Scrolling through real estate listings can feel a lot like online dating: everything seems nice, but the over-the-top profiles make you wonder what’s fact and what’s fiction. Need some help translating realtor talk? Don’t worry! Here’s how to decode some of the most popular real estate listing euphemisms.
![They Say: “Bold Designer Colours” white and lavender bathroom with glass shower](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HGTV-Pink-bathroom-AFTER-save-my-reno-s2-tiled-bathtub.jpg)
They Say: “Bold Designer Colours”
What you’re thinking: a fresh, move-in ready paint job in the latest colour palette sounds like a serious win.
Related: 10 Interior Paint Colours You’ll Be Using to Update Your Home in 2019
![Translation: “Get Ready to Reno” Dated, green paint job chipping](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-643531060.jpg)
Translation: “Get Ready to Reno”
Real talk: space is limited in real estate listings, so if it’s calling out a paint job… there’s probably a reason.
Related: 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Interior Paint Colours for Your Home
![They Say: “Lovingly Maintained” white living room with fireplace](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HGTV-Lovingly-maintained-Fixer-Upper-Farmhouse.jpg)
They Say: “Lovingly Maintained”
What you’re thinking: it’s probably in beautiful condition, with thoughtful updates thanks to home-proud original owners.
![Translation: “It’s Trapped in the Past” 1970s-era living room with floral couch and wood-panel walls](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1970s-room-lovingly-maintained.jpg)
Translation: “It’s Trapped in the Past”
Real talk: if you’re looking for a time warp that doesn’t require a time machine, you’re all set – because these owners haven’t changed a thing in half a century. Authentic original shag carpeting, anyone?
![They Say: “Great Indoor/Outdoor Flow” patio with black wicker couches and television](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HGTV-5-BryanB-Outdoor-Kitchen.jpg)
They Say: “Great Indoor/Outdoor Flow”
What you’re thinking: it makes sense to optimize outdoor living space, so a thoughtful indoor/outdoor layout can be a huge plus.
Related: These 10 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas Get Bryan Baeumler’s Stamp of Approval
![Translation: “It’s So Cramped, You’ll Have to Live Outside” couch and living room furniture in forest](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-77188385-outdoor-living-room.jpg)
Translation: “It’s So Cramped, You’ll Have to Live Outside”
Real talk: beware of excessive callouts to outdoor spaces – they might be a sign that someone is overcompensating for what’s under the roof.
Related: Creative Decor Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Styling
![They Say: “It Has Great Bones” white room with skylights and grey couch](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unsplash-Outside-good-bones-living-room.jpg)
They Say: “It Has Great Bones”
What you’re thinking: it’s sturdy, stable and will last forever.
![Translation: “It Has Walls” destroyed interior of house](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-170052271-great-bones.jpg)
Translation: “It Has Walls”
Real talk: unless you’ve got a craving for some major renos, buyer beware of clever language disguising fixer-uppers that are beyond saving. Good bones usually mean that the house lacks the meat to really impress you.
Related: Scott McGillivray’s 10 Eco-Friendly Home Renovations That Can Save You Money
![They Say: “So Shabby Chic” beige room with wood cabinets and branch light fixture](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unsplash-Daniil-Silantev-Shabby-chic.jpg)
They Say: “So Shabby Chic”
What you’re thinking: boho style can be beautiful and have some serious charm.
Related: See What Happens When a Boho Chick Meets Property Brothers Chic
![Translation: “So Shabby” shabby room with floral wallpaper and debris](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-904290450-Shabby.jpg)
Translation: “So Shabby”
Real talk: unfortunately, most of these listings are much more shabby than they are chic.
![They Say: “Enjoy the Eclectic Vibes” eclectic kitchen with red walls and chairs](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HGTV-eclectic-kitchen.jpg)
They Say: “Enjoy the Eclectic Vibes”
What you’re thinking: there’s nothing wrong with a touch of quirk or a pop of bold colour.
![Translation: “Totally Bizarre” dog in bedroom overgrown with weeds](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-eclectic-garden-bedroom-82859196.jpg)
Translation: “Totally Bizarre”
Real talk: there’s definitely a point where whimsy meets weird.
![They Say: “Cozy and Quaint” Small living room with white couch and lots of green plants](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-living-room-lauren-kolyn-parkdale.jpg)
They Say: “Cozy and Quaint”
What you’re thinking: smart small-space living is trendy and cool.
Related: 15 Insanely Stylish Small Home Office Ideas to Copy
![Translation: “Cramped and Claustrophobic” dark kitchen overrun with pots and pans](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-638574462-cozy-clutter.jpg)
Translation: “Cramped and Claustrophobic”
Real talk: there’s a difference between tiny and just plain terrible. When real estate listings focus too much on the coziness of a home, it could be a red flag for a confining floor plan and cluttered feel.
![They Say: “Rustic Charm” rustic wood kitchen with barn door and centre island](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HGTV-Basement-Renos-Rustic-charm.jpg)
They Say: “Rustic Charm”
What you’re thinking: rustic charm means cozy, comfy and full of charisma. Country-chic details? Check. Tons of natural wood? Check. Barn doors? Probably.
Related: This Modern Rustic Home is an Outdoor Lover’s Dream
![Translation: “Dirty” dirty blue room with two wooden chairs and window](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-671238065-rustic.jpg)
Translation: “Dirty”
Real talk: it’s a slippery slope from rustic and cozy to rundown and in ruins – and some listings seem to be confused about the difference.
![They Say: “Ready to Finish” empty white room with tile floor](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unsplash-Steven-Ungermann-empty-room.jpg)
They Say: “Ready to Finish”
What you’re thinking: hello, blank canvas. There’s a certain appeal to a clean slate that’s ready for you to apply your signature style.
Related: 11 Beautiful Ways To Use White in Your Next Redesign, According to Jillian Harris
![Translation: “It’s Completely Unfinished” unfinished basement with exposed pipes](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HGTV-unfinished-6-save-my-reno-season-2-basement-before.jpg)
Translation: “It’s Completely Unfinished”
Real talk: no walls, plumbing or electricity. If you’re looking for a move-in-ready space, this isn’t for you.
Related: This is How to Turn an Unfinished Basement Into a Beautiful Family Space
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