The 5 Real Estate Listing Mistakes Costing You Leads (And How to Fix Them)
When it comes to selling real estate, first impressions matter and your listing is often the first impression buyers get. But even seasoned agents make small missteps that cause big drops in engagement. If you’re not seeing the clicks, inquiries, or showings you expect, it may be time to audit your listings.
Here are 5 of the most common listing mistakes and how to fix them fast.
1. Poor Photography (or None at All)
The Mistake:
Dark, blurry, or poorly framed photos can instantly turn buyers away even if the home is stunning in person. Worse? Skipping professional photography altogether.
Why It Matters:
Listings with professional photos sell 32% faster and can receive up to 118% more online views than those without them¹.
How to Fix It:
Hire a local real estate photographer who understands angles and lighting.
Make sure the home is decluttered and staged before shooting.
Don’t forget exterior shots, drone footage, or twilight images to stand out.
2. Weak or Generic Listing Descriptions
The Mistake:
“Charming 3-bedroom in a great location” doesn’t exactly inspire action. Generic, keyword-stuffed descriptions turn off buyers and hurt your SEO.
Why It Matters:
Buyers spend an average of 8 seconds scanning a listing, and descriptions help tell the emotional story of the home².
How to Fix It:
Highlight unique features: “Floor-to-ceiling windows,” “Smart home upgrades,” or “Chef’s kitchen with quartz countertops.”
Write for humans, not just search engines.
Include keywords naturally to help with search visibility.
3. Missing or Incorrect Details
The Mistake:
Typos, outdated square footage, missing bedrooms, or incorrect school zones can hurt trust and lead buyers to scroll right past.
Why It Matters:
Incorrect data wastes everyone’s time and can result in legal issues if a buyer relies on it.
How to Fix It:
Double-check data with public records and the MLS.
Use a checklist to ensure all fields are filled out properly.
Have a second set of eyes review the listing before it goes live.
4. Lack of a Virtual Tour or Video Walkthrough
The Mistake:
In today’s market, especially with out-of-town buyers, static photos alone won’t cut it. If you’re not offering video, you’re losing leads.
Why It Matters:
Listings with virtual tours receive 87% more views and generate 49% more qualified leads³.
How to Fix It:
Use apps like Matterport or CloudPano to create immersive 3D tours.
A simple walkthrough shot with your phone can still be effective if professionally edited.
Embed your video on MLS listings and social media.
5. No Call-to-Action (CTA)
The Mistake:
You’ve done everything right—but forgot to tell people what to do next. “For more info, contact me” isn’t compelling enough.
Why It Matters:
Every listing is a landing page. If there's no clear action, you’re likely losing warm leads who don’t know the next step.
How to Fix It:
Add urgency: “Book your private showing before it’s gone.”
Offer a freebie: “Request a neighborhood market report.”
Link to your contact form, Instagram DMs, or Calendly for easy scheduling.
Sources:
Ready to Level Up Your Listings?
A few simple changes can turn a stale listing into a lead magnet. At Anchorelle Marketing, we help real estate agents create powerful branding, scroll-stopping listing visuals, and content that connects.
Want to make sure your listings are working for you, not against you?
Contact us for a free listing audit or explore our Real Estate Marketing Packages.