How to read a property listing like a pro

A good listing answers most of your questions before you ever message the agent. A great one tells you what it doesn’t say, too. Here’s how to read between the lines.

1. Start with the photos, not the headline

Look for a photo of every main room. Missing bathrooms or bedrooms usually mean there’s something the seller would rather explain in person. Wide-angle shots can make rooms look bigger, so check the area figure against the room count.

2. Decode the adjectives

‘Cozy’ often means small, ‘full of character’ can mean original fittings, and ‘investment opportunity’ may mean the place needs work. None of these are red flags on their own — they’re prompts for a specific question.

3. Check the numbers that matter

Price per square foot, monthly fees, parking and year built tell you far more than the description. Compare two or three similar listings in the same area before you decide what feels fair.

4. Ask one precise question

Instead of “Is it still available?”, ask about the thing you actually care about: light, noise, storage or the length of the lease. You’ll get a more useful answer — and a better sense of how responsive the agent is.