SAN FRANCISCO – Feb. 28, 2013 – By statistically analyzing the words and phrases used to sell homes, Trulia says it can now unlock insights into national and local housing markets across America, and it analyzed phrases used in home listings for its first Real Estate Lab report.

To find out the relative value of an MLS descriptive phrase, Trulia says it analyzed millions of for-sale homes on Trulia through November 2012. For example, the average price of a home that includes the phrase “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” is $3 million. The single phrase that implied the top of top-end homes is “parlor floor,” which was found in homes worth almost $5 million.

Phrases in the most expensive listings

1. parlor floor – average listing price: $4,935,632
2. formal gardens – average listing price: $4,006,401
3. paneled library – average listing price: $3,740,836
4. magnificent estate – average listing price: $3,646,040
5. Lutron lighting – average listing price: $3,524,588
6. public rooms – average listing price: $3,451,456
7. once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – average listing price: $3,402,801
8. highest level – average listing price: $3,388,751
9. motor court – average listing price: $3,359,954
10. two powder rooms – average listing price: $3,346,560

On the flipside, certain phrases appeared in many lower-cost listings. Some seem obvious, such as a note about mold. But others, such as “cute little bungalow,” mean the home is inexpensive.

Phrases in the least expensive listings

1. minimum commission applies – average listing price: $27,569
2. lead based paint notices – average listing price: $39,939
3. mold-like substance – average listing price: $45,094
4. defective paint – average listing price: $45,974
5. city inspection – average listing price: $55,661
6. repair plumbing system – average listing price: $59,064
7. cute little bungalow – average listing price: $61,870
8. septic repairs – average listing price: $62,004
9. HUD owned offered as-is – average listing price: $64,547
10. starter home investment property – average listing price: $65,041

© 2013 Florida Realtors®