Some listing agents apparently just want to sell family homes

One of my pet peeves is when an agent specifically refers to their listing as a family home, or a home perfect for raising children, in the MLS description.

What if buyers don't have kids (or grandkids)? Wouldn't that description turn them off from some homes and neighborhoods?

It is appropriate to use the space in the Remarks to describe the property you're marketing, not the kind of buyers you want to attract. If you even put in the word "family," except when referring to a "family room," you are sending the message that your listing would not appeal to, or the neighborhood might not welcome, the following types of buyers:

- Single people

- Couples who don't have children

- Seniors or retirees

- Childless gays or lesbians

- Roommates buying a home to share

- Students or interns

That is a pretty large section of your market that you might be running off, to the disadvantage of your seller.

Let's be more sensitive—and inclusive!

This home for sale is perfect for qualified buyers