So what makes a perfect flip or renovation investment property and how do you market the qualities that will attract these buyers?
Desirable locationA desirable neighbourhood is the most critical box to tick when buying a house to flip or renovate to invest. A desirable location could be a hot spot with rising or steady real estate sales, or simply somewhere people want to live – a nice street, close to good schools, within easy access to public transport, or situated in a safe family-friendly environment.
Here are some phrase examples for a listing that ticks the ‘desirable location’ box (extracted from The Copy Cat Real Estate Phrase Finder):
STREET:

• A leafy street
• A peaceful street location
• A quiet street setting
• Located in a tightly-held street
• Premier cul-de-sac address
• Great location in a quality street
• Located on a wide, tree-lined street
• Occupying a peaceful street position
• Set in a much sought-after street

SUBURB:

• A blue chip location
• An enviable address
• Nestled in a popular locale
• Positioned amongst quality homes
• Situated in a friendly neighbourhood
• Situated in an exclusive neighbourhood
• In a sought-after neighbourhood
• Located in a top-notch suburb
• In a family-friendly community
• Set in an ultra-convenient location
• Situated in the upmarket suburb of
• The perfect location for busy young families
• Located in the up-and-coming suburb of
• It would be hard to over-capitalise in this enviable locale
• Positioned in an up-and-coming neighbourhood

AMENITIES:

• Conveniently located within close proximity to schools, transportation and eateries
• Close to all the action
• Conveniently set within minutes’ walk to village shopping and transport
• Easily accessible to the essential services of shops, schools and restaurants
• Every mode of transport at your disposal
• Excellent schooling facilities close by
• Located close to a full range of local amenities
• Well-located within walking distance to shopping hubs

Structurally soundTo maximise value and minimise cost, the ideal home for a flip or renovation project is in good workable condition, with updates and repairs that are affordable to fix and mostly cosmetic.
Here are some phrase examples for a listing that ticks the ‘structurally sound’ box:

• Built to last
• Good foundation but screaming for attention
• Good structural bones
• Of solid brick construction
• Of sound structural condition
• Sound framework
• Structurally sound but cosmetically tired
• Sturdy but needs a facelift

PotentialIf you have a listing that is crying out for a makeover and it ticks some of the boxes above, effectively communicating its potential in the marketing narrative is more likely to move a buyer to inspect the property than simply listing its features.
Here are some non-specific phrase examples that relate to a listing’s potential:

• A huge opportunity for the savvy purchaser to capitalise on this rare offering
• A prime renovation opportunity
• Ample scope for creative enhancement
• An investment opportunity in a red hot location not to be missed!
• An opportunity for those with an eye for remodelling
• An under- capitalised property waiting for transformation
• Earn sweat equity quickly by investing in this doer-upper
• Embrace the spirit of DIY
• Exciting scope to renovate
• Generous scope for improvements
• Great fix and flip opportunity
• Huge potential but in need of a revamp
• Income & capital growth opportunity
• Limitless untapped potential
• Opportunities for cosmetic updating abound
• Raw, untapped potential
• Secure a home with unlimited potential in this property hotspot
• This house asks only for a surface makeover for modern, family living
• This property in original condition is screaming for a makeover
• This property offers excellent future potential
• This sleeping beauty wants to be woken
• This well-loved home is ready and waiting for a new lease of life
• This little gem requires a mini-renovation to make a comfy family home
• Well-maintained with plenty of potential

A suitable blockA usable block, off-street parking potential, level access, a sunny aspect, and established vegetation are desirable features for renovators. Tidying or improving an existing garden is much more cost-effective than a complete landscaping job, and a green, lush healthy garden is always something that captures the attention of future potential buyers or renters. If the block has a good sunny aspect, you can quickly maximise the property’s value with the simple replacement of a poky window with a larger one, creating a welcoming natural light-filled home, or by relocating a living area to take advantage of winter sun and summer breezes, creating atmosphere, comfort and appeal.
Here are some phrase examples for a listing that ticks the ‘suitable block’ box:
ASPECT:

• Captures the morning sun
• Embraces a sunny aspect
• Receives natural light from all directions
• The aspect maximises year-round sunshine
• The perfect aspect allows natural light to drench the interior
• This property sparkles with sunshine

LAND:

• A sprawling back yard
• Ample off-street parking
• Boundless outdoor space
• Deep level garden
• Established gardens
• Generously-scaled back yard
• Large sunny backyard
• Mature gardens
• Safe off-street parking
• The front garden extends a warm welcome
• This home occupies expansive level grounds

Versatile layoutGood bones with space to extend, or a layout that will suit conversion to modern living is a big plus for astute renovators.
Here are some phrase examples for a listing that ticks the ‘versatile layout’ box:

• A floor plan with plenty of flexibility
• A functional floorplan
• A versatile layout
• Big, old, classic bones
• Breathe new life into the old bones of this classic home
• Flexible design
• Floor space to burn – the rest is up to you
• Fluid layout
• Good bones and ready to be transformed
• Presenting a versatile floorplan
• The layout lends itself to easy remodelling
• This home is a textbook example of ‘good bones’
• With such a considerable floorplan

ValueSavvy investors are looking for good value in an area. They are looking for the ‘worst house in the best neighbourhood’ scenario, in which the property has nowhere to go but up in value, or a suburb they suspect is set to boom.
Here are some phrase examples for a listing that ticks the ‘good value’ box:

• A good buying opportunity for the savvy investor
• A great suburb at a great price
• A realistic price for this location
• Affordable and perfectly located
• Ample room for capital growth
• An enviable location for an affordable price
• An investment opportunity in a red hot location not to be missed!
• Buy now and ride the upward swing
• Income and capital growth – a great investment!
• This property is one of the last of its kind in this area
• Well-priced property

Would you like to see higher levels of engagement and better enquiries from your commercial property listings? In a competitive market the quality of your copy can be the difference between sealing a deal and missing out on a potential opportunity.
When it comes to residential properties, purchasing and leasing decisions tend to be more emotionally driven than for commercial properties. This is because the decision is more personal. For commercial properties, raised capital or the company’s money is often used to make the purchase, and there may be a level of accountability to investors and other stakeholders to consider. Although it’s important to keep this in mind, emotional motivators will still be influencing factors.
So how do you tailor your approach to the commercial market and speak to a prospect’s emotions in your marketing message? The key is to weave benefits into the features that prospects take into consideration when purchasing or leasing a commercial property.
There are three main types of commercial property. These are OFFICE, RETAIL and INDUSTRIAL.  Each have their own features and benefits that will play a role in a potential buyer’s purchasing or leasing decision.
Office:

• External office appearance & entry – will it make a good impression?
• A versatile internal layout – is there room for a client meeting space, break-out areas etc?
• Proximity to facilities – are there eateries, banks, other offices nearby
• Accessible location – can clients and employees get there easily?
• Healthy environment – are conditions such as noise levels, air quality, temperature, natural light sufficient for wellbeing at work?
• Staff & client parking – is it available?
• Co-tenants – are they a good fit, stable, successful?
• Amenities – is there a well-designed kitchen, bathrooms?
• Internet & phone connection – is the quality, reliability, speed good enough?

Retail:

• Location – is the area serviced by public transport? Is it in a strip or within a centre? Is it close to shopping areas and/or tourist attractions?
• Visibility – can the store be seen from the road? Is it a prominent shop front?
• Convenience – is it easy to access? Can customers get in and out of the parking lot easily?
• Population – how many people walk or drive past? Is the area growing to support your own growth?
• Area crime rate – are there any issues with crime? Is there a local police station nearby?
• Zoning – are there any zoning restriction? Any upcoming construction or road work?
• Anchor store – is there a major retail store or grocery store in the centre or strip that will drive customers to your commercial space?

Industrial:

• Versatility – is it an easy conversion to suit a variety of tenants?
• Location – is it close to major highways or freight infrastructure?
• Accessibility – is it easily accessible to receive deliveries of goods? Is there sufficient car parking to service tenants and customers?
• Construction – is the roof high enough for forklifts and trucks to pass under?
• Amenities – are there staff amenities and an office space?
• Security – how secure is the premises? Is there secure fencing? Is it well lit?
• Visibility – can the industrial building be easily seen and identified?
• Zoning – do zoning plans allow a variety of business types?

When working on an ad for a commercial listing, start by breaking down your content into three areas. These are HEADING, POSITION, and PROPERTY.
HEADING
A snappy headline will attract interest. It can make or break your content and should communicate a key benefit or feature. Here are a few examples:

• AFFORDABLE EXPOSURE
• OCCUPY, DEVELOP, INVEST
• POSITION PERFECT
• PREMIER RETAIL OPPORTUNITY
• THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST
• WIN THE RACE FOR SPACE
• TICKS THE BOXES
• RARE BLUE CHIP INVESTMENT
• BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED, VIBRANT LOCATION
• A PLACE WITH SPACE
• BUSINESS OR PLEASURE
• METROPOLIS NOW
• UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
• QUALITY & QUANTITY
• HIGH PROFILE PREMISES
• LAUGH ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK
• HOT TICKET INVESTMENT
• HIGH AND MIGHTY
• TRY THIS FOR SIZE
• GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
• SEE THE LIGHT
• HIT THE HOT SPOT
• MOVE ON UP

POSITION
Illustrating the benefits of a commercial listing’s position gets prospects thinking about the positive impact the property will have on their success. Here are some examples of phrases relating to the position of a commercial property:

• benefit from this high foot traffic location
• double frontage provides excellent exposure
• commercial premises in a rapidly expanding location
• a high-demand location
• exposure opportunity to attract instant attention
• this location offers a tenant excellent passing foot traffic
• set amongst corporate offices and retail outlets, this property offers great networking potential to the occupant
• the road frontage provides optimal exposure to highway and interstate traffic
• the property benefits from consistent foot traffic
• great signage opportunity with valuable exposure
• offering prominent exposure to passing traffic
• situated within a highly regarded industrial precinct
• prestigious business address to put on your cards
• offering quick and easy access to the national transport system and millions of potential customers
• located in an established development surrounded by leading regional businesses
• the nearby amenities will meet your everyday business, staff and customer needs

PROPERTY
Every commercial property has specific features with benefits that can be woven into your property listing. The aim is to paint a picture of what prospects can achieve when they are in the premises. Here are some examples:

• this property welcomes many different usages with the zoning allowing for business or residential.
• additional storage areas provide further flexibility to this quality offering
• fully refurbished and ready for tenant fit-out
• generous reserved and visitor parking bays for your staff and customers
• retail and restaurant facilities on site provide for the needs of staff and clients
• the building offers tenants a flexible and modern working environment
• the building can accommodate an open layout or a segmented plan
• abundant parking for staff and visitors alike
• multiple driveways provide easy access for trucks and heavy machinery
• plenty of truck turning area for either parking or storage
• offering well-lit, secured facilities for peace-of-mind
• natural light, air-conditioning & fast internet connection ensure a comfortable work environment
• this location caters exceptionally well to clients and staff
• dual entry and exit points offering great access
• the space is efficiently fitted to an open plan work style
• a quality office in a highly sought-after development
• commercial property that ticks all the boxes

Here are a couple of general phrase examples referring to opportunities, ownership & gain:

• create your land bank for future development
• a prized gem in your investment portfolio
• a high-return option to add to your investment portfolio
• opportunity to acquire a proven income-generator in an established area

For your online listing, a bulleted list will allow prospects to easily scan multiple points and is a great way to highlight the key elements of your commercial property. Be precise with the details, don’t forget your call to action and include a high-quality photo.

How to create an emotional connection with buyers through storytellingOverwhelming research suggests that purchasing decisions are made with both logic and emotions in play. Therefore, your representation of a listing should not only consist of its key features and attributes, but the emotional triggers that will influence a buyer’s connection to a property.
The property needs to ‘feel right’ before a buyer will use logic to justify their decision to commit. The more proficient you are at establishing an emotional connection between the prospective buyer and the property, the more likely it will be that you will close the sale.
So, what sort of marketing messages will create experiences that speak to your buyers on an emotional level?
The age-old practice of storytelling is a powerful method when marketing listings. When home buyers are considering a purchase, they’re buying into a lifestyle. Living in a coastal location may mean early surfs, afternoon walks along the beach, and a stroll to the village café on the weekend.
A city location may mean a short commute to work using an easy transport network, a large choice of dining and entertainment options within easy reach, a low maintenance apartment that offers safety and security, and opportunities to immerse yourself in a socially diverse environment.
Here are some examples of phrases aimed at putting a prospective buyer in the picture to create an emotional connection:

• Plunge into the surf, just a few sandy steps from your front door
• Relax to the sound of waves lapping against the shore
• Breathe in the salt air and enjoy the sea breeze
• Swim, fish, boat, sail, bush walk, bird-watch or just kick back and relax
• Leave behind the battle of commuter traffic and embrace city living
• Minutes from the vibrant restaurant precinct of
• Set amid the non-stop action of city life
• This low-maintenance apartment allows you to indulge your weekends in the city instead of the garden
• This delightful home is in the perfect spot for exploring the heart and soul of the city
• An easy stroll to the hip latte strip for your morning coffee fix
• Moments from the chic cafe/restaurant culture of
• In a family-friendly community, conveniently close to buses, shops and premier schools
• The neighbouring park provides a large open recreational space for friends and family

Knowing all about your suburb and its surrounding area will make it easier to incorporate more specific lifestyle messages into your copy.
Ways to get to know your area could include:

• Staying up to date with new developments by accessing information from your local council
• Talking to the locals, especially local business owners
• Locating the local schools, leisure facilities, healthcare facilities, shopping centres, public transport stops, cafes and restaurants and discovering more about them
• Learning about the history of the suburb and surrounding area. Discover the stories of the area’s historic buildings, memorials, shipwrecks, historical events, family histories and street and place names. Are there stories about its past that you can link to the present?

Before you write your ad, spend some time interviewing your vendor so that you have as much information about the property and the area as possible. Have a list of questions ready to take with you when you’re listing the property.
These questions may include:

• What made you decide to buy the property?
• Why are you selling?
• What do you love about living here?
• Do you know anything about the history of the home?
• Do you have a favourite local café, restaurant or park?
• Where do you shop?
• What do think the main selling points of the property are?
• Have you improved the property? If so, what, when and why?
• Did you have any future plans for the property? Have they been approved?
• Do you know if there are any future developments in the pipeline for the area?

Use the information your vendor provides about the dwelling to paint a picture for potential buyers. You want them to picture themselves living in the home and imagine what their day-to-day lives will be like when they move in.
Examples include:

• Comfortable living spaces to enjoy or entertain in
• The kitchen’s island can function as a casual eat-in spot
• Catch the sun and the breeze from the spacious balcony
• The garden will make your green thumb itch
• It will be a pleasure to whip something up in the well-equipped kitchen
• Take undisturbed time out in the privacy of your own reading-nook
• Enjoy the expansive view and breathe in the fresh country air
• There’s ample space to park the boat, trailer or RV
• A backyard big enough for a game of cricket
• Take in the breathtaking sunsets from the comfort of a deck
• An impressive BBQ area for summer entertaining
• Enjoy a contemplative soak in the generous bath
• Chill out in the comfort of a cool, shady cabana between dips in the pool
• A garden large enough for your pets to roam
• Unwind in front of the toasty open fireplace
• A place for informal interaction with family and friends
• Cosy areas for intimate dinners and larger spaces for parties
• Twin basins prevent the kids squabbling over space and maintains morning harmony
• What better way to enjoy a backyard than from the comfort of a cool, shady gazebo
• An alfresco area to linger over a meal in the night air or warm sunshine

I you're a homeowner, you already know that keeping your property in tiptop shape requires dedication and patience for ongoing maintenance. But what if you've put your home on the market, or even accepted an offer? Perhaps you're thinking: Not my problem anymore.
Sorry, folks, we've got news for you: Just because you’re selling doesn't mean you're off the hook from routine maintenance tasks—and that's especially true if you’ve already vacated the house.
Sure, a well-cared-for house shows better: Small things like broken doorbells and leaky faucets make buyers wonder if your property also has bigger issues elsewhere. But more important, a little routine maintenance can help you avoid a catastrophic problem down the line (e.g., burst pipes, roof leaks, critters moving into your attic) that could devalue your property and derail that sale

To prevent minor issues from escalating into full-blown, money-sucking, sale-killing problems, focus on these six important areas you can’t afford to neglect.

1. Keep up the yard and walkways
Whether you're still living at the home or not, you'll want to make sure to keep your landscaping tidy—remove dead tree limbs, rake leaves, and clean out flowerbeds.

If your home is already vacant, have someone tend to the yard regularly so that grass and weeds don’t detract from your home’s appearance, suggests Kyle Hiscock, a Realtor® with Re/Max Reality Group in Rochester, NY.

“If your home does not have a well-maintained exterior, (potential buyers) will keep driving,” he cautions. “Plus, this kind of neglect can be a bull's-eye for vandals to break into your property.”

Consider having lights on timers so the house doesn’t look dark all the time, and arrange for driveways and walkways to be plowed weekly in the winter months. And don't let mail pile up in the mailbox.

2. Clean the gutters and check the roof
This one's easy to forget about, even when you don't plan on going anywhere. But when it comes to gutter and roof issues, neglect can cause a dangerous domino effect.

Overflowing gutters can damage your foundation, and also lead to drainage issues. And, of course, you don’t want buyers seeing puddling water as they approach your house.

Just ask Alise Roberts, owner/broker at Alise Roberts & Company in Bellevue, WA. In the rainy Pacific Northwest climate, she frequently has to remind her clients to keep sidewalks clear of moss and clean gutters of pine needles and leaves.

"Buyers, seeing the house when it’s raining, will also see your gutters overflowing," she says. "That’s a terrible first impression.”

And then there's the roof. Of course, it'll be examined during the home inspection, but it would behoove you to do it before putting your home on the market. Small roof cracks can remain undetected for years, causing water to slowly infiltrate your home and damage ceilings and walls.

“If water starts to penetrate a property, it can be a very difficult sale," Hiscock notes. "Water in basements or in homes is one of the top three things buyers are scared of.”

3. Service your heating systems
It’s not sexy, but the hidden guts of your home need regular attention, whether you’re still living there or not. That means having your HVAC systems professionally serviced.

First up, your furnace: If you get it addressed before you list your home, it won't smell like dust when you crank up the heat during an open house on a chilly day. While you're at it, have the duct work and filters cleaned as well. And if you have baseboard heaters, vacuum those out, too.

(Speaking of heat, Roberts suggests keeping the thermostat at 66 degrees Fahrenheit when agents are showing your house so buyers can visit your place comfortably. This will also avoid any issues with pipes freezing or bursting.)

Have a chimney? Be sure to have it inspected and cleaned as well.

“You want to make sure there are no cracked flue tiles, and that from the exterior, there are no gaps in the mortar between the bricks,” Hiscock explains. “Otherwise, you could potentially have the chimney fall over onto the house, and that’s a very expensive fix.”

4. Keep the critters out
If you don’t want to add "family of raccoons included" to your listing (and pay the hefty tab for getting them out), inspect the inside and outside of your home for any areas that need to plugged up. Take care of holes from damaged siding or fascia under the roofline—and do it promptly.

“In a colder climate, squirrels look for somewhere warm to go, and they’ll find their way into your property,” Hiscock says.

Stove and dryer vents, for example, should be covered with wire mesh to deter pests.

5. Wash your windows
Most people associate sparkling windows with spring-cleaning, Roberts says. But if your house is on the market, it doesn't matter what time of year it is—you need to get those babies squeaky clean.

“If buyers walk through your home and all they see is dirty windows, that’ll really mar the showing process," she says.

Make sure to wipe them down after a bad storm, when they're especially likely to show muck and grime buildup.

6. Check the calendar
Depending on what time of year you bring your house to market, pay attention to any details that scream, "We don’t live here or care anymore," Roberts says.

That means tackling seasonal tasks such as clearing away lawn mowers in the fall and storing shovels in the spring.

“Too often, I see a seller’s patio furniture still outside during the winter time. To me, that's not a good reflection on the property,” Hiscock says. “It shows deferred maintenance and lack of caring, and can really turn off a potential buyer.

"If a seller can’t put away their patio furniture and lawn mower, what makes you believe that they've actually maintained the property all the years they've been there?” he adds.

Staying on top of these regular tasks will make it easier to sell your home with fewer headaches. Plus, it'll preserve the value of your property, and potentially, the thickness of your wallet, too.