Most say that real estate agents aren't known for being straight shooters, and that they often go to great lengths to wax lyrical about a property despite its glaringly obvious faults.   
But sometimes no amount of home staging, professional photography or creative copy can cover up the fact that a home is going to need a lot of work.
So the best way to market it? Call it exactly like it is, which is what Adelaide agent Peter Emes did when tasked with the job of selling this "tired character home" in Kensington.  
A quick glance over the single listing picture of the Bridge Street address, in which the house is adorned with tinsel and has an old couch on the verandah, shows only a glimpse of the derelict state of the old home.
The listing, albeit concise and light on photos, doesn't beat around the bush either.
"This home is dreadfully cluttered and difficult to inspect, but the basic structure seems sound". At least it isn't going to fall down on you.
It continues: "Of course it badly needs total renovation but the structure, location and land size make it a very rare valuable and desirable asset."
Sure, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is only an 11 minute drive to the city, but there is no denying that the property has seen better days.
And for those thinking the bulldozer could provide a quick fix, the property is zoned for historic conservation and can not be demolished. 
So does being brutally honest work? Apparently for this agent it does, with the property under offer.