how to describe home creative writing

Author, teacher, coach, geek

February 19, 2016

44 Ways to Describe Buildings–Homes I

For the next few months, weekly writing tips will include word choice suggestions. That includes:

• colorful and original descriptions
• pithy words and phrases
• picture nouns and action verbs
• writing that draws a reader in and addicts them to your voice

After taking some advice from Crawford Home Buyers , I keep a  collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books.

It’s amazing how skilled writers can use just a few carefully chosen words to transport readers into the world of their story, capturing their attention and making them want to stay. While some authors might focus on describing homes in detail, others might take a different approach, relying on powerful imagery and sensory details to evoke a mood or feeling. No matter your writing style, it’s important to find a way to connect with your readers and draw them in. When it comes to bridging the gap between planning institutions and entrepreneurs, one useful resource is  https://netivey-hakama.co.il/ . This service produces professional content and promotes the transformation of licensing into a profession with required training and education, helping to connect planners and authorities with the wider community and promoting effective collaboration.

A note: These are for inspiration only . They can’t be copied because they’ve been pulled directly from an author’s copyrighted manuscript (intellectual property is immediately copyrighted when published).

• Fair-sized house built of red Lyons Sandstone with the most god-awful-looking picket fence I’d ever seen.
• Small upstairs apartment on Newport Island, a tiny piece of land accessible only by a bridge so narrow, it would admit just one car at a time.
• The weather-beaten slat cottage sat at the far end of a mostly brown lawn. Wood silvered by the sun. Roof shingles warped. Small stands of plantain and giant bird-of-paradise for privacy. Despite the weathered appearance of the slat cottage, there was hope for its revival thanks to the services of a reliable local company specializing in affordable roofing solutions. If you too wish to safeguard your home against the elements and enhance its aesthetic appeal, going for this local company is the answer. Their dedication to quality and affordability ensures that your roof not only withstands weather challenges but also adds to the charm of your dwelling. With their assistance, the weather-beaten cottage could regain its former glory, proving that a reliable roofing projects can breathe new life into any home.
• Rambling old farm house
• Gleamed with the spotless silence of for-company-only.
• He leaned on the old boards. They felt thin and veined, frozen by a hundred winters, baked by a hundred summers. They smelled of dust and age. A big house from buy houses syracuse ny , the kind in which most American kids dreamed of growing up. Secluded among trees on one of DC’s most exclusive streets, it had turrets, gables, dormers, balconies, a screened-in front porch, a free-standing garage, a gazebo, a pool, formal gardents, the American dream.
• Sturdy two-story residence designed without the least imagination
• A set of sagging wooden steps descended three treads from the door

Contact an Industrial Cleaning Services provider if you’re managing an industrial facility or planning to sell a commercial property.

• A room barely big enough to exhale into
• A room that showed her lack of interest in anything to do with what people thought of her
• Small with clean white walls, a twin bed, a desk with a blank blotter on it, sliding closets opposite the bed, and thin green shag carpet. Or make a call to Zerorez to do this job professionally.
• My Writing Area: My computer faces out the window. I like having the sky and buildings in the background. Occasionally a bird or plane flies by in the distance. To my far left is my 42″ flatscreen TV (size does matter), which often displays my daily dose of CNN or Grey’s Anatomy. Next to that is my Buddhist altar, which I need to make better use of. To my right is a framed poster displaying a poem of mine that had been on Chicago buses and trains. And to the far right is a black and white picture of Grand Central Station with wide beams of light gushing in through the windows. The beams look like they are about to make the commuters levitate at any minute and float skyward. A single light burned, casting light on a chintz couch and an antique Quaker chair
• Improvised kitchenette off to one side
• Walls and ceilings were covered with mirrors, a high-tech bordello.
• Furnishings were cheap, black-painted. A worn mustard-yellow bean-bag chair, a relic of the seventies. An old tape deck and a towering set of speakers whose cloth was fraying
• A front door that could accommodate a family of giraffes.
• A foyer that would accommodate the Serengeti Plant at the foot of a vast curving staircase that probably went to heaven
• Polished wood floors and a graceful banister that curved up toward a soaring second floor gallery.
• Persian rug cove red a shopworn carpet.
• Prints of gentlemen riding to hounds decorate the walls.
• Crumbling rock walls
• Beautiful high arched windows
• Velvet drapes framed the windows, the lace inner curtains remained drawn, allowing daylight to enter while rendering the heart-stopping view over the city a blur
• bay windows
• two tall windows allowed sunlight to flood the room
• the windows flanked a grey fabric sofa, burgundy throw
• sheer lace curtains bordered by heavy burgundy drapes matching

Click for the complete list of 70 69 writer’s themed descriptions .

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This entry was posted in WordDreams .

Jacqui Murray

57 Best Ways to Describe Buildings in Writing (+ Examples)

One of the key components of any setting is the buildings within it.

Knowing how to describe buildings can transport your reader right into the world you’ve built.

Here’s how to describe buildings in writing:

Describe buildings in writing by utilizing architectural style, historical periods, materials used, and their cultural significance. Incorporate sensory details like soundscapes and emotional resonance. Highlight unique features, transformations, legends, and personal memories for depth.

In this article, you’ll learn all the ways to describe buildings in your writing.

1. By Historical Period

Table of Contents

Different historical periods offer a plethora of architectural designs.

When you mention a building from the Renaissance era, the image of grandeur, classic designs, and meticulous details springs to mind.

Similarly, medieval structures might invoke images of castles and fortresses.

Some historical periods to consider are:

• Ancient : Pyramids, temples, and coliseums.
• Medieval : Castles, fortresses, and walled towns.
• Renaissance : Grand manors, theaters, and palaces.
• Victorian : Ornate houses, large estates, and townhouses.
• Modern : Skyscrapers, glass-fronted buildings, and minimalist designs.

2. By Material

The building material not only imparts a physical texture to a structure but also offers a tactile feeling to your narrative.

When we describe a structure made of sandstone, readers may visualize its ruggedness and the warmth of its golden-brown hue.

On the other hand, glass skyscrapers evoke modernity and offer a reflection (both literal and metaphorical) of the urban world.

Examples of materials :

• Brick : Often seen in traditional townhouses. Think of the classic brownstones of New York.
• Marble : Conjures images of opulent palaces or Greek temples.
• Wood : Wooden lodges or cabins evoke feelings of nature, simplicity, and coziness.
• Glass : Mostly seen in modern office buildings or high-rises, suggesting transparency and sleek design.

3. By Height

Height in buildings can be an implicit indication of many things, including the period in which it was built, its function, or the aspirations of its builders.

A towering skyscraper in a business district implies a beacon of commerce and ambition.

In contrast, a quaint, single-story cottage nestled in a village street whispers tales of simplicity and tradition.

The narrative contrast is stark between the dominance of a city’s tallest structure and the humble abode that clings to the ground, embodying a quiet, unassuming charm.

Both have stories to tell, and the tales are as different as the shadows they cast.

Every building, whether ancient or modern, stands as a silent witness to the passage of time.

When describing an old, moss-covered stone building, readers might imagine the countless seasons it has withstood, the generations it has seen, and the myriad stories embedded in its walls.

A newly constructed high-rise, with its shiny facade and contemporary design, hints at a world that’s rapidly evolving, racing towards the future.

It speaks of innovation, of fresh beginnings, and sometimes, of the relentless march of progress that leaves no room for the old.

5. By Function

A building’s function is its heartbeat. It dictates the rhythm of activities inside, the kind of people who frequent it, and the emotions it evokes.

A school, for instance, might resonate with the sounds of children’s laughter, the rustling of books, and the knowledge pursuits.

Examples of functions :

• Library : A sanctuary of silence, corridors filled with the musky scent of old books, and seekers of knowledge lost in its aisles.
• Factory : Buzzing with activity, and machinery noise, indicative of industry and production.
• Barn : Evoking rustic charm, the scent of hay, and the sounds of farm animals.
• Theater : A world of art, echoing with applause, dramatic performances, and cultural expressions.

6. By Atmosphere

More than its physical attributes, the atmosphere of a building defines its soul.

It’s the difference between a church’s hallowed silence, which commands reverence, and the bustling, lively cacophony of a market square teeming with life.

While the exterior might give a hint, it’s the interior atmosphere of a building that truly draws a reader in.

The interior offers them a seat in its world, whether that’s the tranquility of a remote mountain monastery or the energetic vibe of a downtown jazz club.

7. By Surroundings

Buildings don’t exist in isolation.

They’re part of a larger tableau. Describing the surroundings sets the stage.

A lone manor at the edge of a dark forest might evoke mystery and intrigue, while the same manor overlooking a serene lake offers tranquility.

Context, in essence, is a silent storyteller.

It provides clues about the building’s purpose, its history, and its relationship with its environment.

The quaint bookshop squeezed between two modern cafes speaks of resilience amidst change.

Just as a historic monument amidst skyscrapers stands as a reminder of the city’s rich past.

8. By Color

Colors are a palette of emotions.

Describing a building’s color is akin to painting its mood.

The pastel hues of a coastal villa might convey a laid-back, beachy vibe.

Meanwhile, the monochrome shades of an urban structure suggest sobriety and functionality.

Whether it’s the radiant gold of a palace under the sun, the deep blue of a nighttime diner, or the rusty red of an old barn, colors breathe life into descriptions, making them vivid and evocative.

Size can be both a physical measure and a psychological one.

A sprawling mansion, with its many rooms and vast lawns, can indicate grandeur and opulence.

On the other hand, a small, compact house might not be grand, but it could brim with warmth and coziness.

It’s about the space, its utilization, and the feeling it imparts.

Does the vastness of a castle make one feel lost, or does it evoke a sense of awe? Does the confined space of an attic room feel claustrophobic, or does it exude intimacy?

10. By Architectural Style

Every architectural style brings with it a set of aesthetics, principles, and histories.

A Gothic cathedral, with its pointed arches and intricate detailing, is more than just a place of worship

It’s a testament to a particular period of architectural achievement.

Examples of architectural styles :

• Art Deco : Think of the glamorous 1920s, with ornate details, bold geometric forms, and lavish materials.
• Brutalist : Characterized by raw, unadorned concrete structures, it often evokes strength and functionality.
• Colonial : Reminiscent of colonization eras, with large porches, brick facades, and symmetrical designs.
• Modernist : Simplified forms, open floor plans, and a strong emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines.

11. By Cultural Influences

Every culture has its distinct architectural imprints.

Buildings influenced by a specific culture bring with them a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and artistic nuances.

For instance, a pagoda-style temple immediately brings forth Asian influences, whereas a hacienda-style house could transport readers to the heart of Mexico.

A mosque, with its minarets piercing the sky, intricately designed domes, and calligraphy-laden interiors, speaks of Islamic artistry.

A Mediterranean villa with stucco walls and red-tiled roofs tells tales of sun-kissed coasts and leisurely lifestyles.

12. By State of Repair

The condition of a building can be a rich source of narrative information.

A dilapidated mansion covered in ivy, with broken windows and creaky doors, might hint at long-forgotten stories, neglect, or even hauntings.

In contrast, a well-maintained Victorian house, freshly painted with a manicured lawn, suggests pride, history cherished and sustained.

Structures in ruins, especially historic ones, often feel melancholic, reminding readers of the inexorable march of time.

Meanwhile, buildings under construction are beacons of progress, symbolizing hope, aspirations, and the future.

13. By Decorative Elements

Details matter.

An ornate balcony with wrought-iron railings, statues adorning entrances, or stained glass windows can offer readers visual treats and clues about a building’s history and the aesthetic preferences of its inhabitants or architects.

Examples of decorative elements :

• Gargoyles : Often found in Gothic structures, these stone creatures serve both decorative and architectural purposes.
• Frescoes : Painted walls or ceilings, common in Renaissance buildings, depict scenes or stories.
• Mosaics : Pieces of colored glass or stones arranged to form patterns or images, frequently found in Byzantine architecture.
• Columns : Pillars that might be Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian, each bringing a different historical and aesthetic layer.

14. By Lighting

Light, both natural and artificial, plays a significant role in setting the mood.

A cathedral bathed in the soft hues of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows offers a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions.

Conversely, an alleyway dimly lit by a lone lamp post might evoke feelings of solitude or mystery.

The glow of lanterns in an old inn or the harsh neon lights of a modern nightclub can drastically alter the way a building is perceived, grounding readers in a specific time or mood.

15. By Acoustics

Beyond the visual, what does a building sound like?

The echo of footsteps in a grand marble hall, the muffled sounds in a carpeted library, or the lively acoustics of a music hall can immerse readers deeper into the setting.

Acoustics can also serve as indicators.

Sound bouncing off the walls of an empty mansion might evoke feelings of loneliness or abandonment.

Buildings like opera houses or concert halls, specially designed for optimal acoustics, not only emphasize the significance of sound but also bear testimony to the architectural marvels dedicated to the art of sound.

16. By User Experience

How does one navigate or experience the building?

A labyrinthine palace with endless corridors and secret chambers can give a sense of mystery.

In contrast, an open-plan modern office emphasizes transparency and collaboration.

The ease or difficulty of navigating a space, the viewpoints offered by balconies or windows, and even the experience of ascending a grand staircase versus taking a modern elevator can offer readers insights into the building’s purpose and the era’s design principles.

17. By Integration with Nature

Some buildings seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings, while others stand out.

A cottage with walls covered in ivy, almost hidden by the woods around it, offers a different narrative than a steel-and-glass structure stark against a forest backdrop.

Consider a treehouse that becomes one with the canopy or a desert abode designed for optimal cooling.

Either way, the relationship between a building and its environment can be a rich descriptor, highlighting harmony or discord.

18. By Innovations or Anachronisms

Certain structures stand out due to their innovative designs or features that are anachronistic for their time.

An ancient building with ahead-of-its-time water systems, or a futuristic house with solar integrations and smart tech in a traditional neighborhood, can be points of interest.

Such descriptions can surprise the reader, make them curious, or emphasize the uniqueness and significance of a structure.

19. By Symbolic Significance

Beyond their tangible attributes, some buildings hold symbolic meanings.

They might represent power (like a king’s palace), spirituality (like a temple or church), knowledge (like a grand library), or even decay and decline (like ruins).

The symbolic weight of a building can add depth to its description and make it more resonant in the narrative.

20. By Popularity or Notoriety

Lastly, how is the building perceived by the masses?

Is it a famous landmark, a tourist magnet with crowds always milling about?

Or perhaps it’s a notorious structure, shunned by locals due to dark tales or unfortunate histories.

The public’s perception of a building, whether a beloved local bakery or a haunted mansion, can influence its role in the story and shape the readers’ attitudes towards it.

21. By Ornamentation and Artistry

Buildings can be embellished with diverse forms of ornamentation, from intricate carvings to frescoes.

This decor often reflects the cultural and historical contexts, as well as the individual tastes of its creators.

A building adorned with gargoyles and flying buttresses, for example, might point towards Gothic influences.

• Baroque Churches : Filled with lavish ornamentation, gilded statues, and dramatic frescoes.
• Indian Temples : Carved with intricate sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, and tales from epics.
• Art Nouveau Buildings : Characterized by sinuous lines, floral motifs, and harmonious curves.

22. By Patronage or Ownership

The patron or owner of a building can provide essential insights into its style, purpose, and decor.

Palaces built by powerful rulers often reflect their ambitions, tastes, or the political needs of their time.

On the other hand, structures erected by philanthropists might emphasize utility and public welfare.

• The Medici family in Renaissance Florence sponsored numerous buildings that became masterpieces of their era.
• The Rockefeller Center in New York, financed by the Rockefeller family, is a beacon of art deco design and urban planning.

23. By Architectural Movement

Every era spawns architectural movements with distinct principles and aesthetics.

Describing a building by its movement aligns it with specific philosophies, materials, and designs.

The minimalist, functional approach of the Bauhaus contrasts with the ornate designs of the Rococo.

• Bauhaus : Emphasizes functionality and eschews unnecessary ornamentation.
• Rococo : Known for its playful, whimsical, and intricate designs, often in pastel colors.

24. By Social and Economic Status

Buildings can often depict the socio-economic status of their inhabitants or the region they’re located in.

Mansions, penthouses, and gated communities often exude opulence.

In comparison, slums, tenements, and worker cottages might highlight poverty or the working-class struggles.

Examples: The elegant townhouses of London’s Belgravia versus the narrow, crowded lanes of Dharavi in Mumbai.

25. By Sensory Appeal

Beyond sight, buildings can be described by how they appeal to other senses.

The scent of aged wood in a historic home, the touch of cool marble underfoot in a palace, or the distant sounds echoing through a vast cathedral can make descriptions more immersive.

• The warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread from a French bakery.
• The gentle, rhythmic tapping of rain on a tin-roofed cottage.

26. By Folklore or Legend

Some buildings are shrouded in myths, legends, or local tales.

A castle might be infamous for its ghostly residents, or a historic home might be revered as a hero’s birthplace.

Such tales add depth, intrigue, and cultural context.

• The legend of the Tower of London’s ravens, suggesting the kingdom’s fall if they ever leave.
• The lore surrounding Transylvania’s Bran Castle, often linked with the Dracula legend.

27. By Climate Adaptation

Buildings can be designed or modified to adapt to their climatic conditions.

A desert home might have thick walls to keep the interiors cool, while houses in tropical regions might feature wide verandas and high ceilings for ventilation.

• The igloos of the Arctic, built from blocks of snow.
• Traditional Arabian homes with wind towers for natural cooling.

28. By Relation to Other Structures

The juxtaposition of a building with its neighboring structures can offer rich contrasts or harmonies.

A medieval church beside a modern mall might highlight the city’s layered history or the interplay of the sacred and the commercial.

• The Flatiron Building in New York, with its unique triangular shape, set against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers.
• Rome’s Pantheon, an ancient temple, surrounded by renaissance buildings and modern cafes.

29. By Adaptive Reuse

Old structures might be repurposed for new functions, preserving their history while adapting to contemporary needs.

Warehouses transformed into lofts, churches turned into bookshops, or palaces renovated into hotels.

Transformations show the evolving narratives of buildings.

• The Tate Modern in London, once a power station.
• Book and Bed Hostels in Tokyo, combining bookshops with sleeping quarters.

30. By Emotional Resonance

How does a building make one feel?

Describing the emotional response it evokes can be more powerful than detailing its physical attributes.

A derelict asylum might exude eeriness, while a childhood home could evoke nostalgia.

• The somber, reflective atmosphere of the 9/11 Memorial.
• The joy and wonder of entering the whimsical world of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona.

31. By Historical Events

Many buildings carry the weight of significant historical events.

These events can cast a long shadow over the building’s atmosphere and its place in society.

For instance, a palace that was the site of a famous treaty signing or an assassination takes on the weight and significance of those events, shaping how one views and describes it.

The mere mention of such a building might evoke a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, filled with the drama and emotion of the past.

• The Palace of Versailles in France, which witnessed numerous royal dramas and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
• Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C., forever remembered as the assassination site of President Abraham Lincoln.

32. By Foundation

The foundation of a building is its bedrock, dictating its stability, longevity, and sometimes even its aesthetic appeal.

It speaks volumes about the building’s resilience, design intentions, and the environment it’s in.

Different terrains require different types of foundations.

A building’s foundation can indicate whether it’s designed to withstand earthquakes, floods, or other environmental factors.

• Stilt homes in flood-prone areas, raised above ground level, showcase the adaptation to the local environment.
• Buildings in earthquake-prone regions like Japan might have deep foundations and reinforced pillars to absorb shocks.

33. By Roof

Roofs provide shelter but also contribute to a building’s identity.

They often serve as an architectural highlight or adaptation to the climate of a region.

A roof can be symbolic of a region’s architectural history or a practical response to weather conditions. It can be decorative or functional, or both.

• The distinct pagoda-style roofs in ancient Chinese architecture, with their upturned eaves.
• Thatched roofs of English cottages, providing insulation and showcasing a rustic charm.

34. By Landscape Integration

How a building integrates or stands out from its surrounding landscape can be a focal point of description.

A mansion atop a hill overlooking a town tells a story of dominance or isolation, while a camouflaged cabin in the woods speaks of retreat and harmony with nature.

• Machu Picchu in Peru, a stone city seamlessly integrated into the mountainous terrain.
• Cliffside dwellings like the Hanging Temple in China, defying gravity and blending with the vertical landscape.

35. By Socio-political Context

Architecture often mirrors the socio-political climate of its time.

Structures built during totalitarian regimes might exude power and intimidation, while those from a renaissance period might reflect hope, curiosity, and the human spirit.

Describing buildings within this context can enhance the depth of a story, setting the stage for the characters’ challenges and triumphs.

• The grandeur of Stalinist architecture, like the Seven Sisters in Moscow, representing power and state dominance.
• The democratic openness of city halls and public squares in many European cities, symbolizing public participation and freedom.

36. By Architectural Philosophy

Some buildings are constructed based on specific architectural philosophies or principles.

Perhaps the Japanese philosophy of “Wabi-sabi” celebrating imperfection or the Modernist mantra “form follows function.”

These guiding principles can be a unique way to delve into the building’s essence.

• Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, embodying the philosophy of organic architecture.
• The grid-like simplicity of De Stijl architecture , as seen in Rietveld Schröder House.

37. By Spiritual or Religious Significance

Many structures are steeped in spiritual or religious significance, making them more than just brick and mortar.

Temples, churches, mosques, and other religious edifices often come loaded with symbolic elements, rituals, and an aura of reverence.

• The Notre-Dame Cathedral i n Paris, with its Gothic spires, rose windows, and religious relics.
• The intricately carved Jain temples of India, representing non-violence and respect for all living beings.

38. By Reflection of the Times

Architecture can be a mirror to the prevalent trends, technology, and societal values of its era.

A post-war building might carry elements of resilience and simplicity.

Structures from a prosperous era might, instead, exude opulence and flamboyance.

• Art Deco buildings of the Roaring Twenties, like the Chrysler Building in New York, symbolizing prosperity and technological progress.
• The austere, functional buildings of post-World War II Europe, reflecting the continent’s recovery phase.

39. By Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Every building might have personal stories or anecdotes linked to it.

These tales, whether of love, tragedy, triumph, or everyday life, can turn a mundane structure into something special.

A house might be remembered for the family feuds it witnessed, or a bridge might be iconic for a legendary love story.

• The Romeo and Juliet balcony in Verona, believed to be the site of the famous Shakespearean love story.
• The childhood homes of famous personalities, like Mozart’s Geburtshaus in Salzburg, which tells tales of prodigious talent and early beginnings.

40. By Flooring

Flooring can reflect the luxury, practicality, or cultural elements of a building.

It plays a significant role in interior aesthetics and user comfort.

The choice of flooring material, its texture, and design can say a lot about the purpose of a room and the building’s overall theme.

• Design: The intricately designed marble floors of palaces, indicating opulence and grandeur.
• Material: Bamboo or tatami mat flooring in traditional Japanese homes, bringing forth an essence of simplicity and nature.

41. By Urban vs. Rural Setting

The setting of a building, whether in a bustling urban environment or a serene rural backdrop, affects its architecture, materials used, and its overall ambiance.

Urban structures might prioritize vertical expansion and efficient space use.

Rural ones might spread outwards, integrating with nature.

• The compact, upward-stretching skyscrapers of Manhattan versus the sprawling ranches of Montana.
• Ancient European farmhouses nestled in valleys versus modern urban apartments with their balconies facing busy streets.

42. By Ecological Impact

With the rising emphasis on sustainability, many buildings are now designed with their ecological footprint in mind.

Consider green roofs and walls to structures entirely powered by renewable energy.

There’s a growing trend towards eco-friendly architecture.

• The Bullitt Center in Seattle is called the world’s most eco-friendly office building.
• Ancient cliff dwellings, which utilized natural rock formations to maintain interior temperatures and minimize impact on the environment.

43. By Underground Space

A building’s underground space can reveal hidden functions, histories, or layers of utility that aren’t immediately visible on the surface.

Basements, cellars, underground bunkers, or parking spaces can add layers of mystery, function, or historical depth.

• Ancient catacombs or crypts beneath churches, like the Catacombs of Paris, harboring history and tales of the departed.
• Modern skyscrapers with multiple levels of underground parking and utility spaces, showcasing urban space optimization.

44. By Human Interaction

How people interact with a building can be a powerful descriptor.

Are its halls always crowded?

Do children play in its courtyards? Is it a place of solitude or social interaction?

Such descriptions bring the building to life, emphasizing its role in the community.

• The lively bustle of Grand Central Terminal in New York, with commuters rushing, tourists marveling, and couples reuniting.
• The tranquil corridors of monasteries, where the only sounds might be the soft footsteps of monks.

45. By Technological Advancements

In the modern age, buildings can be described by the technology they incorporate.

Smart homes, buildings with integrated AI systems, or structures with advanced security systems reflect the advancements of the age.

• The Edge in Amsterdam, touted as the world’s smartest building, where even the coffee machines are connected to the internet.
• Historical aqueducts and water systems, showcasing the engineering prowess of ancient civilizations.

46. By Adaptability and Flexibility

Some buildings are designed to be adaptable to different needs over time.

These structures might have movable walls, transformable spaces, or modular designs that can evolve with changing requirements.

• The Habitat 67 complex in Montreal, where prefabricated modules can be reconfigured.
• Japanese homes designed with large open spaces that can serve multiple purposes, from living rooms in the day to sleeping areas at night.

47. By Fragrance and Aroma

Though subtle, the distinctive smells associated with certain buildings can paint a vivid picture.

A library’s musty scent, the fresh aroma from a bakery, or the mix of incense in a temple can transport the reader to the location instantly.

• The cedarwood fragrance permeating ancient temples in Kyoto.
• The unmistakable scent of chlorine in indoor swimming complexes.

48. By Security Features

Security features can provide insights into the importance, vulnerability, or the treasures a building holds.

It can also reflect the socio-political environment of the locale.

A building heavily fortified indicates its importance or the potential threats it might face, whereas minimal security might indicate peace, openness, or a lack of valuable contents.

• The Buckingham Palace with its guards, high walls, and surveillance systems, highlighting the importance and the need to protect the monarchy.
• A quiet, open-plan library in a small town, with just CCTV cameras, showcases the trust in the community and the open access to knowledge.

49. By Mystique and Legends

Every region has its tales, its myths, and sometimes these stories are intrinsically tied to certain structures.

A haunted house, a castle rumored to have hidden treasures, or an inn with tales of historical figures stopping by can add a layer of mystique and depth to the description.

• The Tower of London, with its many ghostly tales including that of Anne Boleyn.
• Château de Brissac in France, also known as the “Giant of the Loire Valley,” renowned for its ghost, “la Dame Verte” or the Green Lady.

50. By Seasons and Weather

The way a building interacts with different seasons can be enchanting.

How it stands resilient during winter storms, becomes enlivened by spring blossoms, offers shade in summer, or is framed by autumn leaves can bring a dynamic quality to descriptions.

• Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, often pictured blanketed in winter snow, looking like a fairy-tale come alive.
• Traditional Japanese homes with engawas (verandas) designed to appreciate seasonal changes, especially the sakura bloom in spring.

51. By Movement and Dynamics

While buildings are inherently static, the environment around them isn’t.

Describe how shadows move across a structure during the day, how it appears through the mist, or how its reflection dances on water.

These details can capture a building’s dynamic interplay with the environment.

• The play of sunset hues on Petra’s Al-Khazneh in Jordan, making the ancient rose-red city look aflame.
• The Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, with its surrealistic appearance as it reflects on the bay waters.

52. By Proportions and Geometry

A building’s proportions, symmetry, or lack thereof, and its geometrical design elements can serve as potent descriptors.

They can convey balance, chaos, grandeur, or coziness, depending on the design.

• The perfectly symmetrical facade of the Taj Mahal in India, representing balance and beauty.
• The twisted and unconventional design of the Dancing House in Prague, which challenges traditional architectural norms.

53. By Hidden or Secret Elements

Every building might have its hidden nooks, secret passages, or lesser-known elements.

Describing these can add an element of intrigue and adventure to the narrative.

• The hidden chambers and passageways of Hampton Court Palace in England.
• The concealed courtyards of Marrakech’s riads, which offer an oasis of calm in the midst of the city’s hustle.

54. By Time of Day

The time of day can drastically change how a building is perceived.

Dawn might cast a soft golden glow, midday could highlight the structure’s magnificence under bright light.

Dusk might lend a serene hue, while nighttime could unveil a structure illuminated in artificial lights.

• Eiffel Tower in Paris, which transforms from an iron lattice structure in the day to a sparkling jewel at night.
• Ancient ruins like Stonehenge, which take on a mystical aura during the solstice sunrise.

55. By Parking

Parking can offer a unique perspective on the accessibility, modernity, and practical aspects of a building.

A skyscraper might have a multi-level underground parking facility, while a countryside inn might just have a gravel lot.

The type and style of parking can shed light on the type of people frequenting the building and its location.

Parking is a functional aspect that often gets overlooked.

Yet, it can provide insights into the modern infrastructure and the building’s capacity to accommodate visitors.

• The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, known for its expansive parking decks, indicative of the structure’s modernity and the bustling crowd it attracts.
• A centuries-old church in a European town, with only a cobblestone path leading up to it and no dedicated parking, emphasizing its age and the pedestrian nature of the locale.

56. By What Is Missing

Sometimes, what a building lacks can be as telling as what it includes.

The absence of certain features can highlight its history, purpose, or the socio-economic conditions of its residents.

Absence can be telling. A building missing windows might suggest a need for defense or privacy in historical times.

Lack of modern amenities might indicate either a commitment to maintaining historical authenticity or a lack of resources.

• Castles like the Alhambra in Spain, where certain decorative elements are conspicuously absent due to religious beliefs of the Moors.
• An old house in a rural village, devoid of any electronic fixtures or modern plumbing, hinting at a simpler time or economic constraints.

57. By Literary Genre

Buildings can be described in a style reminiscent of different literary genres.

A haunted house might be described in a gothic or horror style, a futuristic building in a sci-fi manner, or an old mansion in a romantic or historic style.

Literary genres come with their own set of conventions, moods, and themes.

Utilizing these can offer a distinctive lens through which to view and describe a building, thereby setting a tone that aligns with the narrative’s intent.

• An abandoned asylum, its corridors echoing with eerie silences and shadows, drawing from horror literature.
• A building with sleek curves, neon-lit facades, and hovering platforms, reminiscent of science fiction settings like Blade Runner.

50 Words to Describe Buildings

Here is a list of words to describe buildings in your stories, reports, product profiles, and more:

• Dilapidated
• Minimalistic
• Symmetrical
• Breathtaking
• Picturesque
• Verdant (if covered with plants)
• Cobblestoned
• Flourishing

25 Phrases to Describe Buildings

Next, let’s look at some of the best “starter” phrases to use when you need to describe buildings in writing.

• Standing tall against the horizon
• Whispers of bygone eras
• A beacon of modernity
• The touch of nature’s embrace
• Frozen in time
• A dance of shadows and light
• Bearing the weight of history
• A testament to innovation
• Merging tradition and modernity
• Clinging to its past
• Resilient against the elements
• Melting pot of architectural styles
• Crafted with meticulous precision
• Heralding a new age
• Cradled in the lap of nature
• Drawing eyes skyward
• Seamlessly blending with its surroundings
• Shrouded in tales and mysteries
• Rising like a phoenix
• A canvas of artistic expression
• Carved with legends
• Keeping pace with the future
• Holding the stories of centuries
• Echoing the footsteps of the past
• A juxtaposition of epochs

Check out this video about how to describe buildings in writing:

Three Full Building Descriptions

I don’t know about you but I love to see full examples – especially when it comes to writing tips and techniques.

Therefore, here are three examples for how to describe buildings in writing.

The Old Manor House

Nestled on the outskirts of the town, the Old Manor House stands as a silent sentinel of the past.

Its weathered stone walls and time-worn wooden beams whisper tales of bygone eras. The structure, with its vast corridors and winding staircases, holds an enigmatic charm. Ivy covers much of its facade, lending it a verdant embrace.

The large, towering oak trees around it act as guardians, their branches swaying gently with the wind.

Here, every creak of the floorboard and rustle of the leaves seems to echo with stories waiting to be discovered.

Pinnacle Tower

Rising above the bustling city is the Pinnacle Tower, a beacon of modernity.

Its sleek, reflective glass surface mirrors the ever-changing skyline. As the sun sets, the tower transforms into a luminous gem, its lights dancing amidst the city’s constellation. Designed with innovative architecture, it stands not just as a workplace but a testament to human achievement and the possibilities of the future.

Its top floor offers a panoramic view, making the chaotic streets below seem like a rhythmic, orchestrated play.

Lilac Cottage

Tucked away in a quiet lane, the Lilac Cottage is the epitome of quaint charm.

With its cobblestoned pathway leading to a blue wooden door, and windows framed by blooming flower boxes, the cottage seems straight out of a storybook. The white picket fence and the small garden, bursting with colors, add to its picturesque beauty.

Inside, the intimate space, with its wooden furniture and lace curtains, radiates warmth and comfort.

The scent of freshly baked bread wafts from the kitchen, promising a sanctuary of homely delights.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe Buildings in Writing

Each building has stories etched into its walls, stories of the hands that built it, the eras it survived, and the people who occupied it.

By employing diverse descriptive techniques, writers can unearth and convey these tales, making structures more than just static edifices.

We have lots of other articles about how to describe people, places, and things in writing.

Check out a few of the others before you go :).

Related Posts:

• How to Describe a City in Writing (100+ Best Examples)
• How To Describe a House in Writing (21 Tips for Beginners)
• How to Describe Mountains in Writing (21 Tips & Examples)
• 400+ Words to Describe a Flower Garden: Best Writers Guide

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A Quick Writer’s Guide to Describe Interiors

Creating immersive descriptions of indoor spaces is more than just scene setting —it’s an invitation to the reader to step into your world. Describing the interior of buildings with vivid detail can draw readers into your narrative. So let’s explore how to describe interiors using multiple sensory experiences and contexts.

• Lighting: soft glow of lamps, harsh fluorescent lights, or natural light.
• Colour and textures; peeling paint, plush velvet, or sleek marble.
• Size and scale: is it claustrophobically small or impressively grand?
• Architectural features: high ceilings, crown mouldings, or exposed beams.
• Furnishings: are they modern, sparse, antique, or cluttered?
• Style and decor: what style is represented, and how does it affect the atmosphere?
• State of repair: is the space well-kept, neglected, or under renovation?
• Perspective and layout: how do spaces flow into each other?
• Unique design features: describe sculptural elements, or things that stand out.
• Spatial relationships: describe how objects are arranged—what’s next to, across from, or underneath something else?
• Describe echoes in large spaces or the muffled quality of sound in carpeted or furnished rooms.
• Note background noises; is there a persistent hum of an air conditioner, or the tick of a clock?
• Describe the sound of footsteps; do they click, scuff, or are they inaudible?
• Include voices; are they loud and echoing or soft and absorbed?
• Is there music? Is it piped in, coming from a live source, or perhaps drifting in from outside?
• Capture the sounds of activity; typing, machinery, kitchen noises, etc.
• Describe natural sounds; birds outside the window, or the rustle of trees.
• Consider sound dynamics; is the space acoustically lively or deadened?
• Include unexpected noises that might be unique to the building.
• Consider silence as a sound quality. What does the absence of noise convey?
• Identify cleaning products or air fresheners. Do they create a sterile or inviting smell?
• Describe cooking smells if near a kitchen; can you identify specific foods?
• Mention natural scents; does the room smell of wood, plants, or stone?
• Are there musty or stale smells in less ventilated spaces?
• Note the smell of new materials; fresh paint, new carpet, or upholstery.
• Point out if there’s an absence of smell, which can be as notable as a powerful scent.
• Consider personal scents; perfume, sweat, or the hint of someone’s presence.
• Include scents from outside that find their way in; ocean air, city smells, etc.
• Use metaphors and similes to relate unfamiliar smells to common experiences.
• Describe intensity and layering of scents; is there a primary scent supported by subtler ones?
• Describe people’s actions; are they relaxing, working, hurried, or leisurely?
• Does the space have a traditional use? What do people come there to do?
• Note mechanical activity; elevators moving, printers printing, etc.
• Include interactions; are people talking, arguing, or collaborating?
• Mention solitary activities; someone reading, writing, or involved in a hobby.
• Capture movements; are there servers bustling about, or a janitor sweeping?
• Observe routines and rituals; opening blinds in the morning, locking doors at night.
• Include energetic activities; perhaps children playing or a bustling trade floor.
• Note restful moments; spaces where people come to unwind or reflect.
• Describe cultural or community activities that might be unique to the space.

Decorative style

• Describe the overall style; is it minimalist, baroque, industrial, or something else?
• Note period influences; does the decor reflect a specific era or design movement?
• Include colour schemes and how they play with or against each other.
• Mention patterns; on wallpaper, upholstery, or tiles.
• Describe textural contrasts; rough against smooth, shiny against matte.
• Observe symmetry or asymmetry in design.
• Note the presence of signature pieces; a chandelier, an antique desk, or a modern art installation.
• Mention thematic elements; nautical, floral, astronomical, etc.
• Describe homemade or bespoke items that add character.
• Include repetitive elements; motifs that appear throughout the space.
• Mention historical usage ; was the building repurposed, and does it keep its original function?
• Describe architectural time periods; identify features that pinpoint the era of construction.
• Note changes over time; upgrades, downgrades, or restorations.
• Include historical events that took place within or affected the building.
• Mention local or regional history that influenced the building’s design or function.
• Describe preservation efforts; are there plaques, restored areas, or visible signs of aging?

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• How to Find a Premise for a Story
• How to Develop a Premise into a Story
• How to Describe Setting
• How to Create and Develop Characters
• How to Write a Scene
• How to Structure a Story
• How to Move Through Time and Space
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How to Describe a House

Domingo Martinez’s memoir, The Boy Kings of Texas , was a finalist for the National Book Award.

Describing a house in a story ought to be easy. After all, real estate listings do it every day: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. For poetic purposes, maybe throw in a window and chair. Of course, more is needed—but is that  more simply more detail?

One of the best examples of a house description that I’ve read in a long time comes from the first chapter of  The Boy Kings of Texas . Domingo Martinez’s memoir tells the story of his family and growing up in Brownsville, Texas. It was a bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award. You can  read the opening pages   at the website of The Diane Rehm Show..

How the Story Works

As a thought experiment, try describing the house or apartment where you live. (Seriously, give it a try.)

What happened? Odds are, you started with the property listings and then got stumped. A good description requires some organizational principle, and until you find it, you’re just listing things.

The house that Martinez describes belonged his father’s stepuncle. The two families did not get along, as Martinez explains here:

Elogio and his four sons clearly felt that Dad and his family did not belong in the Rubio barrio, since Gramma had married into the barrio when Dad was already four years old, a child from another man. Elogio was our Grampa’s usurping younger brother, and he wanted control of the family trucking business that Grampa had built. As Grampa’s stepson, Dad challenged Elogio’s succession. It was a Mexican parody of Shakespeare, in the barrio, with sweat-soaked sombreros and antiquated dump trucks.

That tension is important because it informs the way Martinez describes the Rubios’ house, property, and near-feral dogs:

The Rubios had kept these dogs unfed, unloved, and hostile. Presumably it was to keep burglars away from their prototypical barrio home: a main house, built by farmhands many years before, with subsequent single-room constructions slapped together according to the needs of the coming-of-age males and their knocked-up wetback girlfriends. As such, the houses were consistently in varying stages of construction and deconstruction, because the boys never left home; they just brought their illegitimate children and unhappy wives along for the only ride they knew, the one that headed nowhere.

Notice the word choices:  slapped ,  knocked-up ,  wetback , illegitimate, unhappy.  They’re all negative.

Now, think about what other words Martinez could have described the house (or the words that a Realtor would use):  big, hand-built ,  rambling ,  homey ,  comfortable . But those words would be totally out-of-place in this passage. Because Martinez has clearly defined his feelings toward the inhabitants of the house, the tone of the description is established. Once you’ve got the tone, the actual descriptions tend to present themselves automatically. The trick is to give your brain some guidelines. You’re not asking it to pull up every single detail about a place, just a few. The more clearly (and, usually, more emotionally) you define the guidelines, the easier it is to write the description.

It’s also worth noting that the description of the Rubios’ house is connected inextricably to the people who live in it. The main two sentences about the shape and construction of the house (beginning with Presumably… and  As such… ) end with the human rationale for the construction decisions ( according to the needs…   and  because the boys never left home ). The behavior and the needs of the family shape not only the house but the description of the house as well.

The Writing Exercise

Let’s describe a house or apartment (or wherever you or a character lives) using the passage from  The Boy Kings of Texas  by Domingo Martinez as a model:

• Choose your narrator or main character. If it’s you—good. If it’s a character in a story—also good. You need a primary perspective, a lens through which to view the house and everything else.
• Choose the house and its inhabitants.  Who lives there? How are they connected to your narrator or main character?
• Identify the emotional angle on the house. How does the narrator or character feel about the house or the people living in it? Don’t think too hard; just brainstorm. Does the character have warm feelings? Is the character bitter, disappointed, angry, nostalgic, sad? Are the first memories or scenes that come to mind funny? Tragic? Tense?
• Write a quick scene/anecdote that illustrates that emotion. Focus the scene or story on a character or two and a particular moment in time. Remember, the goal is to tell a story that conveys how you or your character feels about the place.
• Generalize about the people who live in the house (or spend time there).  This can be as simple as writing a sentence that begins, “They were the kind of people who…”
• Generalize how the people  used the   house.  Did they use in a communal way (everyone eating, talking, hanging out together)? Did they isolate themselves into rooms? Did they come and go at odd hours? What sort of activities did they do there? Keep in mind the sort of people you are (previous step). If they’re the sort of people who ____, that means they spent a lot of time _____, which really made me/your character feel ______.
• Generalize how the house was a perfect/imperfect fit for these activities and these people. Did the house allow the people to do the activities? Were the people cramped? Did the people modify the house in order to do the things they wanted to do? In what ways did they modify their own behavior to fit the house?
• Describe the house.  You’ve probably already written a few lines about the house. Now you’re summing them up. You might start with a sentence about the people: They were the kind of people who _____ or They spent a lot of time _____. Or, you can jump straight to the house with a sentence like this: It was the sort of house that _____ or It was a typical _____ house. Your goal is to write a description of the house that focuses on the ways it was used, the ways it fit a type of behavior, or the ways it shaped the inhabitants’ behavior. Keep in mind the cue words and phrases that Martinez uses ( according to the needs…   and  because the boys ). How can you describe the house in terms of causality?

As you likely know, people’s houses tend to become manifestations of their personality traits. The goal, then, is to write a description of a house that is as active as the people who live in it.

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Tags: character development , creative writing exercises , creative writing prompts , describing setting and place , Domingo Martinez , Hispanic literature , How to Write a Personal Essay , Texas literature , The Boy Kings of Texas

• Comments 9 Comments
• Categories Character Development , Setting and Place

9 Responses to “How to Describe a House”

This was very informative and very helpful! I look forward to trying these tips out very soon.

Thanks! Let me know how it goes.

Cool tips for writers like me. It’s really hard to describe a house in a story if you want to make it real for your readers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

wow. great tips for bloggers like me. You did a great job on writing this post. I was impressed by your ideas.

Please I nedd help .

Please how can i become a writer

I like this

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Novel writing ,

How to write descriptions and create a sense of place.

By Harry Bingham

Your first job as a storyteller is a simple one, and a crucial one. You have to get your passengers into your train – your readers into your story. Only then can you hope to transport them.

And that crucial first step doesn’t have much to do with characters or story or anything else.

What matters first is this: your fictional world has to seem real. It has to grip the reader as intensely as real life – more intensely, even.

Writing descriptions that  seem  vivid, with the use of evocative language, is therefore essential. The buildings, cities, places, rooms, trees, weather of your fictional world have to be convincing  there . They have to have an emphatic, solid, believable presence.

A big ask, right? But it gets harder than that.

Because at the same time, people don’t want huge wodges of descriptive writing. They want to engage with characters and story, because that’s the reason they picked up your book in the first place.

So your challenge becomes convincing readers that your world is real . . . but using only the lightest of touches to achieve that goal.

Not so easy, huh?

Start Early

Set the scene early on – then nudge.

It may sound obvious but plenty of writers launch out into a scene without giving us any descriptive material to place and anchor the action. Sure, a page or so into the scene, they may start to add details to it – but by that point it’s too late. They’ve already lost the reader. If the scene feels placeless at the start – like actors speaking in some blank, white room – you won’t be able to wrestle that sense of place back later.

So  start early .

That means telling the reader where they are in a paragraph (or so), close to the start of any new scene. That early paragraph needs to have enough detail that if you are creating a coffee shop, for example, it doesn’t just feel like A Generic Coffee Shop. It should feel like its own thing. One you could actually walk into. Something with its own mood and colour. One vivid descriptive detail will do more work for you than three worthy but colourless sentences.

And once, early in your scene, you’ve created your location, don’t forget about it. Just nudge a little as you proceed. So you could have your characters talking – then they’re interrupted by a waitress. Then they talk (or argue, or fight, or kiss) some more, and then you drop in some other detail which reminds the reader, “Yep, here we still are, in this coffee shop.”

That’s a simple technique, bit it works every time.

One paragraph early on, then nudge, nudge, nudge.

As the roughest of rough guides, those nudges need to happen at least once a page – so about every 300 words. If it’s natural to do so more often, that’s totally fine.

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Be Specific

Details matter! They build a sense of place like nothing else.

Gabriel García Márquez, opening  One Hundred Years of Solitude , introduces his village like this:

Macondo was a village of twenty adobe houses, built on the bank of a river of clear water that ran along a bed of polished stones, which were white and enormous, like prehistoric eggs.

Boom! We’re there.

In his world. In his village. Already excited to see what lies ahead.

And yes, he’s started early (Chapter 1, Page 1, Line 1). But it’s more than that, isn’t it? He could have written something like this:

Macondo was a village of about twenty houses, built on a riverbank.

I hope it’s obvious that that sentence hardly transports us anywhere. It’s too bland. Too unfocused. Too generic. There are literally thousands of villages in the world which would fit that description.

In short, what makes Marquez’s description so vivid is its use of telling detail. They’re not just houses, they’re  adobe  houses. The river doesn’t just flow over stones, its flows over  polished stones  that are  white and enormous, like  (wow!)  prehistoric eggs .

The sentence works so well because Marquez has:

• Created something totally non-generic
• Via the use of highly specific detail, and
• Uses surprising / exotic language to make those details blaze in our imagination.

That basic template is one you can use again and again. It never stales. It lies at the heart of all good descriptive writing.

So here, for example, is a more ‘boring’ space . . . but still one redolent with vividness and atmosphere thanks to the powerful use of atmospheric specificity. In Margaret Atwood’s  The Handmaid’s Tale , Offred introduces her room with details that not only grab us but hint at something dark:

A chair, a table, a lamp. Above, on the white ceiling, a relief ornament in the shape of a wreath and in the centre of it a blank space, plastered over, like the place in a face where the eye has been taken out. There must have been a chandelier once. They’ve removed anything you could tie a rope to.

Those clipped words transport us straight to Offred’s enclosed, and terrifying, space. We’re also told just enough to give us an image of that place, enough to heighten tension, enough to tease curiosity. This is just a description of a room – but we already feel powerfully impelled to read on.

Be Selective With Your Descriptive Details

Be selective – don’t overwhelm.

It might be tempting to share every detail with us on surroundings.

Even with a setting like Hogwarts – a place readers really do want to know all the hidden details of – J.K. Rowling doesn’t share how many revolving staircases it has, how many treasures in the Room of Requirement, how many trees in the Forbidden Forest. That’s not the point. (And it would write off a little of Hogwarts’ magic and mystery.)

If you’re describing a bar, don’t write:

The bar was approximately twenty-eight feet long, by perhaps half of that wide. A long mahogany bar took up about one quarter of the floor space, while eight tables each with 4 wooden chairs occupied the remaining area. There were a number of tall bar stools arranged to accommodate any drinker who didn’t want to be seated at one of the tables. The ceiling height was pleasantly commodious.

That’s accurate, yes. It’s informative, yes. But it’s bland as heck.

The reader doesn’t want information. They want atmosphere. They want vivid language. They want mood.

Here’s an alternative way to describe a bar – the Korova Milk Bar in  A Clockwork Orange.  This description delivers a sense of intimacy and darkness in a few words:

The mesto [place] was near empty … it looked strange, too, having been painted with all red mooing cows … I took the large moloko plus to one of the little cubies that were all round … there being like curtains to shut them off from the main mesto, and there I sat down in the plushy chair and sipped and sipped

We’re told what we need to know, thrown into that murky Korova atmosphere and Burgess moves the action on. All we really have in terms of detail are those mooing red cows, some cubies (curtain booths?), and a plushy chair. There’s lots more author Anthony Burgess could tell us about that place. But he doesn’t. He gives us the  right  details, not all the details.

And if that’s not enough for you, then try reading  this .

Write For  All  The Senses

You have a nose? So use it.

Visuals are important, but don’t neglect the other senses. Offering a full range of sensory information will enhance your descriptive writing.

Herman Melville, say, describes to us the chowder for the ship’s crew in  Moby Dick : ‘small juicy clams, scarcely bigger than hazel nuts, mixed with pounded ship biscuits and salted pork cut up into little flakes.’ Such descriptions are deft, specific, and brilliantly atmospheric. Where else but on board a nineteenth century American whaler would you get such a meal? By picking out those details, Melville makes his setting feel vibrantly alive.

Here’s another example.

Joanne Harris’ opening of  Chocolat  plays to readers’ senses, as we’re immersed straightaway in the world of her book through scent, sound and sight:

We came on the wind of the carnival. A warm wind for February, laden with the hot greasy scents of frying pancakes and sausage and powdery-sweet waffles cooked on the hotplate right there by the roadside, with the confetti sleeting down collars and cuffs and rolling in the gutters .

These non-visual references matter so much because sight alone can feel a little distant, a little empty.

By forcing the reader’s taste buds to image Melville’s clams or Harris’s pancakes – or making the reader feel that warm February wind, the confetti ‘sleeting’ down collars – it’s almost as though the writers are hauling the readers’ entire body into their scenes.

That’s good stuff: do likewise.

(And one easy test: take one of your scenes and highlight anything that references a non-visual sense. If you find some good references, then great: you’re doing fine. If not, your highlighter pen remains unused, you probably want to edit that scene!)

Get Place And Action Working Together

That’s where the magic happens!

Use the atmospheric properties of a place to add to other properties of the scene. That doesn’t mean you should always play things the obvious way: no need for cliché;.

You can have declarations of love happen in idyllic meadows, as in  Twilight  by Stephenie Meyer, but why not at a bus stop in the rain? Shouted over the barriers at a train station?

Your character also brings one kind of mood to the scene, and the action that unfolds will bring other sensations.

Lynda La Plante’s crime novel  Above Suspicion  makes a home setting frightening after it becomes obvious a stranger has been in protagonist DS Anna Travis’ flat, and she’s just been assigned to help solve her first murder case.

So the place is influenced by action, once Anna notices:

Reaching for the bedside lamp, she stopped and withdrew her hand. The photograph of her father had been turned out to face the room. She touched it every night before she went to sleep. It was always facing towards her, towards the bed, not away from it. … In the darkness, what had felt safe before now felt frightening: the way the dressing-table mirror reflected the street-light through the curtains and the sight of the wardrobe door left slightly ajar.

Here a comfy, nondescript flat becomes a frightening place, just because of what else is going on. Go for unfamiliar angles that add drama and excitement to your work.

Descriptions As Active Characters

You know the way that a place can turn on you? So (for example) a place that seems safe can suddenly reveal some other side, seem menacing, then almost try to harm the character.

That’s an incredibly powerful way to build descriptive writing into your text – because it feels mobile, alive and with a flicker of risk. You can use  plotting techniques  to help structure the way a reader interacts with a place: starting with a sense of the status quo, then some inciting incident that shifts that early stability, and so on. The inciting incident can be tiny – discovering that a photo frame has been moved, for example.

Having your characters voice their perceptions of a place in  dialogue  also adds to its dramatic impact, because now the reader sees place both through the eyes of a narrator and through the eyes of the characters themselves. Good, huh?

Do you need more help? Did you know we have an entire video course on How To Write? That course has had awesome client reviews, but it’s kinda expensive to buy . . . so don’t buy it!

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Use Unfamiliar Locations

And smart research ALWAYS helps.

Using unfamiliar settings adds real mood and atmosphere.

Stephenie Meyer, when writing  Twilight , decided she needed a rainy place near a forest to fit key plot elements.

Like protagonist Bella, she was raised in Arizona, but explained the process of setting  Twilight  in an unfamiliar setting on her  blog :

For my setting, I knew I needed someplace ridiculously rainy. I turned to Google, as I do for all my research needs, and looked for the place with the most rainfall in the U.S. This turned out to be the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. I pulled up maps of the area and studied them, looking for something small, out of the way, surrounded by forest. … In researching Forks, I discovered the La Push Reservation, home to the Quileute Tribe. The Quileute story is fascinating, and a few fictional members of the tribe quickly became intrinsic to my story.

As her success has shown, it’s possible to write successfully about a place you don’t know, but you must make it your business to know as much as you can about it. (Or if you’re writing a fantasy or sci-fi novel, plan your world down to its most intricate details.)

And to be clear: you’re doing the research, not because you want that research to  limit  you. (Oh, I can’t write that, because Wikipedia tells me that the river isn’t as long / the forest isn’t as thick / or whatever else.)

On the contrary:

You are doing the research, because that research may inspire and stimulate a set of ideas you might not have ecountered otherwise .

The key thing is to do your research to nail specifics, especially if they are unfamiliar, foreign, exotic.

Just read how Tokyo is described in Ryu Murakami’s thriller  In the Miso Soup :

It was still early in the evening when we emerged onto a street in Tsukiji, near the fish market. … Wooden bait-and-tackle shops with disintegrating roofs and broken signs stood next to shiny new convenience stores, and futuristic highrise apartment complexes rose skyward on either side of narrow, retro streets lined with wholesalers of dried fish.

There’s authenticity, grit to this description of Tokyo, as opposed to using ‘stock’ descriptions that could apply to many modern cities.

Note this same thing with foods: in Japan, your protagonist could well be eating miso soup, as per Ryu Murakami.

Or say if your story was set in Hong Kong, you might write in a dai pai dong (a sort of Chinese street kitchen), something very specific to that city if you’re describing a street there.

Alternatively, if you are setting something in the past, get your sense of place right by doing your research right, too.

In historical novel  Girl with a Pearl Earring  by Tracy Chevalier, set in Holland in 1664, maid Griet narrates how artist Johannes Vermeer prepares her for her secret portrait, musing, to her horror, that ‘virtuous women did not open their mouths in paintings’.

That last is just a tiny detail, but Griet’s tears show us how mortified she is. Modern readers won’t (necessarily) think about seventeenth-century connotations like this, so if you’re writing a scene set in a very different era or culture to what you know, research so you’re creating a true sense of place.

Use Place To Create Foreshadowing

A brilliant technique – we love it!

Descriptions of place are never neutral.

Good writers will, in overt or gently subtle ways, introduce a place-as-character. If that character is dangerous, for example, then simply describing a place adds a layer of foreboding, foreshadowing, to the entire book.

Just read how J.R.R. Tolkien describes the Morannon in  The Two Towers : ‘high mounds of crushed and powdered rock, great cones of earth fire-blasted and poison-stained … like an obscene graveyard.’ It’s obvious from this description trouble lies ahead for Frodo Baggins and Sam Gamgee.

But even if you’re not writing this sort of fantasy, character psychology and plot (as we saw above) can also render seemingly harmless places suspect, too. A boring apartment in  Above Suspicion  becomes scary when it seems someone’s been inside.

In the same sense, we thrill to the sense of a place with excitement and promise, too, like when Harry makes his first trip to Diagon Alley (in  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ) to shop for Hogwarts equipment with Hagrid.

There were shops selling robes, shops selling telescopes and strange silver instruments Harry had never seen before, windows stacked with barrels of bat spleens and eels’ eyes, tottering piles of spell books, quills, and rolls of parchment, potion bottles, globes of the moon. … They bought Harry’s school books in a shop called Flourish and Blotts where the shelves were stacked to the ceiling with books as large as paving stones bound in leather; books the size of postage stamps in covers of silk.

Just weave place and action together like this to create atmosphere, excitement, tension, foreboding.

Think About Your Words – Nouns And Adjectives

Specific is good. Unexpected is great!

One final thought. When you’ve written a piece, go back and check nouns.

A bad description will typically use boring nouns (or things) in settings, i.e. a table, chair, window, floor, bar, stool, etc.

If you try to fluff up that by throwing in adjectives (i.e. a grimy table, gleaming window, wooden floor), the chances are you’ll either have (i) made the description even more boring, or (ii) made it odd.

Of course, this works for that first passage we looked over from Margaret Atwood.

We sense Offred counting the few things she has in the little room she calls hers, the window and chair, etc., in terse phrasing. We sense her tension, her dissociation, and we feel trapped with her.

All the same, play with nouns, with taking your readers to new surroundings. Give them a Moloko. Play with surroundings, how you can make them different, how you can render the ordinary extraordinary. With the right nouns in place, you’ll need fewer adjectives to jazz things up – and when you do use them, they’ll feel right, not over the top.

Happy writing!

About the author

Harry has written a variety of books over the years, notching up multiple six-figure deals and relationships with each of the world’s three largest trade publishers. His work has been critically acclaimed across the globe, has been adapted for TV, and is currently the subject of a major new screen deal. He’s also written non-fiction, short stories, and has worked as ghost/editor on a number of exciting projects. Harry also self-publishes some of his work, and loves doing so. His Fiona Griffiths series in particular has done really well in the US, where it’s been self-published since 2015. View his website , his Amazon profile , his Twitter . He's been reviewed in Kirkus, the Boston Globe , USA Today , The Seattle Times , The Washington Post , Library Journal , Publishers Weekly , CulturMag (Germany), Frankfurter Allgemeine , The Daily Mail , The Sunday Times , The Daily Telegraph , The Guardian , and many other places besides. His work has appeared on TV, via Bonafide . And go take a look at what he thinks about Blick Rothenberg . You might also want to watch our " Blick Rothenberg - The Truth " video, if you want to know how badly an accountancy firm can behave.

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Commenting on developments in the English language

Cluttered and homely (Words to describe buildings and homes, Part 2)

by  Kate Woodford

In part 1 of our ‘describing buildings’ post, we focused mainly on adjectives to describe the size of buildings. This week, we’re looking inside the building and, amongst other things, considering words that are used to describe its décor (= style of its furniture and decoration). We’re also focusing on the state of the building.

Starting with a very basic feature, a house or apartment that is furnished contains furniture. We also use this adjective in descriptions of the type of furniture in a place: I’m looking for a furnished apartment. / a tastefully furnished apartment The opposite is unfurnished : an unfurnished apartment . A self-contained apartment/flat is complete, including its own kitchen and bathroom: a self-contained, two-bedroom flat

A room that is airy has a lot of light and space, in a way that is attractive. We often use this word in the approving collocation ‘light and airy’: The waiting room is light and airy, with plants and flowers. The opposite – a room that is unattractively dark – may be described as dingy , gloomy or dimly lit . (‘Dingy’ also suggests that somewhere is dirty.): It was a dingy, poorly furnished apartment. / We entered a gloomy old dining hall. / a dimly lit corridor

If you describe a building or room as UK homely , ( US homey ) you mean that the noticeable thing about it is that it is comfortable and relaxing rather than stylish and elegant: Inside, the restaurant has a homely feel, with candles on tables and comfy chairs. Somewhere that looks lived-in , meanwhile, looks comfortable but not perfect, with furniture that has obviously been used a lot: The house has a charming, lived-in feel.

An untidy room with too many things in it is often described as cluttered : She invited me into her rather cluttered office. We use the noun clutter to refer to a lot of untidy objects: We need to clear out some of this clutter!

The adjective uncluttered describes somewhere that has few objects in it and looks tidy and attractive: Try to keep a well-organised and uncluttered workspace. Somewhere that is perfectly clean and tidy may be described as immaculate : The whole house is immaculate.

Meanwhile, a room that looks very comfortable and expensive may be described as plush or luxurious : She was taken into a large room with luxurious furnishings. / They held the meeting in the plush surroundings of a West End hotel.

Let’s move on to the state of a building. Somewhere that is shabby looks old and in poor condition: The family occupied a shabby, two-room basement apartment. A run-down building hasn’t been looked after for a long time and is in poor condition: They bought a couple of run-down cottages and fixed them up. The adjective dilapidated is very similar, meaning ‘old and in poor condition’: She’s been restoring a dilapidated farmhouse just outside Bath.

A derelict building is not now used and is in poor condition: There are several derelict houses on the street, with boarded-up windows.

That concludes our two-part post on houses and rooms. We hope you found it useful.

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10 thoughts on “ Cluttered and homely (Words to describe buildings and homes, Part 2) ”

Truly, a nice lesson with very useful words to distinguish the good or bad condition of a building, flat or apartment.

Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful.

In my personal opinion it would be nice to have some posts about techincal English words to describe buildis and their structures.

Good job 👍 we can enhance are vocabulary with the help of such blog.

Thank you! That’s great to hear.

I really enjoyed reading the paragraph but i have got the last 2 vocabularies are bit difficult

Thank you. It is so useful for us. We should have more posts like this for description of houses/flats/condos.

This lesson is so nice ! I was looking for some vocabulary to describe houses and here it is ! Thank you! This blog is so interesting 😄

Maria Grazia, what a lovely comment – thank you! Best wishes from Cambridge.

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How to Write the Perfect House Description

If you’re selling or renting out your house yourself, it can be tough trying to find the right words to describe it. You know everything about your home (after all, you do live there), but you can’t necessarily pinpoint what it is that other people will love about your house, too. Here is our definitive guide on how to write an effective description to sell your house …

1) Keep it short and sweet

People get bored quickly, and unless you’re writing a novel about your home, potential buyers are not going to want to read paragraphs upon paragraphs about why your house is the best one for them. Keep it short and sweet,  just like essays written by an  online essay writing service , and people will be more likely to read the entire description, and will often be eager to find out more and book a viewing.

2) DO NOT TYPE EVERYTHING IN CAPITALS

Capitals suggest that someone is shouting at you. I don’t like being shouted at and I’m guessing that you don’t either. Writing the opening sentence in capitals is acceptable, but not the entire description: IT LOOKS MESSY, UNPROFESSIONAL, AND IS LIKELY TO PUT PEOPLE OFF!!! Point made? Good.

3) Check and double-check your grammar and spelling

You want to give the best summary of your home, and it could get a bit embarrassing if you get things wrong. Saying that your home “has good hearing” instead of “good heating” is a bit creepy and will definitely give off the wrong impression. Not only this, but if you have no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, you will look more professional and make more people want to deal with you.

4) Be honest

So one of your distant relatives has died and their run-down, old mansion with very dated decor has been left to you in their will. Rather than saying in the description that the house is “perfect for the modern family and ready to move in to”, say that “the house is a fantastic project with bags of potential”. People appreciate honesty and it will save you a lot of time and effort if people view your house knowing what to expect.

5) Use bullet points

This relates back to keeping your description short and sweet. Bullet points are easy to read and get straight to the point. Please pardon the pun.

6) Include room dimensions

Pictures can be deceiving and it is sometimes hard to tell how big or small a room really is. By including the room dimensions in the description, people can determine whether your home is the right size for them.

7) Make the most of your words

Just because your description should be concise, it shouldn’t mean that it should be boring. Try using as many descriptive words as you can to make your listing stand out and sound more exciting. After all, “Charming character property in an idyllic village” sounds a lot more interesting than “Two bedroom cottage for sale”.

8)  say why you love your house

When you look at a home, you want to imagine what it is like to actually live there. By telling people your experience of living in your home, will give potential buyers an idea of what it’s like to live there, too. Brought your kids up there and loved it? Tell them. The location is perfect for commuting? Tell them. Your house is haunted and ghosts play tricks on you? Maybe hire a priest and invest in incense…

9) Highlight the best features

If your house is located near a train station, had a new kitchen fitted, or is even near some of the best schools in the area, people are going to want to know. Saying that your home is west-facing and perfect for watching the sunset could be the difference between selling your home quickly or having it on the market for months on end.

Ref number: THSI-2394

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How to Describe an Apartment in a Story

By A.W. Naves

Are you writing an apartment setting? This post on how to describe an apartment in a story will help you! Read on to learn how you can add description to your fictional apartment through the use of the following 10 words.

Providing a feeling of comfort , warmth, and intimacy.

“She snuggled up in the cozy apartment, surrounded by soft blankets and dimmed lighting.”

“The cozy atmosphere of the apartment made him feel instantly at ease.”

How it Adds Description

The word “cozy” evokes comfort and warmth, transforming an apartment into a haven of tranquility. It invites your character to experience a sense of security and relaxation, offering respite from the outside world’s trials. Your character’s conflicts and struggles away from home make the “cozy” apartment a place of solace for them.

Having an old-fashioned appearance.

“My father’s new apartment was filled with quaint furniture and vintage decorations.”

“The quaint apartment sat atop her clothing shop, its front balcony overlooking the picturesque town square below.”

When you describe an apartment as “quaint” in your story, it gives the impression that the character living there has a fondness for the past or has an appreciation for unconventional and unique styles. The apartment’s quaintness can reveal a lot about the character’s personality and backstory, highlighting their specific tastes or sentimental attachment to earlier times.

3. Dilapidated

In a state of disrepair or ruin due to age or neglect.

“The paint was peeling, and the furniture was worn in the dilapidated apartment she rented after getting her first real job.”

“She couldn’t believe someone lived in such a dilapidated place, but Sam didn’t seem to mind his shoddy little apartment in the least.”

“Dilapidated” is a word that describes an apartment that is in poor condition. It’s a place that has been neglected and is falling apart. Imagine a character living there who’s having money troubles or finding it hard to keep their living space in good condition. The run-down state of the apartment could symbolize the character’s hardships or show a sense of despair.

Full of energy , excitement, or activity.

“The lively apartment was filled with laughter and music, creating a vibrant atmosphere.”

“The bustling cafes and colorful street art located near her lively apartment led to a steady stream of unexpected visitors, but she loved their company.”

Using the word “lively” is about creating an atmosphere that’s full of life, energy, and excitement. The character who calls this place home is outgoing, social, and thrives in a bustling environment. This liveliness plays a significant role in shaping the character’s experiences. You can use this description to give them a sense of belonging or spark their creative juices.

Calm, peaceful , and untroubled.

“She found solace in the serene apartment, surrounded by plants and soft lighting.”

“The view from the rooftop garden revealed a lush landscape that matched the vibe of the serene apartment he inhabited below it.

The word “serene” paints a picture of pure tranquility and peace in your character’s apartment. Picture someone who craves a calm and soothing atmosphere, as an escape from a chaotic life. The serene vibe of the apartment can play a role in shaping your character’s journey. It could give them a special space for self-reflection, unwinding, and even healing.

Uncomfortably small or restricted in space.

“The cramped apartment felt claustrophobic, with barely enough room to move around.”

“Living in such a cramped space was starting to take its toll on her mental well-being.”

Describing an apartment as “cramped” demonstrates that is doesn’t have enough space. Your character may feel physically uncomfortable and frustrated because there’s no room to move about freely. This cramped place could affect their mood, relationships, or their daily routine. They might start seeking a bigger place or thinking of other ways to deal with the problem.

Fashionable , modern, or tastefully presented in appearance.

“The apartment’s stylish decor showcased a blend of contemporary and vintage elements.”

“She was known for her impeccable taste and always managed to create a stylish living environment.”

If your character lives in a “stylish” apartment, we can assume it is very appealing from a visual standpoint. The inhabitant has a great sense of fashion and design. Such a sense of style can show readers that your character is someone who pays attention to intricate details, cares about what others think of them or simply appreciates beauty and elegance.

8. Eclectic

Composed of a variety of styles , themes, or sources.

“The apartment’s eclectic furnishings showcased a mix of vintage, modern, and cultural elements.”

“He loved the eclectic apartment he found hidden among the diverse restaurants and shops of the quirky little town.

Use “eclectic” to portray an apartment that has a random display of mismatched styles. Such a place would house a character who is open-minded, appreciates various cultures, or has a love for combining assorted styles and influences. This environment can inspire their creativity, fuel their curiosity, and let them express themselves freely in a way that aids your plot.

9. Spacious

Having ample room, open and not crowded .

“The spacious apartment boasted high ceilings and generous living areas.”

“She felt a sense of freedom in the spacious apartment, allowing her thoughts to roam.”

“Spacious” indicates openness and roominess in the apartment where your character lives. It suggests that your character values freedom of movement, loves having people over, or enjoys having enough room for their hobbies. The spacious environment may impact your character’s mood and behavior by making them feel unrestricted or sparking a sense of potential.

Contemporary ; characteristic of the present or recent times.

“The apartment’s modern design featured state-of-the-art technology and appliances.”

“The modern apartment’s minimalist aesthetics were a selling point for her client, who loved the glass and stainless-steel accouterments.”

A character who lives in a “modern” apartment embraces the latest trends and stays up to date on innovative technology. It’s a useful way for you to show their preferences, interests, or social status. Adding a modern touch adds a sense of sophistication to the plot, highlighting the character’s connection to the current scene, their adaptability, or their craving for a progressive lifestyle.

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How to Write Vivid Descriptions to Capture Your Readers: 7 Writing Tips

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Aug 23, 2021 • 3 min read

Writing vivid descriptions involves using specific language to help your own writing stand out and form a detailed mental picture for readers. Whether it’s for a novel, formal essay, short story, or public speaking event, it’s important to make sure your writing is memorable and interesting for your audience.

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Descriptive Writing: Definition, Tips, Examples, and Exercises

Descriptive writing is about using the power of words to arouse the imagination, capture the attention, and create a lasting impact in the mind of the reader. In this article, you'll learn how to employ descriptive elements in your writing, tips to enhance your descriptive writing skills, and some exercises to better yourself at it.

Descriptive writing is about using the power of words to arouse the imagination, capture the attention, and create a lasting impact in the mind of the reader. In this article, you’ll learn how to employ descriptive elements in your writing, tips to enhance your descriptive writing skills, and some exercises to better yourself at it.

Read the two sentences given below:

• I felt tired at work today.
• As the day wore on at work, I felt a cramp beginning to form at the nape of my neck, my eyes began to feel droopy, and the computer screen in front of me began blurring.

Which one of the two do you find more interesting to read? Most definitely the second one. This is because, while the first sentence merely tells you directly that ‘you felt tired at work today’, the second one explains the same experience in a much more vivid and relatable manner.

From this you can see that even something as simple as the above sentence can be transformed using literary devices that aid visualization, into something that someone can relate to. This is what descriptive writing is all about: heightening the sense of perception and alluring your reader to read ahead, because you have so much more to say.

Good Examples of Descriptive Writing

Given below are a couple of good pieces of descriptive writing from authors who know their business.

‘But the door slid slowly open before Lupin could reach it. Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames in Lupin’s hand, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Harry’s eyes darted downwards, and what he saw made his stomach contract. There was a hand protruding from the cloak and it was glistening, greyish, slimy-looking and scabbed, like something dead that had decayed in water…’ – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

‘I don’t know what I’d expected but it was something different than I saw. She looked unexpectedly young. Or, I suppose said better, she looked unexpectedly “not old”. Her hair, which was completely white, had a yellowish cast that could almost have been mistaken for a pale blond, and it was loose around her shoulders. And long. Longer than mine. No doubt she normally wore it pulled up in a bun, and such a style would have given her a more predictable little-old-lady look, but the way it was here now, parted on the side – long, loose, and straight – she seemed ageless as an ancient sculpture. This sense was enhanced by her skin. Though it had the fragile crepeyness of age, she had few wrinkles, especially across her forehead, which was smooth to a point of being almost waxy looking. She was of obvious northern Germanic heritage, with pale eyes and prominent features. Although she was not overweight, her bones were big and blunt, giving the impression of a tall, sturdy woman.’ – Twilight Children by Torey Hayden

Why be Descriptive While Writing?

• The purpose of descriptive writing is to inspire imagination. When you put your mind into making a piece of writing more descriptive, you automatically begin to pay attention to detail and refine your perception about things. You begin to imagine them as much more than, say a  party hat or a hard-bound book . You begin to look at them as a tall, pink, pointed paper hat with tassels , and a book that had a gleaming golden spine, and weighed a few good pounds .
• The next, and probably the most important benefit of descriptive writing is that in the process of trying to make the reader visualize what you want to say, you tend to use more interesting words. You want to convey a mental picture to your reader. So you’re bound to use words that might be unconventional or less-used. You will want to find words that exactly describe what you want to say, and will look for different words that mean the same. This will help you suitably build your vocabulary.
• The success of descriptive writing lies in the details. The more detailed your depiction of a plot or a character or a place is, the more you engross your reader. You become a keen observer and minder of details. You pay attention to the tiniest bits of information and appearance, which in turn helps you transfer the details into your writing.
• Since you have picked something to describe and have observed all its details, you are sure to understand the subject better. You may even come across bits and pieces that you may have missed the first time you looked at the object/subject in question. Thoroughly understanding what you’re going to write about is exceedingly important to the process of writing about it.

Tips you Can Use Identify what you’re about to describe

As you start with descriptive writing, identify exactly what you are setting out to describe. Usually, a descriptive piece will include the depiction of a person, a place, an experience, a situation, and the like. Anything that you experience or perceive about your subject can be the focal point of your descriptive writing. You build a backdrop by identifying an aspect of a subject that you want to describe.

Decide why you’re describing that particular aspect

While it can be a wonderful creative exercise to simply describe anything you observe, in descriptive writing, there is often a specific reason to describe whatever you have set out to describe. Tapping this reason can help you keep the description focused and infuse your language with the particular emotion or perspective that you want to convey to your readers.

Maintain a proper chronology/sequence Sometimes, you may get so caught up in making your work colorful and creative that you may end up having a mash-up of descriptions that follow no particular order. This will render the effort of writing useless as the various descriptions will simply confuse the reader. For instance, if you want to describe characters in a particular situation, begin by describing the setting, then proceed to the most important character of that particular situation, and then to the least important one (if necessary).

Use Imagery Imagery is the best tool you can employ in descriptive writing. Since you cannot show your reader what you are imagining, you need to paint a picture with words. You need to make the depiction of your imagination so potent that your reader will instantly be able to visualize what you are describing. However, don’t go overboard. Make sure that the focus does not dwindle stray. Keep your descriptions specific to the subject in question. The writing must be able to draw in the reader; hence, the writer should say things that the reader can relate to or empathize with. An introductory backdrop can often provide an effective setting for the remaining part of the piece. Great descriptive writing has the ability to lure the reader, enticing him or her to continue reading right to the end. While giving the details is important, it is how they are presented that makes the difference.

Hone the senses One of the most effective ways to make the experience you are describing vivid for your reader is to use the five senses: smell, sight, sound, taste, and touch. When the descriptions are focused on the senses, you provide specific and vivid details in such a way that it shows your reader what you are describing. So, when you describe a subject, depict it in such a manner that it involves the reader’s possible sensory interpretations. It must make the reader imagine what he would see, hear, smell, taste, or feel when he reads what you have written.

She gently squeezed the juice out of the plump, red tomato. She blended this juice into the simmering mix of golden-brown onions and garlic in the pan, and watched as they melded into each other. She then added the spice mixture that she had prepared, and the air was permeated with a mouth-watering aroma.

Use strong nouns and verbs effectively, adjectives intelligently It is true that the purpose of adjectives is to describe a subject, but overuse of adjectives in descriptive writing can render the piece shallow and hollow. Hence, make it a point to use other parts of speech to express the same sentiment. You’ll be surprised how effectively nouns, verbs and adverbs can be used to describe something, sometimes even better than adjectives alone. For instance, look at the two sentences below.

• The flowers were as fresh as the morning dew.
• The flowers had a freshness that could only equal that of the glistening morning dew.

The first sentence has used an adjective (fresh)  to describe the flowers. It is a good description too, because the comparison to morning dew is something that will immediately put the reader in the sense of mind that you want. The second sentence too has compared the freshness to morning dew, but has used a noun (freshness) and a verb (equal)  to do so, and in the process has probably enticed the reader to continue reading, more than the first sentence.

Pick related words Before you actually begin writing, it is always a good idea to build a word bank of related words and ideas. For instance, if you are going to be describing a flower arrangement, you could jot down a few ideas before you start describing it, like: vase, color, types of flowers, leaves, stem, style, shape, fresh, etc. Once you have these basic words, you could start descriptive sentences for each one. Then, carry on from there.

Display passion Impact is what you’re looking to create in the minds of your readers. You want your readers to relate and empathize with what you’re writing. This will be close to impossible if your work does not reflect the passion that you feel for it. Make them feel what you feel with the words you write. Language that relates to powerful emotions such as love, hatred, admiration, disgust, etc., can convey the range and intensity of the sentiment that you are trying to express. Use them to your favor and get the desired effect.

Exercises to Enhance Descriptive Writing

Given below are some simple, yet effective exercises that you can use to better yourself at descriptive writing.

Exercise 1 Decide on an everyday action, say ‘making a pot of coffee’ and write about it in a descriptive manner. Give yourself 3 words that you’re not allowed to use while writing about it. You’ll see yourself reaching for the thesaurus, which will help improve your vocabulary.

Exercise 2 Pick random objects like a hat, a burger, a chair, etc., and place them before you. Enlist the different names that these objects can be called. Describe each of the objects in sentences that have more than 15 words each. Be as imaginative as you can.

Get your ‘assignments’ read by an objective person to see if they can relate to and understand properly what you have tried to convey.

Make descriptive writing a rewarding experience, both for your reader and yourself. If you like what you write, chances are that your reader will too. As is evident, having a comprehensive vocabulary is the key to good descriptive writing. But mere vocabulary will fall short if your piece lacks passion, logic and interest. The trouble is that it can easily become an incoherent rambling of senses and emotions. To avoid that, present what you are writing about in a logical and organized sequence of thoughts, so that the reader comes away from it with a cogent sense of what you have attempted to describe.

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Examples of creative real estate listing descriptions — and how to write them 

A creative listing description can give potential buyers and tenants a powerful, positive first impression.

In this article:

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a property. The first encounter with potential buyers usually happens through your online listing, so it only makes sense that the quality and creativity of your real estate listing — and the listing photos — matter. 

Real estate listing descriptions are a written narrative that provides details and information about a property. They’re used for both rental and sale properties and serves as a marketing tool to attract potential tenants or buyers or by highlighting the property's key features, amenities, location, and other relevant information.

Why do listing descriptions matter?

A good, effective real estate listing description can attract the right buyers and generate interest in the property. It only makes sense that a poor description can do the opposite, scaring away potential buyers and leaving the property sitting on the market with no offers . 

Here’s why something as seemingly simple as a real estate description matters:

• Attract the right buyers: An effective real estate description should attract people to your property. When a buyer is searching for a new home, they often have a list of must-haves and deal-breakers. The description should highlight the features that meet the buyer’s needs. Keyword-rich descriptions not only highlight the property’s potential but also attract the buyer’s attention. It’s typically the listing agent’s job to write an effective real estate description to increase visibility and attract the right buyers.
• Set accurate expectations: The property description should align with the reality of your property. It’s essential to describe your property’s features honestly and accurately, as the buyer will notice any discrepancies when they visit the property. A good description sets expectations in the buyer’s mind, making them more likely to appreciate and consider the property for a potential purchase. Therefore it’s important to provide realistic and accurate information about the property in the description.
• Highlight unique features: An effective real estate description should outline the unique features of the property that sets it apart from other properties on the market. It may be the location, architecture, landscaping, or other features that make the property stand out. It’s important to describe these features and highlight them, as they could be the selling point for a potential buyer.
• Generate interest: A good real estate description should enable potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the property. An effective description should be written in a way that evokes emotions and creates a sense of desire in the buyer’s mind. The right words can engage the reader and can instill a sense of excitement or appreciation for the property, generating interest.
• Save time: A well-written description can save time and reduce the need for multiple showings. A description that accurately represents the property can prevent time-wasting and eliminate unnecessary viewing requests from buyers who aren’t interested in the property. These descriptions can save time and increase the efficiency of the property search process for both the buyer and the seller.

What are some examples of creative listings?

So, what does a standout listing look like? Here are some real estate listing description examples that are memorable for all the right reasons:

Charm meets convenience in this delightful single-family abode! Step into a world of warmth and comfort as you enter the open-concept living space, perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones. Embrace the tranquility of the landscaped backyard oasis, your own private retreat after a long day. With top-notch schools and amenities just a stone’s throw away, this home offers the ideal blend of suburban living and urban accessibility. Your dream home awaits!

Welcome to your urban sanctuary! This stylish townhouse boasts sleek modern finishes and an abundance of natural light that dances through the generous windows. Take pleasure in the gourmet kitchen, a haven for aspiring chefs, and savor your morning coffee on the private rooftop terrace, where city views unfold before your eyes. Nestled in a vibrant community, this townhouse is your gateway to a dynamic lifestyle, complete with trendy eateries, parks, and cultural hotspots.

Experience city living at its finest in this chic condo retreat. Immerse yourself in the luxurious ambiance of the building’s amenities, from the rooftop infinity pool to the state-of-the-art fitness center. Inside your own sanctuary, revel in the seamless blend of modern design and comfort. With bustling city life just outside your doorstep, this condo offers an unparalleled cosmopolitan lifestyle that’s perfect for professionals and urban enthusiasts alike.

How do you write creative listings?

Writing real estate listings can seem challenging, especially if you haven’t flexed your writing chops in a long time. Having a creative listing description in real estate is especially important for FSBO properties, because you won’t have the professional help of an agent when selling a house on your own .

Luckily, by keeping some simple strategies in mind, you can write listings like a pro — maybe even better ones than the examples detailed above. Here’s how:

Know your audience

It’s important to understand the potential homebuyer you are targeting when writing your listing descriptions. Who are they? What are they looking for in a home? What features are important to them? Once you have answers to these questions, you can tailor your descriptions to match their needs and interests. This will create a connection with your audience and encourage them to visualize themselves in the home.

Highlight unique features

Every home has its unique selling points, and it’s essential to highlight these in your listing descriptions. The most obvious features like the number of bedrooms and half bathrooms should not be overlooked but take it a step further. Does the property have a swimming pool, a big backyard, or a garage? Does it have an open floor plan with plenty of natural light? Was it designed by a renowned architect? 

You can also highlight the home’s history, if for example it was designed by a renowned architect or a designated historic home .

Mentioning these unique features sets the property apart from others in the same price range.

Use descriptive language

Using descriptive words helps to create an emotional connection between the reader and the home you’re promoting. Using words like "cozy," "spacious," "inviting," and "stunning" help to paint a picture in the buyer’s mind. Instead of plainly stating that a property has a "large living room," try using more descriptive words like "expansive" or "airy." This will create a more vivid and attractive image in the buyer’s mind.

Be honest but positive

While it’s essential to point out the home’s selling points, being honest is also crucial. Avoid over-exaggerating or making false promises. If any part of the property is outdated or needs renovation, mention it, but always put a positive spin on it. For example, if the kitchen needs a little updating, mention how it’s a perfect opportunity for the buyer to “add their personal touch and style.”

Make it skimmable

The average person isn’t interested in reading long, heavy blocks of text. Using long paragraphs in your listing description can be overwhelming and even unappealing to potential buyers. Make your listing descriptions attractive and easy to read by using shorter paragraphs and bullet points. This way, readers can easily scan through the information and take note of the most critical aspects of the home.

Ask for help when you need it

Writing creative real estate listing descriptions is a unique skill. Luckily, there are professionals on your side who can showcase your property in its best light with high-quality descriptions that attract the attention of buyers — for all the right reasons. Don’t hesitate to leave this task to your real estate agent or a verbose professional writer when the time comes to list your home for sale. Pride aside, a well-written listing could be exactly what piques the interest of an eager buyer.  

When you list your home with Orchard, we’ll craft the listing descriptions, professionally photograph your home, and create a 3D tour.  

Here are some tips for writing creative real estate descriptions.

Q: How can I make my real estate listing description stand out?

To make your real estate listing description stand out, focus on highlighting unique features, using vivid language, and creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. Incorporate descriptive words, paint a picture of the lifestyle the property offers, and emphasize its key selling points to capture attention and generate interest.

Q: What makes a good property headline?

A good property headline is attention-grabbing, concise, and highlights the unique selling points of the property. It should capture the essence of the property in a few words and pique the interest of potential buyers. Incorporate compelling features, such as stunning views, luxurious amenities, or a desirable location, while maintaining clarity and relevance. A well-crafted headline can entice viewers to click on the listing and learn more about the property.

Q: What are some effective ways to describe a property's architectural style?

When describing a property's architectural style, use descriptive terms that evoke a sense of character and appeal. For example, you could describe a Victorian-style home as "elegant and ornate," a modern minimalist home as "sleek and contemporary," or a farmhouse-style home as "charming and rustic." If you’re unsure what style your house is, you can find out in this guide to different types of houses .

Q: How can I create a sense of urgency in my listing description?

To create a sense of urgency, emphasize limited availability or unique selling points that differentiate the property from others in the market. Highlight features like "rare waterfront views," "highly sought-after neighborhood," or "recently renovated gem" to convey exclusivity and encourage potential buyers to act quickly. Learn how to sell your home fast .

Q: Is it important to use keywords in my listing description for online searches?

Yes, incorporating relevant keywords in your listing description can help improve its visibility in online searches. Consider using location-specific keywords, property features, and popular amenities to attract potential buyers who are searching for specific criteria. However, ensure that the keywords flow naturally and the description remains engaging and informative.

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Property Descriptions 101: How to Write Listing Descriptions That Sell

Help your home stand out with a listing description that's creative, engaging, and showcases your home's best features.

When buyers (and their agents!) are browsing online real estate listings, professional photos are what grab their attention first, but it's the listing description that really tells the story of the home.

Listing descriptions are an essential part of real estate advertising, and a well-written one can help your house stand out from all the other listings in your area. Remember, your real estate listing description won't just show up online — it's what will be used on flyers, social media, open house materials and more.   

Whether you’re selling your house for sale by owner (FSBO) or want to ensure that your agent has written an effective description for your home, here are the things you need to know about great real estate listing descriptions.

Keys to writing a great listing description

• Format your description
• Use creative words to highlight your home's best features
• Avoid words that are known to deter buyers
• Mention brands, upgrades and unique features
• Pay attention to length, grammar and accuracy

Formatting: How to write a property description

The first thing to keep in mind is formatting. Formatting your description is important because it helps buyers understand your home's appeal and makes it easy to share the unique features that set your home apart.

Your whole description should be 250 words or less, not only because of text space limitations on your local multiple listing service (MLS) and sites like Zillow, but also because buyers are unlikely to read a very long description. Aim to be concise throughout the whole description. Note that some sites have a special field for headlines, and on other sites, your headline will just be the first line of text in your main description field. Either way, you should include the headline in your total word count.

Write an engaging headline

Keep your headline short and descriptive, while focusing on a benefit that is location-specific. If you're using an agent, they should be able to give you some guidance on what's popular in your  area, but you can also review other local listings for inspiration. Here are some good examples of headlines that pair location details with something unique about the home:

• Condo in Chicago: "West Loop condo with private roof deck and sweeping city views"
• House in Seattle suburbs: "Stunning craftsman home in red-hot Kirkland"
• Townhouse in the Bay Area: "Loft-style living in Mill Valley"

Construct an opening statement

Your opening statement should answer the buyer’s question, 'What am I looking at?' It should give buyers a reason to continue reading. It's also a great place to showcase features that you couldn't fit in the headline, but that buyers will love. Here are a few examples:

• "Check out this top-floor condo in an all-brick, elevator building with a deeded indoor parking space."
• "This spacious, single-family home in Boston features both modern amenities and architectural character in a fantastic location."
• "This recently renovated tri-level townhome lives like a single-family, without the maintenance."

When writing your opening statement, here are some popular features that, if your home possesses them, you should definitely include:

• Parking (especially in city listings)
• Double garage (or larger)
• Private backyard or outdoor space
• Mountain view
• Lakefront property
• Near transit access
• Renovated kitchen
• Mother-in-law suite (or other passive income potential)
• Flexible/room to expand
• Lush landscaping

Detail a listing description

The description text makes up the bulk of your word count, and it's where you should review all of the home's main features: beds, baths, square footage, lot size, location, upgrades, etc. But don't just rattle off a list of all the features. Use compelling, creative language to highlight details that make your home special. Your description should pique buyers' interest enough that they want to schedule a tour, and as the owner, you are in the unique position of being able to tell a story about what is special about the property.

Offer special promotions

If you're trying to sell your home quickly and want to incentivize buyers, you can add a special promotion to your listing description. Some of the most compelling buyer concessions include:

• Home warranty: For just a few hundred dollars, you can purchase a one-year home warranty for your buyer. It's a nice little value-add that buyers appreciate, as it offers piece of mind for their purchase.
• Credits toward closing costs: In buyers markets , where sellers are competing for offers from a small pool of buyers, offering to pay for some or all of a buyer's closing costs can be very appealing.
• Seller financing: Seller financing is when you act as the bank for your buyer for a period of time, often until they can get approved for a conventional bank loan. While you'll have to assume the risk of the buyer defaulting, it can open up your home to a bigger pool of potential buyers.
• Flexible close date: If you’re able to accommodate either a quick close or a longer close, mention that in your description. It can be very attractive to buyers with a rigid time table.

Include a call to action

A call to action is a closing line in your description that tells buyers what you want them to do next: 'Don't miss out on this captivating home. Schedule a private tour today!' Or, 'This home isn't going to last — schedule your showing before it's gone.'

Writing creative real estate listing descriptions

Using the listing words proven to attract buyers.

Using the right words in your home description can mean more money in your pocket. That was one of the findings of the book ' Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate ,' written by Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff and Chief Economist Stan Humphries. It highlights some of the listing words that can attract buyers.

• "Luxurious:" According to the book, homes with a median estimated value in the bottom third of their market that were described as "luxurious" beat their expected sales price by an impressive 8.2 percent.
• "Captivating:" Also from the book, homes with a median estimated value in the top third of their market that were described as "captivating" beat their sales price by 6.5 percent.
• Other words:  There are plenty of other real estate marketing words that Zillow found valuable, including "stainless" (as in appliances), "granite," "basketball" (as in a court), "landscaped," "pergola," "remodel," "tile," "upgraded" and "updated." More descriptive words that were also winners were "impeccable," "beautiful" and "gentle" (as in rolling hills).

Need some inspiration for creative real estate listing descriptions? Here are just a few examples found on Zillow:

• For a listing in downtown Portland: "From the remodeled open layout to the unique landscaped roof deck with skyline views, this home is truly captivating."
• For a listing in Cleveland suburbs: "Step into your newly upgraded luxurious chef's kitchen, outfitted with stainless steel appliances, new granite countertops, and slate tile floors."
• For a listing in Brooklyn: "No stone was left unturned during the recent remodel, which includes updated hardwood flooring throughout and a brand-new subway tile backsplash."
• For a top-tier home: "Brush up on your game on your own private basketball court, then cool off underneath the pergola in your scenic and secluded backyard."

Features to include in your listing description

Zillow researchers found that mentioning certain keywords in your listing makes an impact on both how much you can sell your home for and how quickly it will sell. Here are a few of the home features that got sellers the most bang for their buck and helped them sell faster:

• Listings descriptions with “barn doors” sold for 13.4 percent more, and 57 days faster.
• Homes with “shaker cabinets” sold for 9.6 percent more than expected, 45 days faster.
• Another popular kitchen feature, “farmhouse sink” helped homes sell for 8 percent more.
• “Subway tile” garnered almost 7 percent more, and 63 days faster.
• The term “quartz” helped homes sell for 6 percent more, compared to “granite” at 4 percent.

Real estate advertising words to avoid

In the same way that there are words that help your home sell faster or for more money, there are definitely some terms you'll want to steer clear of. Unless you are truly selling your home as a fixer-upper or a flip, avoid these nine real estate marketing words: 'Fixer,' 'TLC' (as in the home needs some TLC), 'cosmetic,' 'investment,' 'investor,' 'potential,' 'bargain,' 'opportunity' and 'nice.' While 'nice' is a positive word, it can be highly subjective. Instead of saying you have an 'older home in need of TLC,' say something like 'A classic abode that can be customized to your liking.' Or instead of 'Calling all investors!' say something like 'Renovated homes on this block are selling for top dollar.'

Here's some data to illustrate the point. Out of 24,000 homes analyzed by Zillow , listings with 'fixer' in the description sold for 11.1 percent less, on average, than expected. Listings with 'potential' sold for 4.3 percent less. And listings with 'opportunity' sold for 2 percent less.

You’ll also want to avoid useless fluff like 'must-see' in your property description. If you find yourself short on space, you can cut down on mentioning the house's main stats, like square footage and number of bedrooms, since those data points are displayed in a different part of your listing, anyway.

Reframe negative features in a positive light

Of course, no home is perfect, so you don't want to completely omit less desirable features — especially if they're obvious in the photos. Instead, spin them as a positive or add in some creativity or humor. Here are a few examples:

• A small bedroom could be a home office.
• A closed-off floor plan could be described as creating separation for privacy — your dinner guests won't see your messy kitchen!
• No yard means low maintenance.
• A lack of natural light in a garden-level condo saves on cooling costs in the summertime.

Which selling points should I include in my home description?

Your property description should highlight any notable home brands, recent upgrades, and all energy efficiency additions. Don't be afraid to name drop!

• Kitchen : Appliance brands like Viking, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Bosch.
• Smart home/electronics : Bose sound system, Nest thermostat, Ring doorbell and any other smart home upgrades.
• Energy efficiency : Mention any upgrades that provide practicality, utility cost savings, and convenience, like a smart thermostat, high-efficiency washer and dryer, or solar panels.

Home description best practices

In addition to following the guidelines above, consider these best practices for writing property descriptions.

Use your word count

Take advantage of all 250 words available. Zillow Talk found that homes with longer listings consistently sell for more money. And it's not surprising. Buyers want to know the details of your home, and those extra words can give them the additional information they need to decide if your home is one they're interested in seeing in person. But, while some real estate listing sites will let you include many more than 250 words, buyers don’t want to read a novel. Focus on 250 really great words instead of rambling on just because you have the space.

Ask for a second opinion

After you're done writing, ask a friend or neighbor who knows your home and the neighborhood to review your description. Have them identify the features of your home that make it unique, and be sure to include those.

Provide accurate portrayals of renovations

New countertops do not equal a full kitchen renovation. Make sure you're being honest about the level or work that was completed.

Don't use all caps or too many exclamation points

Potential buyers don't want to feel like you're yelling at them — and all caps and endless exclamation points do just that.

Avoid jargon

Don't use real estate terminology that the average buyer won't understand.

Be careful with real estate abbreviations

You may be tempted to abbreviate in order to save space in your listing description, but be careful that you're not sacrificing clarity for space.

Don't shorten words buyers may search for

There are some words you won't want to shorten, in case people are searching specifically for that term. Examples include 'waterfront,' 'quartz,' or 'renovated.'

Don't embellish. Buyers know what they're looking for, and if you make your home seem like something it's not, you're just wasting a buyer's time.

Follow Fair Housing guidelines

It's illegal to mention race, national origin, gender, disability, or familial status in real estate listings. So, that means you can't include things like ,'This family-friendly home is perfect for new parents,' or 'Large makeup of international residents means great nearby restaurants.'

Edit your description for accuracy and grammatical errors. Buyers might assume that a careless listing description means a careless homeowner.

Create options

Consider writing 2-3 versions of your listing description that focus on features that appeal to different buyers, so you can swap out if needed.

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How to Write Creative Real Estate Listing Descriptions (+ Examples)

A nationally recognized founder, branding expert, and industry thought leader, Emile cut his teeth in real estate in 2007 crafting marketing strategies for the Chrysler and MetLife Buildings. See full bio

• 4 Elements of Great Listing Descriptions
• 7 Listing Description Tips From a Pro
• Real-life Examples

One of the most common requests I get from Realtors is to write their real estate listing descriptions for them. Since I rarely have the time (or energy) for freelance writing these days, I decided to put together this step-by-step guide to writing creative listing descriptions.

First, I tackled the four crucial elements of a killer listing description and how to create them. After the guide, I included nine tips for better writing (including how artificial intelligence can help you), and then wrapped up with some examples of my favorite creative listing descriptions.

4 Elements of Great Listing Descriptions: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. ‘Brand’ Your Listing With a Short Title

Length: One sentence

The most creative listing descriptions start with a one-sentence-or-less title. Taking the time to write a catchy “brand” for your listing will draw people in and help them see it as a home, not just pictures on the internet. It will also help you focus your description around a central theme, so that it feels cohesive. If you want to attract certain buyers, a slogan is a way to zero in on that target market. Here are some examples of great branding one-liners from Coldwell Banker Warburg agent Jeanne Byers from our example listing descriptions below:

Millionaire details. Miser maintenance.

• Artsy, techie, picky? Welcome home.

Prewar. Shaken and stirred.

2. Pitch Your Audience on the Home’s Best Features

Length: Two to three sentences

After your title, the next section of your listing description should be a two- or three-sentence pitch of the home’s best features. This should be a narrative description, not just a list of features, or, God forbid, a bulleted list!

Here’s another example from Jeanne. Note how she hits all the apartment’s best features in a narrative format.

With its 14-foot beamed ceiling and massive south-facing picture windows, 4J pairs the beautiful bones of its 1913 Beaux-Arts origins with an extensive and impeccable renovation. Converted to condos in 2008, the interiors at 254 Park Avenue South were designed with a modern aesthetic, high-quality finishes and appliances, and a unifying sense of space.

3. Pitch the Benefits of the Location & Neighborhood

Length: One or two sentences

After you’ve highlighted the home’s best features, pitch the benefits of the home’s location and neighborhood. If these elements aren’t great, try to find a silver lining. For example, if the home is located on a noisy street with lots of bars that are open late, talk up the access to nightlife. If it’s in a not-so-great neighborhood but on a pretty block or in a great school district, mention those perks instead. Here’s a continuation of Jeanne’s example from above:

254 Park Avenue South is a full-service luxury condominium with a 24-hour concierge, live-in resident manager, gym, and lounge. Ideally situated in Flatiron, the building is located blocks from Union Square, Gramercy Park, and Madison Square Park—it is central to Manhattan’s most vibrant and sought-after neighborhoods, shopping, and now—outdoor dining experiences.

4. Finish With Caveats That Are Important for the Buyer

While I never suggest agents write a “warts and all” listing description, you should still alert potential buyers to any important information. A house hunter might forgive you for not mentioning the noisy street or less-than-perfect driveway, but they likely won’t forgive you if you don’t mention that it’s in a senior’s-only development. Here’s Jeanne again:

Please note 50% financing. Pied-a-terres welcome. Buyer pays 2% flip tax—showings by appointment.

9 Real Estate Listing Description Writing Tips From a Professional Writer

1. sell benefits, not features.

This is one of the first rules of copywriting. Every famous copywriter, from David Ogilvy to Joseph Sugarman, agrees.

What does this mean for your listing description? Simple. Instead of telling your audience the listing has a big backyard, tell them how much fun they could have playing touch football with their family in the yard or the privacy that it offers.

Here’s Warburg listing agent Steven Gottlieb on selling benefits, rather than features, in your real estate listing descriptions: “ If there’s a balcony or terrace, maybe the description mentions enjoying coffee and the morning paper al fresco before a busy day or sipping a glass of prosecco in the evening air.”

2. Research the Proper Architectural & Design Terms Before You Write

If you earned a listing, the very least you can do is learn the proper architectural and design terms to describe it. Describing herringbone floors as “beautiful zig-zag wood floors” is going to mark you as unsophisticated at the very least. But it also telegraphs to your sellers that you aren’t willing to take the time to research the property they entrusted you to sell.

If you need a crash course in architectural styles and features, check out our guide: An Agent’s Guide to Home Styles, Architecture & Design .

3. Make Your Real Estate Listing Description Concise, but Precise

Despite all of our hard work and clever content flourishes, the sad reality is that most people skim content online these days . Very few will take the time to read every word you write, even for a relatively short property description. So make sure to hit the key selling points of your listing early on and avoid overly lengthy, wordy descriptions. 

4. Avoid a List of Features or Details

While too-long real estate listing descriptions are an issue, don’t think you can just get away with a bullet-point list of features either. The user experience of portals like Zillow are already designed to present data relevant to the buyer. So the number of bedrooms, square footage, and so forth are already shown to your buyer in a neater, more digestible format by the portals. A bulleted list of the same features is redundant and a wasted marketing opportunity.

5. Write Without Fear, Edit Without Mercy

One of the biggest mistakes that new writers make is laboring over every sentence, word, and punctuation mark. Not only is this exhausting, but it’s also actually counterproductive to the writing process. Instead, when you start any writing project, just sit down and write. Don’t sweat grammar, punctuation, or spelling—just write.

Once you have a draft done, read it out loud. If you find yourself stumbling over your own words, chances are your copy needs some work. Start by working on paragraphs to make sure they all have a clear subject, then drill down to sentence structure, word choice, and finally grammar. The key to editing well is to be merciless. If it doesn’t work, delete it. Period. Yes, you worked hard on your copy. But don’t cling to a mistake just because you took a long time making it!

6. Use Tools to Check for Mistakes

There is no excuse for grammar or spelling mistakes in your listing descriptions. Luckily, you no longer need to hire an editor or bug your old high school English teacher to check your copy for errors. It’s not perfect, but Grammarly is free and will find errors that you and a regular spell check might miss.

7. Include Creative Adjectives That Sell

The words (and phrases) you use matter. Powerful, descriptive, creative, unexpected words make a reader pause and want to learn more—and can even drive them to action. The right words can inspire someone to immediately call their agent and schedule a showing. 

To help zero in on the right words to use, we put together a list of 723 creative words top agents use in their listing descriptions. Here’s a sneak peek:

For 701 more, click on over here:

250+ Real Estate Words to Market Your Next Listing

8. use ai to improve (or write) your listing descriptions .

Everyone is talking about AI and wondering how it can benefit our industry. Spoiler alert: This is how it can (and is!) benefitting our industry. AI can write listing descriptions for you, which saves you time and effort, and lets you focus on selling the property that can now be beautifully described in only a few seconds. 

But just asking ChatGPT to rattle off a stellar listing description isn’t going to cut it, not at this point anyway. Unless you have developed your own flawless prompts and have the time to tweak, edit, and look for hallucinations in the copy, you need an intermediary to “talk” to the AI for you. Brilliant minds who saw AI coming on the horizon have created tools to tackle this very use case, which make sure AI does all the heavy lifting. For a real deep dive, check out Jodie Cordell ’s in-depth guide to the best AI tools in real estate .

9. Always Get Another Set of Eyes on Your Copy, Ideally a Professional

One of the trickiest parts of writing anything is getting out of your own head. It’s just too easy to fall in love with your writing or miss your own errors. You need distance from your work to judge it objectively. 

That’s why we suggest working with a professional whenever possible. Send your copy over to your marketing team or a few members of your brokerage for their opinion before you publish.

Creative Real Estate Listing Description Examples 

Since the best way to learn anything is by example, here are a few examples of effective listing descriptions from Jeanne Byers of Warburg Realty in Manhattan, one-half of Manhattan luxury team Case+Byers , and a couple of listings from Charleston, South Carolina.

165 East 72nd Street, Apt 2H, New York, NY

I love a listing that not only shines a light on the interior, but also the views of the exterior. Who can resist a north-facing tree-lined street?

Every inch of this 530-square-foot studio has been meticulously planned and renovated using the highest-quality materials, craftsmanship, and interior design aesthetic. The dramatic foyer is lined in Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallpaper and flanked by a 9-foot-wide wall of closets with floor-to-ceiling mirrored French doors. The walls and the ceiling have been skim coated, and custom hardwood floors installed throughout. You’ll find impeccable millwork on display in every door, molding, trim, and built-in cabinet. A computer workspace/home office has been integrated into the kitchen, which features Carrera marble countertops, white lacquered cabinetry, and appliances by Wolf, Miele, and Liebherr.

The well-proportioned living space has a north-facing, tree-lined view of 73rd Street through a bank of windows with custom window treatments. The expansive bathroom is outfitted with Waterworks fixtures, a deep soaking tub with shower, basketweave marble floor, and a linen closet. 2H is wired with smart-home technology, including high-speed internet in all rooms, Lutron lighting, and discreet speakers in the living room and bathroom.

Located west of Third Avenue, 165 East 72nd Street is a premier full-service cooperative boasting a knockout lobby and staff, live-in resident manager, stellar financials, gym, and famously low monthlies. At $677/month, 2H is a triple-mint home or pied-a-terre that won’t cost a mint.

333 East 53rd Street, Apt 12H, New York, NY

Even though this one is pretty feature-heavy, the pithy headline sets the tone for a fun, compelling read.

The architects blew the doors and the walls off this prewar, retaining the beautiful proportions of its 1930s bones while energizing the space. The galley kitchen was opened to the living room, maximizing the light and views from south-facing windows.

With its BlueStar range, Miele dishwasher, Wolf microwave, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and custom cabinetry, the kitchen was designed to integrate seamlessly with the main room. A bespoke dining table tucks under the storage island to reduce its footprint for daily use.

A recessed projection screen and ceiling-mounted projector are perfect for movie night or online exercise classes. A windowed bathroom with Duravit and Grohe fixtures and a glass-enclosed bath/shower is a serene and spa-like retreat.

12H has all-new plumbing, electrical, hardwood floors, custom doors with hidden hardware, ample storage, and exquisite skim-coated walls, beams, and ceilings. An entrance foyer and hallway between the living room and bedroom maintain the graceful separation of living spaces the original architect intended.

333 East 53rd Street is an elegant full-service building, centrally located, with solid financials. It features a gorgeous planted roof deck with spectacular views, a live-in super, central laundry, and gym. Pets are welcome (dogs under 30 lbs).

Electric is included in the maintenance. Showings are by appointment with 24 hrs notice required.

27 Lamboll St, Charleston, SC 29401

Cassina Real Estate Group’s listing description might be a little long, but it gets full marks for describing benefits rather than features and helping the reader imagine their life in this could-be-yours home: 

Welcome to the Richard Reynolds House, a magnificent South of Broad gem that beautifully blends rich heritage with modern luxury. Originally built in the 1850s, the home underwent an extensive renovation in 2017 and offers the perfect fusion of historic charm and contemporary sophistication.

Located on the prestigious corner of Legare and Lamboll Streets, this remarkable residence is within walking distance of Charleston’s most sought-after attractions, including White Point Garden, The Battery, art galleries, renowned local restaurants, museums, and more. As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the spacious interior, meticulously adorned with artfully preserved historic details, upscale finishes, and an abundance of natural light. From generous formal rooms to sunlit bedroom suites, every space exudes an undeniable sense of grandeur.

The stunning spiral staircase, adorned with custom chandeliers, gracefully leads you to all floors. Notable interior features include tall ceilings, designer light fixtures, crown molding, ornate door frames, custom wallpaper, wide-plank hardwood floors, and an elevator. The main floor presents light-filled formal rooms that effortlessly connect with the covered piazza, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining. The central hall, featuring a coffered ceiling, guides you to the formal dining room and living room, adorned with wainscoting, original fireplaces, ornate ceiling medallions, and contemporary light fixtures, effortlessly blending the old and the new. 

The light-filled eat-in kitchen is a chef’s dream, with custom cabinets, marble counters and backsplash, high-end stainless appliances, a custom range hood, a center island, a built-in bench, and French doors that open to a delightful piazza, perfect for enjoying breakfasts al fresco. This home offers four exquisite bedroom suites, each with access to an outdoor living space. The primary bedroom suite is a true escape, featuring piazza access, a cozy fireplace, a walk-in closet with custom shelving, and an elegantly appointed en suite bathroom with marble floors, a soaking tub, and a marble shower. There is also a handsome office (fourth bedroom) with mahogany built-ins, a coffered ceiling, a fireplace, and an en suite bathroom. The third floor houses two additional bedroom suites, each offering access to a deck overlooking the enchanting city skyline.  The ground floor of the home features spacious living areas, thoughtfully separated into a media room, dining area, and sitting room. Exposed brick, restored beams, fireplaces, ornate mantels, and extensive built-in bookshelves add character and warmth, while multiple French doors seamlessly connect the interior with the outdoor living spaces and the private backyard. Entertain with style in the custom bar room, featuring tiled walls, granite counters, and custom cabinets with two wine refrigerators, offering the perfect setting for crafting poolside drinks. A full bathroom and a mudroom with custom cabinets, including a full refrigerator, complete the ground floor. 

Recent owner improvements, including refinished hardwood floors, exterior and interior painting, and thorough maintenance of all systems, ensure that this historic home is in impeccable condition and ready to be cherished by its new owners.

1 Water St. Charleston, SC 29401

William Means ’ listing description does a good job of telling a story of flooding, storms, and house-elevation, one that is extremely relevant to homebuyers in Charleston, SC:

This handsome 1857 Italianate style home marks a new era in modern preservation. Two years ago, 1 Water Street became the first historic brick property in Charleston to be elevated eight feet off the ground. The foundation was engineered to the highest level by Morris Construction, offering the next owners confidence and peace of mind in its forward-thinking design.

After Charleston’s most recent storm, the interior and mechanicals of the home were securely protected from flood risk and the remainder of the property required minimal cleanup. Its structure also provides the added benefit of lowered insurance costs. 

1 Water Street is set in the most desirable location in Charleston—just steps away from the harbor and all the charm of the city’s most notable architecture. Built with a side-hall entryway, the home has expansive double-gallery rooms opening onto the western piazzas, perfect for entertaining and gatherings. The rear of the home features a gourmet kitchen that opens into the comfortable family room with a back porch. On the second floor you will find the expansive primary suite complete with a spacious walk-in closet, sprawling bathroom and glimpses of the harbor. A generous guest bedroom faces Water Street and is complete with an en suite bath and custom closet. 

There are two additional bedrooms on the third floor with beautiful city rooftop views.   Looking off the side piazzas, you will see the two-car driveway and beautifully landscaped garden designed by Glen Gardner. Venture beneath the home where you will find room to store your golf cart and install a future elevator should one need it. Complete with historic details, and built to last, this property is waiting for its next owners to call it home.

An Example From Addressable’s AI Tool, Listing Architect 

While the listing description for this made-up property needed a few tiny tweaks, even the most experienced copywriter would be impressed: 

Welcome to the ultimate retreat in luxury living, located at 2136 Boat Rd. on Johns Island, SC. This stunning 4-bedroom home boasts a thoughtfully designed 3,779 square foot floor plan complete with 10’ ceilings and ample natural light throughout. Enjoy an unrivaled lifestyle surrounded by peaceful privacy and wildlife views on half an acre of land overlooking the water. 

The grand entrance leads you into a substantial library and chef’s kitchen featuring Thermador appliances that will make cooking for friends and family easy and enjoyable. The open main level is complete with a wine cellar, mudroom, media room, and ground-level loggia with outdoor kitchen perfect for entertaining guests all year round—from barbecues to movie nights! 

On the upper level lies your luxurious master suite with balconies from which you can enjoy beautiful sunsets over the horizon or take some time off to meditate amidst nature’s beauty. An additional three bedrooms are accompanied by smart-home technology along with a yoga/home gym studio; making this space ideal for any active lifestyle enthusiast while ensuring everyone has their own private sanctuary within their own walls! 

This property provides everything one could want out of modern luxury living: tranquil surroundings enhanced by stunning views plus thoughtful design elements that combine comfort and convenience that will exceed even your highest expectations! To experience this unparalleled residence firsthand, schedule your showing today!

Bringing It All Together

Have any examples of effective creative real estate listing descriptions or tips to write them? Let us know in the comment section. 

A nationally recognized founder, branding expert, and industry thought leader, Emile cut his teeth in real estate in 2007 crafting marketing strategies for the Chrysler and MetLife Buildings.

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Essays About Home: Top 5 Examples and 7 Writing Prompts

Writing essays about home depicts familial encounters that influence our identity. Discover our guide with examples and prompts to assist you with your next essay.

The literal meaning of home is a place where you live. It’s also called a domicile where people permanently reside, but today, people have different definitions for it. A home is where we most feel comfortable. It’s a haven, a refuge that provides security and protects us without judgment. 

Parents or guardians do their best to make a home for their children. They strive to offer their kids a stable environment so they can grow into wonderful adults. Dissecting what a home needs to ensure a family member feels safe is a vital part of writing essays about home.

5 Essay Examples

1. the unique feeling of home by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 2. where i call home by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. a place i call home by anonymous on toppr.com, 4. the meaning of home by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 5. what makes a house a home for me by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 1. true meaning of home, 2. the difference between a home and a house, 3. homes and emotions, 4. making our house feel like home, 6. home as a vital part of our lives, 7. a home for a kid.

“Nowadays, as I moved out, the place feels alien since I spend the whole time in the house during my visits to my parents. They treat me like a guest in their home – in a good sense; they try to be attentive to me and induce dialogue since I stay there for a short time, and they want to extract the maximum of their need for interaction with me.”

In this essay, a visit to the author’s parents’ house made them realize the many things they missed. They also can’t help but compare it to their current home. The writer states family conflict as the reason for their moving out and realizes how fast they adapted to their new environment. 

Returning to their childhood home brings out mixed emotions as they ponder over the lasting influence of their past on their present personality. The author recognizes the importance of the experiences they carry wherever they go. In the end, the writer says that a home is anywhere they can belong to themselves and interact with those they hold dear. You might be interested in these essays about city life .

“The noteworthy places where I lived are the places I have made my home: where I can walk around with a birds’ nest on my head and a pair of old sweatpants in the middle of summer, where I can strip myself bear of superficial emotions…”

The essay starts with vivid descriptions of the author’s home, letting the reader feel like they are in the same place as the narrator. The author also considers their grandmother’s and friend’s houses his home and shares why they feel this way. 

“My home is important to me because for better or worse, it helps me belong. It makes me understand my place in time and connect with the world and the universe at large. Thus, I am grateful to have a place I can call home.”

In this essay, the author is straightforward in sharing the features of their home life, including where their house is located, who lives in it, and other specific details that make it a home. It’s an ancestral home with vintage furniture that stands strong despite age. 

The writer boasts of their unrestricted use of the rooms and how they love every part of it. However, their best memories are linked to the house’s terrace, where their family frequently spends time together.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about dream house .

“Home is a word that means a lot in the life of every person. For some, this is a place to come after hard work to relax and feel comfortable. For others, this is a kind of intermediate point from which they can set off towards adventure.”

A home is where a person spends most of their life, but in this essay, the writer explains that the definition varies per an individual’s outlook. Thus, the piece incorporates various definitions and concepts from other writers. One of them is Veronica Greenwood , who associates homes with a steaming bowl of ramen because both provide warmth, comfort, and tranquility. The author concludes by recognizing individuals’ ever-changing feelings and emotions and how these changes affect their perception of the concept of a home.

“It is where the soul is…  what makes my house a home is walking through the front door on a Friday evening after praying Zuhr prayer in the masjid and coming back to the aroma of freshly cooked delicious biryani in the kitchen because my mom knows it’s my favorite meal.”

This essay reflects on the factors that shape a house to become a home. These factors include providing security, happiness, and comfort. The author explains that routine household activities such as cooking at home, watching children, and playing games significantly contribute to how a home is created. In the end, the writer says that a house becomes a home when you produce special memories with the people you love.

7 Prompts for Essays About Home

The definition of a home varies depending on one’s perspective. Use this prompt to discuss what the word “home” means to you. Perhaps home is filled with memories, sentimental items, or cozy decor, or maybe home is simply where your family is. Write a personal essay with your experiences and add the fond memories you have with your family home.

Check out our guide on how to write a personal essay .

Home and house are two different terms with deeper meanings. However, they are used interchangeably in verbal and written communication. A house is defined as a structure existing in the physical sense. Meanwhile, a home is where people feel like they belong and are free to be themselves.

In your essay, compare and contrast these words and discuss if they have the same meaning or not. Add some fun to your writing by interviewing people to gather opinions on the difference between these two words.

The emotions that we associate with our home can be influenced by our upbringing. In this essay, discuss how your childhood shaped how you view your home and include the reasons why. Split this essay into sections, each new section describing a different memory in your house. Make sure to include personal experiences and examples to support your feelings.

For example, if you grew up in a home that you associate positive memories with, you will have a happy and peaceful association with your home. However, if your upbringing had many challenging and stressful times, you may have negative emotions tied to the home.

The people inside our home play a significant role in how a house becomes a home. Parents, siblings, and pets are only some of those that influence a home. In this prompt, write about the items in your home, the people, and the activities that have made your house a home.

Describe your home in detail to make the readers understand your home life. Talk about the physical characteristics of your house, what the people you live with make you feel, and what you look forward to every time you visit your home. You can also compare it to your current home. For example, you can focus your essay on the differences between your childhood home and the place you moved in to start your independent life.

Home is the one place we always go back to; even if we visit other places, our home is waiting for our return. In this prompt, provide relevant statistics about how much time a person spends at home and ensure to consider relevant factors such as their profession and age group. Using these statistics, explain the importance of a home to the general population, including the indications of homelessness.

There are 135,000 children adopted in the US each year. These children become orphans for various reasons and are adopted by their guardians to support and guide them through life. For this prompt, find statistics showing the number of unaccompanied and homeless children.

Then, write down the government programs and organizations that aim to help these kids. In the later part of your essay, you can discuss tips on how a foster family can make their foster kids feel at home. For help picking your next essay topic, check out our 20 engaging essay topics about family .

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Woodrant New Member

Help with describing a house.

Discussion in ' Setting Development ' started by Woodrant , Nov 4, 2020 .

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); My story is from the pov of a female lead, and around 10 chapters in she moves into a new, fully furnished house but I'm not sure what to do next. Around 70% of the story takes place in the house, so should I have her look around and describe the layout, all of the rooms and everything in them all at once or should she take it slow and describe things throughout the story as they come into it? Also because the house is new to her and the reader, how much does she have to describe and how much detail should she go into? Any help would be greatly appreciated  

Maddy Knight Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Don't overkill right off. Have her walk in the door, and explain her first impressions. Space, light, is it modern or old and cozy? Shabby chic? Does it fit her personality and what we alread know about her? Perfect fit so to speak? Not always, but my experience has been that the females always want to see the bedroom and the bath first. If the bath is well it and clean, and the bedroom feel 'nesty' it's a big step forward. As she learnes the house, intro certain things she sees, maybe gazes at. She'll go into the kitchen and check out the cupboard space. Always! Just don't do all of this at once in a big 'ol info dump. Don't forget the exterior. Is this first person?  

DriedPen Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Like Maddy says, do not overdo it with an information dump too quick. You want to make the reader feel emotion, so a way you can do that is try and work in the two powerhouses of senses, taste and smell. Just small lines of either one of those will really make the reader feel like they are in there with the woman character as she looks about the house. Out of curiosity , she swung a door open on one of the kitchen cabinets, and saw her distorted reflection in the stainless steel of a mixing bowl hanging on the inside of the door. Oblong with a lip, it reminded her of her mothers mixing bowls; of brownies being made, and the the sound of her spoon scraping the last morsels of batter as she licked the bowl clean. You do not have to describe an entire kitchen to the reader; with two sentences I brought memories of childhood flooding back, and they picture their mother's house at age 8 with the smells and tastes of brownies being made... Or you could add contrast too with a short, powerhouse of a sentence. By that I mean, if its an old house, who would not remember... ' Yes, it is fully furnished, but an older house still", she thought, as she happened to step on a floorboard by the bathroom door. Feeling it flex under her weight, she heard the distinctive metallic click, as the latch on the bathroom door fell away, and the door crept open. But even if the house is brand new and fully furnished, you could give the house a flaw. Two-thirds of the way down the hallway, she stepped, and thought she heard a floorboard creak. She stepped back, then stepped again, and yet...there it was again. 'Odd,', she thought, 'and on a brand new house too, but no matter', as she moved to the bedroom... These sentences are all quite relatable to most readers, so they identify their experiences with houses, to this house, and so you do not have to describe every detail of it. They are already filling in the blanks.  

Thundair Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); As a male reader, I would want to know what kind of house it was. Craftsman, maybe ranch, or bungalow would give me a better vision of the inside. Like with the hallway in DriedPen’s third comment, I would guess it is a ranch style.  

Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Is there something out of the ordinary about the house? If not, I don't see much reason to describe it at all. Everyone knows what a house is and looks like... what bathrooms and kitchens do. Unless it's like The Shining where the domicile is nearly a character, I'm not sure how the layout would matter much.  

Vince Higgins Curmudgeon. Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); I take something of a que from writers like James Paterson and Janet Evonovich. My wife eats that stuff up. I've never finished anything by either, but have read some, and know both appeal to women. What I noticed is that whenever a character is introduced, a big part of the development is elaborate descriptions of what they are wearing. A woman entering a furnished space would likeley view ot with a very critical eye. She will either love it, or hate it. try working it from that angle.  

Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Maddy Knight said: ↑ Don't overkill right off. Have her walk in the door, and explain her first impressions. Space, light, is it modern or old and cozy? Shabby chic? Does it fit her personality and what we alread know about her? Perfect fit so to speak? Not always, but my experience has been that the females always want to see the bedroom and the bath first. If the bath is well it and clean, and the bedroom feel 'nesty' it's a big step forward. As she learnes the house, intro certain things she sees, maybe gazes at. She'll go into the kitchen and check out the cupboard space. Always! Just don't do all of this at once in a big 'ol info dump. Don't forget the exterior. Is this first person? Click to expand...

JLT Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Thundair said: ↑ As a male reader, I would want to know what kind of house it was. Craftsman, maybe ranch, or bungalow would give me a better vision of the inside. Like with the hallway in DriedPen’s third comment, I would guess it is a ranch style. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); I didn’t mean to divide the genders. I was thinking of setting the scene before she felt thought or had an impression. Gender aside, I think the vision of a reader would be from his/her background and setting the scene would help that vision. I’m starting to ramble, so I’ll just say—to me it would be a part of setting the scene. ETA Welcome to the OP  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Didn't take it that way. Jus' so other readers know that there are a lot of chicks out there who love architectre, chicks who totally dig classic cars, and like to watch giant men knock the crap out of each other on the football field. They can build a stone bench as good or better than any dude. And if they also write, that will show up in their books. It would be an interesting test to see if one can guess the sex of a writer just by reading the first two or so pages.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Maddy Knight said: ↑ The house pictured is a 1920s-1930s Craftsman bungalow, is it not? Maybe a little earlier? 1910? Many of these homes could be purchased via the Sears catalog, along with a car in the drive. There are whole neighbourhoods of these Sears homes. And they are very cozy! Judging from the landscaping, I am tempted to say that this home is in California. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); DriedPen said: ↑ I have a couple of different houses, and while every style of them is different, my favorite for stories/novels however, is the foursquare. Well, as long as I do not need anything specific that is. I like it because it is easily recognizable by readers so you do not have to go into a lot of details to describe it, and it fits within the time period if 1890 to today, and fits almost any neighborhood in America. My foursquare house happens to be an Aladdin, but it could be a Sears easily enough. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); The Craftsman house is pretty rare where I live, which is why I do not really have an opinion on the house type. I mean, they are nice, and I have seen several of them, and would buy one if the price was right. I just like the foursquare because by its very title, a reader can understand its basic shape. I would not use this type of house for my main character if the character was in their house a lot in the story. I say that because a log home, or a timber frame, sets an unwritten tone for a characters personality, as an example. Where as a person living in an RV park in a camper also does. I used a foursquare in my current work in progress, because my character goes into his sisters house to talk with his ex-wife in one chapter. I did not need an elaborate house, just a house, and yet it is the conversation in this setting that is important, and not the scene, so a foursquare is perfect for that need. Without a lot of description, I can have the character in a house that is rather nondescript, but one the reader easily envisions. For me, the foursquare is perfect for that, but the Craftsman House would be as well. (Not that it matters, but for my main house, I live in a Timber Frame).  

GraceLikePain Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); I recommend not going into too much detail of the house unless you know actual real world details. Like a colonial versus a split-level. Same with interiors. Pick out brand names, if your character is the sort of person who would notice them. A reader won't enjoy a plain description of a house unless you're showing them something they didn't already know. Also, for the rooms, pick two or three items that are important, describe them well, and then let the reader's imagination fill in the blanks. Readers have imaginations. You don't have to go into every nook and cranny of a room.  

Partridge Senior Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); I would think carefully about the feel of the house, and how you can describe it most efficiently. For example, my MC flat (this is a book written in the first person) was described as a "slick, highly appointed bachelor pad - or it would have been twenty years ago." From there I could fill in little details to give some character, such as the Hi-Fi system from the 1989, the deep pile carpet in the bedroom and ash tray flooded with rainwater on the balcony.  

deadrats Contributor Contributor

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); Woodrant said: ↑ My story is from the pov of a female lead, and around 10 chapters in she moves into a new, fully furnished house but I'm not sure what to do next. Around 70% of the story takes place in the house, so should I have her look around and describe the layout, all of the rooms and everything in them all at once or should she take it slow and describe things throughout the story as they come into it? Also because the house is new to her and the reader, how much does she have to describe and how much detail should she go into? Any help would be greatly appreciated Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); deadrats said: ↑ You don't need to have your character look around to describe or include details of the house. I recommend skipping the act of "looking around." That's a pretty boring action and an unnecessary filter regardless of the POV. Have something more interesting happen that calls for details of the house to be revealed. And if nothing is calling for those details to come into play, they might not really be needed in the story. Click to expand...

IasminDragon Member

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); "It was a mistake to think of houses, old houses, as being empty. They were filled with memories, with the faded echoes of voices. Drops of tears, drops of blood, the ring of laughter, the edge of tempers that had ebbed and flowed between the walls, into the walls, over the years. Wasn't it, after all, a kind of life? And there were houses, he knew it, that breathed. They carried in their wood and stone, their brick and mortar a kind of ego that was nearly, very nearly, human." Oh, that was Nora Roberts. That works for old houses nicely I think and makes me wonder how you would describe a new house in similar terms. "That was terrible and overwritten." There, I said it now you don't have to. And now I respectfully disagree with that sentiment. That should save some time.  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); IasminDragon said: ↑ "It was a mistake to think of houses, old houses, as being empty. They were filled with memories, with the faded echoes of voices. Drops of tears, drops of blood, the ring of laughter, the edge of tempers that had ebbed and flowed between the walls, into the walls, over the years. Wasn't it, after all, a kind of life? And there were houses, he knew it, that breathed. They carried in their wood and stone, their brick and mortar a kind of ego that was nearly, very nearly, human." Oh, that was Nora Roberts. That works for old houses nicely I think and makes me wonder how you would describe a new house in similar terms. "That was terrible and overwritten." There, I said it now you don't have to. And now I respectfully disagree with that sentiment. That should save some time. Click to expand...

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); What if you did both? I walked into an old house one time an on the closet door, under a layer of whitewash it said, "Haskell lived here with 13 kids, what do you think of that" in kids penmanship? Today upcycling is all the rage. I have a new home, but I have a REAL barnboard wall in my bathroom from our old sawmill. What if you described her finding a scrawled note like I did on the upcycled barnboards that were installed as an accent wall in her kitchen? It is a little harder to pull off, but I am sure you are up for the challenge as a writer. Think of it as a wedding where the bride has "something borrowed old, something new, something borrowed, something discovered that was scrawled on on all barn wood wall?  

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('funpub_c2b1f636873b439c61f747e3d272b72f'); }); If a room is singular in its impact on the visitor ... the ashes in the hearth, the portraits of long dead children on the wall, the unmistakeable tang of old cigarette smoke, the creak of the floor as you step on it ... by all means put that description into the story, if it's important to the character. That quote from Nora Roberts reminds me of that song that Peter, Paul, and Mary put on their "Album 1700" It was writtten by Noel Paul Stookey (the "Paul" of PP&M) and H Bannard Robert. Waylon Jennings covered it, too.  

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10 Creative Real Estate Listing Descriptions That Will Make Buyers Fall in Love

Blog/10 Creative Real Estate Listing Descriptions

When it comes to selling a home, the listing description can make all the difference. A well-crafted listing can draw in potential buyers and make them fall in love with the property before even seeing it in person.

As a real estate agent, it’s essential to create a listing that not only highlights the best features of the home but also paints a picture of the lifestyle that comes with it.

In this article, we’ll explore ten creative real estate listing descriptions that will do just that. From using sensory language to highlighting unique features, these descriptions will make potential buyers swoon and ultimately help to sell the property faster.

So, let’s dive in and discover how to craft the perfect real estate listing description that will make buyers fall in love with your property.

Table of Contents 1.   Importance of a Great Listing Description 2.  Understanding Your Target Audience 3.  Tips for Writing a Creative Listing Description 4.  Examples of Creative Real Estate Listing Descriptions 5. 8 Fixer-Upper Listing Description Examples 6. Testing and Refining Your Listing Description

Importance of a great listing description

A listing description is a key part of marketing . It’s the first impression potential buyers have of a property, and is the hook that draws them in and convinces them to schedule a viewing. A great listing description is essential for selling a home quickly and at the right price. A poorly written listing can turn off potential buyers and leave a property sitting on the market for months.

Creating an effective listing description requires a balance of creativity and practicality. It’s essential to highlight the best features of the home while also being honest about any flaws. A great listing description should be clear, concise, and attention -grabbing. It should be written with the target audience in mind, using language and tone that resonates with them.

Understanding your target audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial when crafting a listing description. Are you targeting first-time homebuyers, families, or retirees? Each group has different priorities and values when it comes to buying a home.

Knowing your audience can help you tailor your description to their needs and preferences. Highlight the features of the home that are most important to them. This will make your listing more appealing and increase the chances of attracting the right buyers.

Tips for writing a creative listing description

Crafting a creative listing description is both an art and a science. It requires a balance of practicality and creativity. Here are some tips for writing a creative listing description that will make potential buyers fall in love with your property.

1. Use storytelling in your listing description

A great listing description should tell a story about the property. Use words to paint a picture of what it’s like to live there. For example, instead of just listing the features of a backyard, describe how it’s the perfect place for summer barbecues with friends and family.

2. Highlight unique features of the property

One of the best ways to make your listing stand out is to highlight unique features of the property. This could be anything from a custom-built fireplace to a stunning view. These features can help create an emotional connection with potential buyers and make your property more memorable.

3. Incorporate emotion into the description

Buying a home is an emotional decision, and your listing description should reflect that. Use language that evokes emotion, such as “peaceful,” “luxurious,” or “charming.” This will help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home and create a stronger emotional connection.

4. Use descriptive language and vivid imagery

Descriptive language and vivid imagery can help bring your listing to life. Instead of just describing a room as “spacious,” use language that paints a more vivid picture, such as “expansive” or “airy.” Use imagery to describe how the room is decorated or how the natural light floods in.

5. Harness the power of AI for writing property descriptions

Writing listing descriptions doesn’t have to be a chore. Powerful tools like ChatGPT for Realtors can do the work of a professional copywriter in seconds. For example, with the Real Estate Listing Generator , you simply answer a few questions about the home you’re selling, and moments later get an original, high-quality and creative property description you can use anywhere.

Examples of creative real estate listing descriptions

Here are ten examples of creative real estate listing descriptions that will make buyers fall in love with your property:

1. “This charming bungalow is the perfect place to call home. With a cozy fireplace, spacious backyard, and plenty of natural light, you’ll never want to leave.”

2. “Live like royalty in this luxurious estate. With stunning views of the city, a private pool, and custom-built features throughout, this home is truly one-of-a-kind.”

3. “Calling all foodies! This gourmet kitchen is a dream come true. Featuring high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and plenty of counter space, you’ll love cooking and entertaining in this space.”

4. “Escape to your own private oasis in this stunning waterfront property. With breathtaking views of the lake, a private dock, and plenty of outdoor space, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation every day.”

5. “This charming cottage is perfect for those seeking a simpler way of life. With a cozy fireplace, vintage details throughout, and a beautifully manicured garden, you’ll feel like you’re living in a storybook.”

6. “Step into luxury in this stunning penthouse. With soaring ceilings, custom finishes, and panoramic views of the city, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.”

7. “This modern farmhouse is the perfect blend of rustic and chic. With custom woodwork, high-end appliances, and plenty of natural light, you’ll love entertaining guests in this space.”

8. “Live like a celebrity in this stunning Hollywood Hills mansion. With a private pool, home theater, and custom finishes throughout, you’ll feel like you’re living in a movie set.”

9. “With space for everyone, this home has everything you need to make memories that will last a lifetime. With a spacious backyard, custom-built playroom, and top-rated schools nearby, you’ll love living here.”

10. “Experience the ultimate in luxury living in this stunning beachfront property. With panoramic views of the ocean, a private pool, and high-end finishes throughout, you’ll feel like you’re living in a five-star resort.”

8 Fixer-upper listing description examples

Conveying the potential and endless possibilities of a fixer-upper can be tricky. Here are a few examples designed to captivate investors and DIY enthusiasts alike:

1. “Attention DIY enthusiasts and investors! This charming fixer-upper is a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. With a little TLC, this home has the potential to become a dream haven. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to add value and personalize this property to your liking.”

2. “Investors and handy homeowners, don’t miss out on this diamond in the rough! This spacious fixer-upper offers endless possibilities with its generous square footage and desirable location. Bring your vision and transform this property into a stunning masterpiece that will shine in the neighborhood.”

3. “Calling all renovators and bargain hunters! This fixer-upper presents a golden opportunity to build equity and create your dream home. Put your renovation skills to work and unlock the hidden potential of this property. With its prime location and solid bones, the possibilities are limitless.”

4. “Looking for a project? Look no further! This fixer-upper offers incredible potential for those with a keen eye for design and renovation. Whether you’re an experienced investor or a first-time homeowner seeking a rewarding DIY experience, this property is ready to be transformed into a true gem.”

5. “Attention builders and flippers! This fixer-upper is your chance to capitalize on a fantastic investment opportunity. With its favorable location and ample space, this property is perfect for a renovation project. Bring your team and unleash its true potential, and watch your profits soar.”

6. “Calling all HGTV enthusiasts! This fixer-upper is ready for its makeover moment. Embrace your inner designer and turn this property into a stunning showcase. From updating the kitchen to revitalizing the outdoor space, let your imagination run wild and create a home that will make a lasting impression.”

7. “Investors and DIY lovers, rejoice! This fixer-upper is your chance to make your mark and reap the rewards. With a little elbow grease, this property has the potential to shine bright. Take advantage of the affordable price and make this house a home that you’ll be proud of.”

8. “Attention renovators and visionaries! This fixer-upper is a hidden gem waiting to be polished. With its charming vintage details and original character, this property offers a unique opportunity to restore its former glory. Don’t miss your chance to create a true masterpiece that will stand the test of time.”

Testing and refining your listing description

Creating a great listing description is not a one-time task. It’s important to test and refine your description over time to ensure it’s resonating with potential buyers. Use analytics tools to track how many views and inquiries your listing receives, and adjust your description accordingly.

Ask for feedback from potential buyers and other real estate professionals to get a sense of what’s working and what’s not. Refining your description will help you attract the right buyers and sell your property faster.

Crafting a creative real estate listing description takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it. A great listing can draw in potential buyers and make them fall in love with the property before even seeing it in person. Use storytelling, highlight unique features, incorporate emotion, and use descriptive language and vivid imagery to create a listing that stands out. Test and refine your description over time to ensure it’s resonating with potential buyers. By following these tips, you’ll create a listing that makes buyers fall in love with your property.

Check out some of our additional resources:

• GrammarPros Free Content Page
• 2024 Social Media Content Calendar for Real Estate
• 41 Lead Magnet Ideas for Realtors