LLM Fundamentals

What is a Prompt?

A prompt is the input text you give to AI to generate a response. It's your instruction, question, or request—the foundation of every AI interaction. The quality of your prompt directly determines the quality of AI output.

Understanding Prompts

When you type something into ChatGPT, Claude, or any AI assistant, you're writing a prompt. The prompt is your half of the conversation—it tells AI what you want, provides context, and shapes the response you'll receive.

The difference between getting generic, useless output and getting exactly what you need often comes down to how you write your prompt. This is why "prompt engineering" has become such an important skill—it's the art of communicating effectively with AI.

Types of Prompts

Questions

Ask AI for information or analysis.

"What are the key factors affecting home values in suburban Nashville?"

Instructions

Tell AI to create or transform content.

"Write a listing description for a 3-bedroom home with a pool in Franklin, TN."

Role Assignments

Give AI a persona or expertise level.

"You are a luxury real estate marketing expert. Review this listing description..."

Complex Multi-Part Requests

Combine multiple elements for comprehensive outputs.

"Create a listing description (250 words), 3 social media posts, and 1 email announcement for [property details]..."

Good vs. Bad Prompts

❌ Weak Prompt

"Write a listing description."

Problems:

  • • No property details
  • • No target audience
  • • No style guidance
  • • No length requirement

✓ Strong Prompt

"Write a 200-word MLS listing description for a 4BR/3BA home in Green Hills, Nashville. Key features: renovated kitchen, hardwood floors, fenced backyard. Target: families with children. Tone: warm and inviting, not salesy. Avoid: 'dream home,' 'won't last.'"

Includes:

  • • Specific details
  • • Clear audience
  • • Style direction
  • • Constraints

Prompts for Real Estate Agents

Real estate prompts work best when they include specific context about the property, client, or situation. Generic prompts produce generic output that doesn't match your voice or serve your clients.

The 5 Essentials Prompt Framework

1.
The Ask — What do you want? (listing description, email, analysis)
2.
Audience — Who is this for? (first-time buyers, luxury clients, investors)
3.
Channel — Where will it be used? (MLS, Instagram, email)
4.
Facts — What details must be included? (price, features, location)
5.
Constraints — What rules apply? (word count, phrases to avoid, compliance)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a prompt in AI?
A prompt is the input text you give to an AI to generate a response. It can be a question ("What's the current market trend?"), an instruction ("Write a listing description"), or a complex request with multiple parts. The prompt is your side of the conversation with AI.
What makes a good AI prompt?
A good prompt is specific, provides context, and clearly states what you want. The 5 Essentials framework covers: (1) The Ask—what you want, (2) Audience—who it's for, (3) Channel—where it will be used, (4) Facts—specific details to include, (5) Constraints—what to avoid or requirements to follow.
How long should a prompt be?
Prompts should be as long as necessary and as short as possible. Simple tasks need short prompts. Complex outputs need detailed prompts. A listing description prompt might be 50-100 words; a Context Card might be 500+ words. Length matters less than clarity and completeness.
Can I reuse prompts?
Yes—this is the key to efficiency. Create prompt templates for common tasks and customize them with specific details. A listing description template might stay 80% the same, with only property details changing. This is why Context Cards and prompt libraries are so valuable.

Related Concepts

Related Articles

Sources & Further Reading

Master Prompt Writing

Learn to write prompts that get exactly what you need in The Architect workshop—including templates for every real estate task.

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