARN LOOK. FEATURES INCLUDE COVE CEILINGS, BRICK FIREPLACE, BUILT-IN BOOK CASES, FORMAL D.R., SS APPL. IN KITCHEN, FIRST FLOOR F.R. WITH F.P., DEN, 3/4 BATH UP, NICE LANDSCAPING,WIHT PATIO, HOME HAS BEEN MAC, LOC. IS DEAL.
Contemporary colors, formal dining room, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, first floor family room with fire place, separate den, ¾ bathroom upstairs, nice landscaping with patio … location is ideal.
Sample MLS Abbreviations #4
Upscale n’hood steps from Diamond Lk. Walk/bike trails, fun in the water. Kitchen updated w/cherry/granite/stainless. 2 fp, formal Living/dining, hdwd, main flr BR & full bath, hot tub, private mstr bath, fenced yd, 2 car garage. Convenient location.
Upscale neighborhood, close to Diamond Lake. Walking and biking trails. Unexpected fun in the water because the timer on the sprinkler system is broken. Cherry cabinets with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. This home has 2 fireplaces, a formal living room and a formal dining room. Hardwood floors. Main floor bedroom and full bath. Private master bath. Fenced yard.
Sample MLS Abbreviations #5
WOW! Such attention to detail – your buyer will certainly appreciate all that has been done to this home! From the hand made breadboard to the thoughtful wiring to the efficiency measures implemented, this home is for the prudent home buyer!
I’m not even sure what thoughtful wiring means.
When in doubt, use your imagination as to what each one means. Or just adding some vowels back in.