Household words that really sell

If you believe our vocabulary determines our reality, then take a look at these keywords that real estate website Zillow identified as game changers.

Listings that include "barn door," "shaker cabinets," or "subway tiles," sell faster and for up to 13% more than expected, according to Zillow, which analyzed listing descriptions from 2.8 million homes sold between January 2014 and March 2016.

"When it comes to real estate listing descriptions, words matter," said Svenja Gudell, Zillow chief economist. That finding applies especially to Craftsman-style amenities. "If you've got them, flaunt them," Gudell added.

The term "Barn door," describing a rustic sliding door often used on bedroom closets and kitchen pantries, created the biggest boost of the 60 keywords analyzed. Its effect was to increase sales price 13.4% above the expected "Zestimate" -- Zillow's home price estimate. The term also led to faster sales: 57 days faster than expected.

Zillow's wordsmiths also identified terms that fell flat. For example "new carpets" had no effect on the home's sale price, but listings mentioning "hardwood floors," sold for 2% more than expected.

Out of 60 keywords, here are those that moved the needle the most.

• 
  Barn door, 13.4%


• 
  Shaker cabinet, 9.6%


• 
  Farmhouse sink, 7.9%


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  Subway tile, 6.9%


• 
  Quartz, 6.0%


• 
  Craftsman, 5.4%


• 
  Exposed brick, 4.9%


• 
  Pendant light, 4.6%


• 
  Frameless shower, 4.6%


• 
  Heated floors, 4.3%


• 
  Stainless steel, 4.2%


• 
  Granite, 4.1%


• 
  Backsplash, 4.1%


• 
  Tankless water heater, 4.0%


• 
  Outdoor kitchen, 3.7%