Toula:

Pointing out certain flaws does save the buyers a lot of time, particularly when they are things that they know they just do not want to live with. 

Steve:

The listing photos are intended to market the property - my photos zoom in on potential problems.

Liz:

Thanks for the essay title - I like it!

Joan:

There is no way you could actually "miss" the highway - It is roaring past the back yard.

Lori:

It really helps buyers to sort out which properties they want to spend time on and which ones will be a complete waste of their time.

Lisa:

I am glad you agree.

Trisha:

Relocation buyers find it very helpful.

Christine:

Buyers' time is limited and very expensive when they are traveling to the area specifically to look at available homes.

BethAnn:

You cannot trust what you see online. It is always shown in the best light possible.

Carla:

You understand perfectly.  That's what we do.

Todd:

It is important to preview homes and take photos (also videos) for buyers who are across state lines.

Loreena:

Relocation buyers definitely need to select an agent who will go the extra mile for them, who knows the area they are looking in and who is willing to put in the necessary amount of time to preview all homes ahead of time.

Elliot:

I am glad to hear that you give out that advice. Yes we do see "eye-to-eye" on this. And, thank you for giving my name out.  It is much appreciated.

Coleen:

I agree with that.  Thanks so much.

Hi, Kathryn:

That is so true. The listing is like "Cliff Notes" on the real thing. 

Thanks for the heads up on the Spam.

Dan & Amy:

I do also preview for local buyers but many of them like to do their own drive-bys and then they want to get into what they have seen.  But, I absolutely preview for local buyers who desire it.

Erica:

When someone is coming to the area for a day or so to look at homes I consider their time to be not only valuable but "expensive."  So, it is best to use it wisely.

I also use video for previewing and relocating buyers really appreciate that.  It shows much more than a still photo.

Kristi:

Great.  I am sure that is greatly appreciated by your relocation buyers.

Christine:

Good questions!  In my experience, I have had clients who when they step into a home that is (filthy) they can look no further.  I have seen some people just walk out of a messy home even if I think the place has some potential. If this is their natural inclination, I want them to see exactly what they will be seeing ahead of time.  Also, I feel that the way a home is kept is an indication of how well-maintained it probably is.

With regard to the rust on the baseboard, I am giving them a detailed up close and personal account of the property. They are not going to see rust on the baseboard in the MLS photos. Does it mean that it won't pass an inspection?  Of course not.  It's just more information for them to have ahead of time.  If I were in their shoes I would want details before I scheduled my trip.

Thanks for your great questions.

Hi, Patricia:

I think most buyers find this service to be extremely helpful, particularly relocation buyers.

Cheryl:

I do not make the decision for them.  I just take a lot of photos, videos and give them a report on what I have seen. Often, they still want to see the properties. As a matter of fact, I am showing the one with the rust to my relocation client this Friday.

Christine:

No problem. Thanks again for comments and discussion on this topic. It is greatly appreciated.