The Ultimate Checklist for Property Listings: What Buyers Want to See

Every serious buyer has a list in mind.
Your job is to match that list—or get as close as possible.

If you're listing a property, here’s what buyers want to see before they even think about booking a viewing.

1. Clear, High-Quality Photos

Photos create the first impression. Bad lighting, blurry images, or poor angles can ruin a good property.

What to include:

• Exterior (front and back)
• Living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms
• Balcony, garden, parking space
• Views (if available)

Tips:

• Take photos during the day with natural light
• Use a decent phone or camera
• Show the room as it is—clean, tidy, and without filters

Buyers scroll quickly. If your photos don’t stop them, they move on.

2. Accurate Location

Buyers want to know where the property is—not just the county, but the actual area.

Avoid vague descriptions like “Located near major amenities.”

Instead, show this:

• Estate name or building name
• Street or road (if safe to share)
• Google Maps pin or GPS coordinates
• Proximity to key landmarks (e.g., “500m from Quickmart Ruaka”)

If someone has to guess the location, they probably won’t bother.

3. Price—and What It Includes

Be upfront with the price. Avoid phrases like “Price on request.”

List:

• Asking price
• Whether it’s negotiable or fixed
• What the price includes (e.g., fixtures, fitted kitchen, wardrobes)
• Payment plans or mortgage options (if any)

People want to know what they’re getting and whether it fits their budget.

4. Key Features and Amenities

Don’t just say “3-bedroom apartment.” That doesn’t say much.

Buyers want to know:

• Number of bathrooms
• Ensuite bedrooms?
• Size in square meters?
• Open plan kitchen or closed?
• Floor level?
• Parking availability?
• Water situation (borehole, council, tank?)
• Security (CCTV, guards, perimeter wall?)
• Power backup (generator, solar?)

Answer the real questions before they ask.

5. Year Built or Renovated

A lot of buyers ask, “How old is the house?”

That’s because older homes may need repairs or upgrades.

So mention:

• Year built
• Any major renovations (when and what was done)
• Whether finishes are modern or standard

A home built in 2012 with a new kitchen and roof in 2021 feels very different from one untouched since 2012.

6. Property Size and Land Details

Give accurate dimensions.

Include:

• Size of the house in square feet or square meters
• Plot size in acres or square meters
• Whether it’s freehold or leasehold
• Availability of the title deed or share certificate

Buyers are careful with land documents in Kenya. If the title isn’t ready, many walk away.

7. Floor Plan or Layout Description

Even a basic sketch helps. People want to visualize how the rooms connect.

If you don’t have a plan, describe it clearly.

Example: “Open plan living and dining, kitchen on the left, guest bedroom downstairs with a common toilet, master and two bedrooms upstairs, all ensuite.”

8. Service Charge and Monthly Costs

If the unit is part of an apartment or gated estate, buyers want to know the running costs.

List:

• Monthly service charge
• What it covers (e.g. garbage, cleaning, security)
• Water and electricity bills (estimate based on past usage)

Hidden costs can kill a deal later. Be transparent now.

9. Ownership and Legal Status

Avoid vague statements like “Clean documents available.”

Clarify:

• Who owns the property?
• Is it a company, individual, or group?
• Are there any charges or disputes?
• Is the title ready for transfer?

Buyers want assurance before committing. Delayed paperwork causes delays or cancellations.

10. Viewing Information

Buyers want to know how they can view the property.

Mention:

• Whether the house is occupied or vacant
• How much notice is needed
• Viewing days and hours
• Who to contact (agent or owner)

Avoid “Call for more info” without giving a name or number. People are busy. Make it easy.

Optional But Useful Additions

• Drone shots (if it’s a large plot or scenic location)
• Video walkthroughs (especially for out-of-town buyers)
• Nearby facilities like schools, hospitals, shopping centers
• Reason for sale (if you're the owner and comfortable sharing)

What Makes a Buyer Choose Your Listing?

• Is it complete?
• Is it honest?
• Is it easy to understand?

That’s what matters.

A good listing isn’t just about what’s written. It’s about answering real questions, saving time, and building trust from the first click.

Would you inquire about your own listing if you saw it online?

What would make you scroll past it?

What would make you click?

The answers to those questions tell you where to start.