How to Add Notes to a Property (Internal vs Buyer-Visible)
TL;DR
Add internal notes to keep private agent insights, and buyer-visible notes to give clients clear context on a property. Using the right note type reduces back-and-forth, prevents oversharing, and keeps your deal narrative clean.When to use this
- You want to document your own analysis (pricing thoughts, red flags, negotiation angles).
- You want to guide the buyer’s thinking without exposing internal strategy.
- You’re managing multiple similar listings and need memory + context, not guesswork.
Step-by-step instructions
Option 1: Internal Notes (Best for agent-only context)
Use these for anything you do not want the buyer to see.
- Open the portfolio.
- Open the property you want to add a note to.
- Locate the Private notes section on the property details page.
- Add your note (e.g., pricing opinion, legal risk, seller behavior).
- Save.
Option 2: Buyer-Visible Notes (Best for guiding client decisions)
Use these to add clarity and framing for the buyer.
- Open the portfolio and select the property.
- Go to the Property description section.
- Add a headline in the description section, e.g., Expert Note.
- Write clear, neutral, value-adding context (e.g., “Strong layout, but north-facing living room”).
- Save.
What to put in each note type
Internal notes - put this here
- Negotiation strategy
- Legal or documentation concerns
- Price anchoring thoughts
- Seller motivation or reliability
- Comparisons to rejected properties
If reading this note would weaken your leverage → it’s internal.
Buyer-visible notes - put this here
- Why this property fits (or partially fits) their criteria
- Trade-offs explained in plain language
- Things they might miss on first glance
- Viewing guidance (“Worth seeing in person for light and layout”)
If it helps the buyer decide faster → it’s buyer-visible.
Common issues & tips
- Oversharing risk:
We recommend not pasting internal thoughts into buyer notes “just to be transparent.” Transparency does not mean sharing raw analysis.
- Tone mismatch:
Buyer notes should be calm and neutral. Internal notes can be more direct.
- Duplication:
Avoid repeating the same note in both places. Decide once where it belongs.
- Accuracy check:
Ensure buyer-visible notes are fact-checked and defensible. Assume they may be reread later.
- System habit:
Write the internal note first, then decide what (if anything) should be translated into buyer language.
Related articles
- How to Organize Properties Around a Specific Buyer
- How to Share a Portfolio with Your Client
- Portfolio Management Best Practices
Updated on: 02/04/2026
Thank you!