Let’s be real—reading an MLS listing can feel a little like online dating. Everything looks polished, the photos are perfectly staged, and the description is dripping with flattering adjectives. But just like a dating profile that says, “loves adventure” when they actually mean “owns a tent but hasn’t used it since 2013,” you’ve got to know how to read between the lines when you’re shopping for a home in Okotoks. Lucky for you, I’ve seen more listings than I’ve had cups of coffee (and that’s saying a lot), so I’m here to break down the code.
“Cozy” – Translation: It’s small. And not “cute small” like a trendy tiny home with Pinterest vibes. We’re talking about a living room that might also function as your dining room, office, and gym—if you’re really good at Tetris. If the listing says “cozy,” make sure you’re not also reading “claustrophobic.”
“Charming fixer-upper” – This one is classic. It sounds adorable, but what it really means is “bring your tool belt, a contractor, and maybe a second mortgage for renovations.” Don’t get me wrong, if you’ve got vision and you’re handy, you might score a gem. But if your idea of DIY is screwing in a light bulb, you might want to tread carefully.
“Needs TLC” – Ah yes, the polite way of saying “the last person who lived here didn’t believe in maintenance.” This can mean anything from “the paint is outdated” to “the furnace died, the roof leaks, and the bathroom is auditioning for a horror movie.” TLC can be cute when it’s a love song, but not always when it’s a house.
“Open concept” – Sometimes this is legit, sometimes it’s code for “we knocked down every possible wall, and now the kitchen, dining, and living area are all one giant echo chamber.” Great if you like to entertain, but keep in mind you’ll also hear everything. Want to watch TV while someone’s blending a smoothie? Good luck.
“Unique layout” – If a listing says this, brace yourself. It could mean “creative and stylish,” but more often it means “who designed this, and why is the bathroom directly off the kitchen?” Unique can be fun, but it can also mean you’ll be explaining your floor plan to guests every time they come over.
“Great potential” – The house itself might be a disaster, but the location is good. Translation: You’re not buying the home, you’re buying the dirt it sits on. Potential is only as great as your budget and patience for renos.
“Partially finished basement” – In theory, this sounds like a bonus. But in practice? It might be a sad room with concrete floors and one random carpet square thrown in the corner. It’s not a family rec room yet—it’s more of a “future rec room, if you’re ready to invest.”
“Low-maintenance yard” – Could be a perfectly landscaped dream, or… it could mean there’s no yard at all, just gravel, or maybe a patch of grass the size of a welcome mat. Perfect for people who hate mowing the lawn, less perfect if you were picturing backyard BBQs.
“Steps from amenities” – Here’s the trick: “steps” is subjective. Sometimes it means you’re close enough to walk to the coffee shop. Other times it means “if you lace up your best marathon shoes and start walking now, you’ll eventually get there.” Check the map before you assume.
“Priced to sell” – Spoiler alert: everything is technically “priced to sell.” Otherwise, it wouldn’t be listed. Usually this phrase just means they’re undercutting the competition or the sellers are motivated. Good to know, but don’t let it fool you into thinking you’ve found the unicorn of deals.
“Bright and sunny” – Sounds dreamy, but remember, that also means you’ll be buying blackout blinds unless you want to live in a greenhouse. Bonus: it’s great in winter, but maybe less so when you’re sweating through July.
At the end of the day, MLS listings are marketing. Sellers want to highlight the best features, and sometimes that means spinning the less-than-perfect parts into something more appealing. That doesn’t mean they’re lying—it just means you need to know the language. And that’s where I come in. My job is to look past the glittery description, spot the red flags, and help you figure out whether that “cozy starter home” is your dream house or a future money pit.
So next time you’re scrolling through Okotoks listings, remember: every word tells a story. Some of them are love stories, some are horror stories, and some are a mix of both. With the right guide (hi, that’s me), you can translate the lingo, avoid surprises, and maybe even land your perfect match. Because at the end of the day, your dream home shouldn’t just look good on paper—it should feel right when you walk through the door.
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