Are No Pictures Better Than Bad Pictures? Sometimes Conditions Are Less-Than-Stellar, But Should You Leave it Up to The Seller?
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Our post earlier this week ignited quite the discussion on listing photography and what is appropriate for MLS. Of course, we love agents on CandysDirt.com, and our post was only a critique of the photos, not the listing agent. Still, a reader noted that:
We do not know the circumstances (could be tenant occupied, could be an estate, could be someone that has to sell asap, etc.) and we do not know the instructions given to the agent.
On that same post, a different reader adds:
Let’s just all agree that sometimes no pictures are better than pictures! We do not know what the situation is with the seller, but the agent obviously posted these pictures and this really is a NO NO.
So I want to know this: in what situations are listing photos that feature a sink full of dirty dishes OK?
The agent of the property (which we didn’t mention in our post because, again, we’re talking photos, not agents, and we are certain that this agent was doing what he could to get the property sold), informed us in the comments that even with the photos, this home had seven offers without a single client stepping foot in the house. How about that?!
So, what’s your opinion? Are cluttered photos OK in some cases, or are no photos better than bad pictures?
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Calling BS on that one….just sayin
Calling BS on that one….just sayin
There is always something that can be used for a picture. Even if it is an aerial or google earth type screen capture. A picture showing this wreckage is just wrong
There is always something that can be used for a picture. Even if it is an aerial or google earth type screen capture. A picture showing this wreckage is just wrong
I'd bet investors lined up : ).
I'd bet investors lined up : ).
I think it should be taken on a case by case basis. Each photo should be evaluated objectively to determine if it adds or detracts from the property. I have a client who put a home under contract this week after saying (based on less-than-stellar photos) that he didn't want to see it. After we left the home, he thanked me for making him go look at it. He's in love! The exterior photo of the home you posted earlier in the week was enough to make me want to see it in person. I was able to look past the other photos, but other people might not.
I think it should be taken on a case by case basis. Each photo should be evaluated objectively to determine if it adds or detracts from the property. I have a client who put a home under contract this week after saying (based on less-than-stellar photos) that he didn't want to see it. After we left the home, he thanked me for making him go look at it. He's in love! The exterior photo of the home you posted earlier in the week was enough to make me want to see it in person. I was able to look past the other photos, but other people might not.
That picture looks horrible.
I agree with Karen, if the home got offers they most likely were low ball offers from investors/flippers.
Regardless of what the circumstances might be it is unacceptable to market a property like in the picture featured above.
That picture looks horrible.
I agree with Karen, if the home got offers they most likely were low ball offers from investors/flippers.
Regardless of what the circumstances might be it is unacceptable to market a property like in the picture featured above.
I have personally cleaned many properties on photo day. I believe no photo is better than a trashed out room. It just does not look professional. Would rather just go with a front shot.
I have personally cleaned many properties on photo day. I believe no photo is better than a trashed out room. It just does not look professional. Would rather just go with a front shot.
Clutter is one thing; a garage sale prep area or "donation station" as shown here is Something Else. Wouldn't this mess have been gone at some point? Take photos then. (And if it's hopeless, what about an exterior only?) If some shots are bad, use only your good ones. If there are no good ones, hold off.
Clutter is one thing; a garage sale prep area or "donation station" as shown here is Something Else. Wouldn't this mess have been gone at some point? Take photos then. (And if it's hopeless, what about an exterior only?) If some shots are bad, use only your good ones. If there are no good ones, hold off.