Asheville real estate blogger: How NOT to write a Craigslist ad

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Friend and loyal Ashvegas reader Clark is damn smart about real estate, and he writes about what he knows on the Asheville Real Estate Blog. Anyone interested in Asheville’s hot real estate market needs to check this blog on a regular basis.

Here’s a tidbit from a recent post about how not to write a for-rent ad for Craig’s List:

Use ALL CAPS. It’s hard to read and it’s considered the online equivalent of yelling. Ex: AVAILABLE FOR RENT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!

Use the words cute, awesome, great, perfect, nice, amazing, or any related “generalist” adjectives. These are meaningless to the reader. Also “unfurnished.” Just tell me if it’s furnished. Otherwise, I assume it’s empty.

Leave fields blank. Fill out all the blanks, or fields, when you create your ad.
Put your phone number in the title field. Presumably, if I want to learn more about your listing, I’ll click it, and then you can tell me your phone number. But before then? Bad idea. It wastes the title space and makes you seem a little desperate.

Discriminate against a protected class. How about this line from Saturday Oct 11th: “lookin for quiet single or couple.” Hello? If you thought this was different than saying no kids, you’re wrong.

Skimp on the body text. Once I click, it’s ok for you to tell me about your rental. Stick to the facts, but use as many words as you need. Describe the terms, the location, the benefits, the parking, and anything else that might sell me on your place.