Why do estate agents write like that?
We're in the process of moving, which is deeply painful and traumatic. And it's made more so by the horrible and inexplicable abuses that estate agents inflict on the English language.Yes, I know I'm not the first person to make that observation. But allow me, anyway, by way of therapy, to share you with the Top 6 Things I Hate About the Way Estate Agents Write:
"Benefits from"
A house or flat doesn't benefit from having gas central heating or double glazing, the inhabitants do.
"Boasting"
As in "2-bed flat boasting a large open plan kitchen-diner". No!
"Comprising"
Completely unnecessary. Nothing is lost by shortening "A Victorian mid-terrace with accommodation comprising 2 large receptions . . . " to "Victorian mid-terrace with 2 large receptions . . ." or even " Victorian mid-terrace, 2 large receptions . . ."
"Having "
As in "a three bed town house having a south facing garden". Why "having"? What's wrong with "with"?
"Located/situated"
Always redundant. "A period 4 bed semi family home situated in the heart of Redland."
"To"
Bizarre. Where do estate agents learn to write "to the first floor there is a large master bedroom . . ."? I've literally never heard anyone else use "to" like this. Oi, estate agents, it's "on the first floor . . ."
Anyway, thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I feel a bit better now. Now, off to find a desirable new residence in a sought after location boasting many period features, while I still have the strength.
posted by Lindsay @ 4:33 pm
9 Comments:
And what's with 'elevation', as in, 'to the side elevation', 'to the rear elevation' etc.
I think it means - side of the house, back of the house.
Comes from the Dame School approach to teaching estate agents I think. Someone from Dickens' time wrote the first spec and they've all been copying off it ever since.
Good comment, Catherine - "elevation" is well up there with "boasting" and "comprises".
Just wondering how you came across the blog? As you may have noticed, it's rather a well kept secret - and you're the first person to post a comment.
Heard you on R4 and Googled you! See http://goodgreenpr.blogspot.com/2007/05/persuasive-writing.html
hi Lindsay,
hope you are well.
Your estate agent comment was of particular interest having completed a rebrand for Spicer McColl who are a low to middle market Essex based agent (pre-300m).
“Agent talk” was the cornerstone of the work, be interested to get your take on it – unfortuately their site has not been updated but next time your in Essex or East London you’ll probably see a sign.
Take care.
nick
Thanks for this this was helpful in figuring a few things out you've helped me a ton Lindsay! Great post & ver generous of you to share!
Cheers,
Nancy
dating community software http://loveepicentre.com sampel dating personal
write ebook question copyright http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/Penrose-Tiles-to-Trapdoor-Ciphers-And-the-Return-of-Dr-Matrix/p108176/ the enchanted forest chronicles ebook download [url=http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/es/Foundations-of-Augmented-Cognition-3-conf-FAC-2007/p135496/]badania operacyjne ebook[/url] cold reading ebook free
Keep your adverts as low as possible. You may not would like to overrun your readership with advertising. This may help make your viewers end returning to your web site. When you are going to need some ads to help make some income, it is vital that you may not around practice it. [url=http://justquotes.com.au/suntrap/new/PrinterFriendly-TBA.html]Nike Shox Australia[/url]
Now that you've experienced the freedom of seeing and hearing the following tips, you should be excited that you're going to begin taking better care of your the teeth. Make sure you take advantage of the suggestions you've go through, and work towards an improved tooth proper care regimen later on. Certainly you are now willing to accomplish that.Excellent Manual Concerning How To Continue to be Quite [url=http://iplumb.com.au/common/client.asp]Supra Shoes Australia[/url]
Have a positive mindset. Should you don't would like to or believe you can't keep in mind anything, you probably won't. Continuously thinking of how awful your memory is can actually have the circumstance worse. Instead, concentrate on the very good aspects of memory and studying, and you'll quickly see a noticable difference with your expertise. [url=http://iplumb.com.au/script/doenload.asp]Vibram Five Fingers Melbourne[/url]
Will not purchase a car just as it is a good price. You have to deal with this vehicle once you carry it house, so it must be something that you really love and which works for you and your family. In addition, you need to make sure you are able to actually manage it. [url=http://altag.it/Statistiche/defines.htm]Air Jordan[/url]
Check out collision test scores for virtually any new auto you plan on purchasing. This can possess a large influence on your insurance rates. The Insurance Plan Institution for Highway Basic safety problems an inventory every year with about 60 of their best picks for that safest autos in each class. These cars will cost you much less in car insurance. When you have a bad memory space, and you eventually keep in mind something you must do in the future, get it done now as an alternative. You lessen the danger of failing to remember to make it happen when it is essential. As an illustration, let's say there is a Digital video disc thanks straight back to the film lease shop the future. Bring it back these days so you may not overlook. [url=http://www.topmania.fr/wp-content/themes/topmania/activate.php]Jeremy Scott Adidas[/url]
fetish fishing online dating http://loveepicentre.com/advice/ dating male pharmacist
frog dating definition [url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice/]dating in woodstock[/url] antopia dating herpes hsv single
wklb dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/faq/]lee and crystal dating[/url] united states dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/carebear2010/]carebear2010[/url] latin women dating blackmen
Post a Comment
<< Home