Potential home buyers, sadly, are not frequent visitors to this section. 

As most agents have less than adequate writing skills, I'd prefer to see short, factual descriptions.

Some of the descriptive terms we see are pretty funny, though. 

people don't like to read....they like to look at photos...crisp, clean photos....and that's enough to draw them in to call you to see it..... 

I believe every buyer is different with this.  One thing for certain, as Barbara Todaro says ... the eyes buy.  Too much "fluff" in the description or over used terms like "won't last" are a turn off, for me. 

The more concise, the better. Keep it simple (stick to the basics: # BR, # BA, garage, backyard, kitchen, locale, any unique descriptions worth noting etc.)  

In addition to the large, good quality (ideally HD) photos, in-person, first-hand observations and experiences can also speak volumes without extensive textual descriptions.

- Tim

   Complete descriptions, without a lot of unnecessary adjectives.  That might be a few words for a 1000 SF rental townhouse, it may be lots of words for a high-end property on lakefront or a golf course.

    How many words can I write in the MLS?  Tallahassee MLS allows 4000 characters for the Public Description.  For Realtor eyes only, we get 4000 characters for Confidential Remarks plus a 4000 character Addendum.  

I would want pertinent info that isn't obvious in the photos.

I think most have a short attention span.. Skip the fluff..
What is important..
Pet peeve; " HURRY THIS ONE WONT LAST"

Less is more. I have all my clients on auto email of new listings that fit their criteria having a description under the photo's is a big help, that way they know exactly what they are looking at. 

Sally,

Photos sell and we suggest to our clients that they keep the description to 150words or less.  A

Sally Lawrence - sometimes pictures do not say the 'true' story. Reading description is just supplemental.

I believe buyers want all the information they can get. Give them all you can.

Complete descriptions are always best.

After viewing the photos, if they interest me, I'd appreciate a long description.

Unless the narrative is well written and spell binding, most people are not going to take the time to read much of anything.  We have become a nation of photos and videos, which to me is very sad, but I digress...

If I were the buyer, I'd like to see descriptions WITH each photo - what the heck am I looking at? I'd also like a decent description of the house and property - what is special about it? I don't need to read that there are three bedrooms and two baths, I can see that in the details. I do not want to see capital letters through the entire description. 

For me, fewer descriptive words work better and hold my interest, while any lengthy description just gets skimmed over - good quality photos are huge though Sally Lawrence.  The facts are weeded out quickly and a too flowery description with many adjectives does not appeal to me, and at times can sound old-fashioned.  

Who reads the descriptions?

The photos make the listing - people like to 'see' what they may be buying - partnered with a few, short descriptions.

The more details the better for features and the like, but it doesn't have to be lengthy.  I see some things that don't need to be there.

I do both... lots of photos and lots of descriptions. They don't need to read, but some people like to read.

Write about the features you cannot see in the photos, but think keeping them short is important.

My clients want pictures not narratives

I like to write remarks that walk you through the home showing-off the finer points of each room. Mention what has been upgraded.  Then cover what is great about that location. 

The visuals are more important. But as a buyer I would want to know if the roof, AC, water heater, appliances were recently replaced, or the approximate age if they are newer. Maybe some detail about the surrounding areas, i.e. great schools, shopping and dining nearby? Just a thought.

Always shorter.  don't have time for novals.

Photos are more importand than descriptions.  People like to visualize. 

Photos are great, I like to do reasonable descriptions that cover all the key points.  I'll go into more detail on my website, sometimes doing very long posts.

Brief and accurate, without too much puffing.

Facts...succinct, without fluff, hype or deceit.  And pictures that reflect the truth and not the "best angle!"

I think most buyers want so see pictures and not read descriptions.

Sally Lawrence Just stick to the facts. Leave the fluff for marketing.

I max out my word count.  In my MLS we have two descriptive fields, one agents see and one buyers see.  In the agent remarks, its facts that aren't accounted for in the data or pics.  In the public remarks, it's more fluffy.  Sure many people don't read, but some do and I'm going to maximize what I can say about the home using all of the fields available.  

Personally, I prefer facts about the property. However, as an agent, I think there are keywords that can be used for more exposure.

Short inviting descriptions for many reasons.

Simplest is best. Details can be in an attachment.

You have provided invalid options.

What I mean is the choice is PICTURES or Long Description.

The reality is, the description can not be too long only too boring.

My advise, don't repeat in the description what the buyer already knows.

Good descriptors takes work and skill. That is why they tend to be repetitive and saturated with real estate cliches.

Most perspective buyers look at the photos FIRST.. a concise description of information that cannot be deemed from the photos would be important.. i.e. age of roof, age of furnace, AC, windows, etc.  Those are major items.

Barbara Todaro nailed this one!

If I was a homebuyer, I want quality photos and short, factual comments -- don't sell me; I'll imagine myself living there (or not) if I visit.  ;0

facts tell stories sell...dont tell me about the home explain to me why it is the house for me...most important thing is the photos

The highlites need to be clear rather then long or short

Depends .

Reader's Digest style accurate descriptions.

I don't need to see more than 50 pictures if they're good and the longest description I've ever read was easily consumed. I always want a view from the curb to the front door and a picture from the home looking out to the rear yard. Then at least two angles of each room shot from waist level and close ups of any amenities which seem worthwhile to capture. Drone photos or aerial shots are nice but not necessary for me as a Buyer.

Simple direct to the point info and data will get the process started...