Ar_home_b_search
 

I have spent much of the afternoon looking through listings on the MLS for my clients and have been shocked and (may I say ever so bluntly) HORRIFIED at how many pictures I saw of bathrooms with the lid up on the toilet.  Okay...for many men, this is probably "no big deal"...but I actually saw one with the lid up and full of yellow pee. I know...I know...TMI...but yeeeeeeeeeeesh!

We are all professionals here...right?  But...sometimes I think we get so excited about getting the listing and taking pictures...that we don't pause and look for things others may be seeing in the picture.  Here are a few other things I saw in the listing photos today...all good reminders to us to make sure our pictures are the best they can possibly be for our listings...

  • Dark lighted pictures...where you could barely make out which room it was in the house.  Turn on the lights when you take your pictures...or use a flash.
  • Food on the counter tops and dishes in the kitchen sink...  No-brainer on this one.
  • Clothes on the laundry room floor...must we air our client's "dirty laundry" so soon?
  • Peeling wallpaper.

Black light posters on the teenager's room wall.  Have your clients remove or take down anything that isn't necessary on the walls so they can see their things on the wall.

Overgrown flower beds and weedy lawns...  If you or your clients can't take the time to fix the yard...there's always photo shop or cropping pictures to highlight the good things.

It's not rocket science...just take clear, bright, enhancing photos that help get someone through the door.  And, for goodness sake...put the lid down!

crecord@southlandloghomes.com

clairelynnrecord@hotmail.com

 

Claire L. Record

"Your Rural Lifestyle Realtor"

Keller Williams Realty--Boerne Hill Country

clairelynnrecord@hotmail.com

 
This post has been included in Texas Real Estate News
Post is included in group: All Thing's Texas
Post is included in group: Colorado Realty Bloggers
Post is included in group: Keller Williams Referral Network
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul
Post is included in group: Texas Real Estate

112 Comments on Oh, for goodness sake...put the lid down!

MAR
22
2010
343,266 Points 36 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That's a pet peeve of mine as well.  I saw a listing in our MLS last week that was basically nothing but a shot of the toilet with the lid up.  WHY??????

6:50pm • #1
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Good question, Lisa...  I guess they don't think it registers with folks looking at the listings online.  You can't really blame the sellers...  It's the realtor's job to inform them how to stage their home for sale.  You would think that the sellers would want their best foot forward on their home as well... 

7:35pm • #2
343,266 Points 36 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Absolutely!  I've been on a tear lately saying that sellers need to get the MLS sheet from their agents.  If they saw half of what we see, they would either fire their agent or make them start the marketing all over again.

8:01pm • #3

Oh, it could have been worse and I know we have all seen the worse. The toilet not being flushed when you come for the showing.

10:34pm • #4

Oh, it could have been worse and I know we have all seen the worse. The toilet not being flushed when you come for the showing.

10:40pm • #5
MAR
23
2010
524,517 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I often wonder why many agents do not take the time to explain to their clients the importance of having their home show well.

5:36am • #6
548,980 Points 110 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Claire...

I know this is not meant to be funny, but, it is. I can't tell how many times I look at photos and think "What are you thinking". My favorite are the listings with a photo of a house. That's it, just a house. My thoughts then are "Does it have rooms?" :)

TLW...ROAR!

6:03am • #7
360,208 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router Called Shot Master

Sunday evening I was watching (do I dare confess) HGTV, and as the featured couple toured their possibilities, there was a home with the toilet seat up!  LOL.  If it has a lid on it, put it down.  If it has a door, close it. 

And don't get me started on the wood-grain toilet seats!  Great post, Claire.

6:11am • #8
395,027 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Claire:

Good photos in a listing are absolutely crucial. I never understand it when an agent has photos that are so dark you can barely make out the room. Good cameras are not expensive these days. We all need to have a decent camera - with a flash.

 

6:11am • #9

I see that so much I thought I was the only one that had an issue with it! It's just gross! I always put the lid down if it's up.

6:19am • #10

Thanks for posting. You make some very good points about things that all tooo often get overlooked

6:19am • #11
123,720 Points 1 Featured Post

The old saying that "this can be an easy business" cannot apply when people don't have the common sense to keep food off the counter tops, dirty dishes out the sink, dirty clothes off the floor, and to keep the toilet seat closed in what should be a very simple click of the camera! If someone, agent or seller, does not have that basic common sense, then I'm afraid they can't be helped, lol. Good grief.

6:36am • #12
125,799 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Hit Router

Oh the horrible pictures some folks take and actually load up on their listings...  I am no master photographer but you would think people would be embarrased...

6:38am • #13
133,400 Points Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Claire, it is so true.  I rarely put a bathroom picture in unless there is a great reason!  I have a new listing where I only put in 4 pictures.  As they clean up, I will add more and I told them they need to start cleaning up room by room.  (Unfortunately, there is no time to wait for them to get the house in order on this one.)

6:45am • #14
1 Featured Post

LOL nice one. I'm peeved by bad pictures too. I'm not talking just poor photography as I don't claim to be a master at it myself, but just really bad photos. Some that I see a lot are: garage door is open and showing off a horribly messy garage, shades closed, lights turned off, bathroom mirror reflections of the photographer, people in the photos, junker cars on the property, messy yards full off childrens toys. That said, I'm also somewhat peeved at these people who are amazing photographers who edit photos to make homes look spectacular but they turn out to be horrible when you get there.

Yeah I'm somewhere in between. I'm not going to personally spend hours cleaning up someone's house but I will make suggestions to people. On the other end, I think it goes a long way to do a few little things. Opening the blinds, turning on the lights, straightening up the couch or the bed. Moving a few things temporarily out of the way, moving a towel here or there., turning on the gas fireplace...all of that kind of thing I most defanitely do. But will you see me changing their lightbulb for the picture, probably not, but I will say "hey by the way, this light bulb is out, I'll be by with the flyers in 2 days, can you have it replaced by then?" ....but don't worry Mr. Seller with the $5 million dollar listing on lake washington, I'll change YOUR lightbulb!  =)

6:47am • #15
212,208 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I ask my sellers to come around the home with me as I photograph to help turn on lights, and move things as necessary.  I explain that, while things may look fine in real life, in photographs things can look busy, so less is more. 

6:54am • #16
168,521 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Claire,  Great reminders!  Some agents need to remember that they actually have a job to do!

6:57am • #17
192,951 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Yes I completely agree. We need to see what the camera see's and therefore what the person across town or the country will see.

Thank you

6:59am • #18
478,272 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It's amazing what you find when you're showing property! Hope you have a great day!

7:01am • #19
1,016,767 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pictures are worth a thousand words for a reason. . .great reminder for all of us

7:02am • #20
974,864 Points 17 Featured Posts Hit Router Called Shot Master

Claire, one of the first things I do before taking pictures or showing my listings.  It doesn't matter whether it's men or women, closing the top lid is not on any ones priority it seems.

7:10am • #21
285,814 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Claire, great post!  As Fernando said, "pictures are worth a thousand words."  Or lack thereof...When a single photo of a house is posted, I have buyers asking, Can you get inside photos?  Usually if there aren't additional photos posted, there's somthing they don't want you to see!

7:14am • #22
278,556 Points 15 Featured Posts

The toilet lid up is my major pet peeve. I always tell owners that the bathroom is number one for looking clean and the kitchen next.

7:15am • #23
251,633 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Your points are well taken. Unless the bathroom is exceptionally great I usually skip the bathroom for photos as often they don't photograph great and all you do see is the toilet. That to me is TMI and if you seen one you have seen them all.

7:16am • #24
343,657 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

When a prospective buyer looks at the house pics, it is usually a one shot deal. Those pics better be good, or that buyer will not be back or even give the house consideration. 

Taking good pics and decluttering the scene are all part of the process. I just don't understand how some pics are even posted because of their poor quality or mess.

7:18am • #25
552,294 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Photos with the lid up is sooooooooo bad. When I see bad photos, I wonder how the home will ever sell.  We, as agents, have to learn to be more than just agents.....we have to be photographers too.

7:22am • #26
1,155,924 Points 116 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I was taking photos yesterday of an upcoming listing.  The house isn't pristine and the owner was still in the middle of cleaning.  When I saw something that was going to show in the photo that didn't look right I had the owner go and move it out of the way.  It only takes a few seconds to move something to get a clear shot.  Toliets I just don't get why we end up with hundreds of photos of toliets in our MLS.  What would be more interesting is to photograph a bathroom that DOESN'T have a toliet :-)

7:23am • #27
2 Featured Posts

One of my listings not only has the toilet lid up in pictures but the kitchen cabinets are broken, a cery messy kitchen at that, all the rooms are a disaster.  I have asked the owner many times to please tidy up so I can take more pictures but she refuses saying she is too busy ( which she is) but then hire someone to make the listing pictures stand out, but no she will not. Said if someone doesn't want to buy it because it is not tidy so be it.....well I have only showed it twice in over a year and when most people look they skip right over it because of the unsightly photos...Each to their own I guess.....grrrrr.

7:24am • #28
139,126 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

It can be difficult to get a good room shot in a home still occupied, unless you go in front of the photographer and move everything around, or hide it.

But I do agree about the toilet lid, definitely needs to be down. Just like toilet paper needs to roll OVER. IMHO. :)

Sarah

7:26am • #29
616,208 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Interesting observations...I believe that a flexible toilet seat lid wthat will go both ways (up and down) is a key feature. OK, I am full of it and you are right!

7:26am • #30
616,208 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Interesting observations...I believe that a flexible toilet seat lid wthat will go both ways (up and down) is a key feature. OK, I am full of it and you are right!

7:27am • #31

Thank you for the light hearted but so true posting! 

7:31am • #32
376,903 Points 85 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Claire, the toilet lid up is one of my broker's big pet peeves in pics too!  In regards to bad pics, I cannot for the life of me understand why so many of us take such bad pics.  The good news is that it makes it easy to take better pics with just a little time and effort!

7:32am • #33
610,865 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm questioning why any 5 x 7 bathroom should be photographed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hopefully it isn't the highlite of the listing (*L*) !!!!!!!!!

7:44am • #34

I'm w ith you. Why put on a picture of a toilet - we all know what they look like - and please put the lid down.  These pictures are how the public judges us - make it our best presentation.

7:47am • #35
2 Featured Posts

As a real estate photographer/videographer I see this all the time - one of my pet peeves!  Beyond having the toilet seat up, I don't understand why an agent even wants a photo of a bathroom in the listing unless it is a very attractive updated bathroom.  Otherwise, I think we can assume the home has indoor plumbing.

Other pet peeves:  paper towels on the kitchen counter, dish cloths hanging off oven or fridge handles, and cars parked prominently in the driveway.

Amy Hunter, Hearth & Home Videos/Photography 

7:50am • #36
154,723 Points 1 Featured Post

Yes Claire, that is rather disgusting.  When are people going to learn!!!

7:54am • #37
848,632 Points 153 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Yes I see it too, so tacky. I wonder if the Realtors are ignorant or the sellers don't look at the marketing of their home. Don't they know it gets syndicated to all the web-sites? geesh

8:04am • #38
360,780 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good pictures are so important, especially with so much inventory on the market.  Buyers will pass up the listings that don't grab them immediately and move on to the next property.  Great pictures are critical if your property is going to make the cut.

8:14am • #39
144,522 Points 1 Featured Post

Staging a home is key to selling it, especially in this tough market.  Sometimes people just don't understand that you don't live in your home the same way when selling your home.  Interesting that the agent took the picture and didn't make adjustments for it.  Thanks for posting.

8:23am • #40
197,862 Points 5 Featured Posts

This is very simply put my BIGGEST PET PEAVE!!!!!  I hate hate hate pics of listings with open toilet lids...come on people...how hard is it to put that thing down before you shoot the pic???????? Seriously!

8:43am • #41

You only get one chance to make a first impression! The internet has become an integral part of marketing a property, therefore your pictures have to stand out in order to get the buyer to the curb. That's why the agents I work with use my pictures for their listings.

8:45am • #42
1,303,417 Points 313 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It's interesting that no matter how much is said about these issues that they continue to recur. I usually show photos I have taken to my sellers so we can decide which ones make the home look it's best. And sometimes the photos point out things the seller didn't realize about their home and it gets fixed or removed.

The toilet seat is purely the listing agents' fault.

Jeff

8:47am • #43

I remember as a new agent that was one of the first things I heard that was a "no no"...  it drives me nuts until today. 

Jamey Prezzi
8:50am • #44
298,313 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Claire ~ Yes, how hard can it be to put the toilet lid down? I do put photos of bathrooms on the MLS. I don't think they make the best photos and I put them at the end, but I think  buyers want to know that the bathrooms are okay and not total disaster areas. Nobody really wants to see a picture of a toilet, so why leave the lid up? All it does is attract attention to the one thing in the room you don't really want to highlight.

Dark photos - Definitely a pet peeve of mine too! Why bother posting them at all? They say absolutely nothing about the house, because you can't see a thing!

Denise

8:51am • #45
109,714 Points 8 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

It is a national epidemic...lazy & unimaginative realtors.  Oh the shame!

Honestly, I am not going to photoshop my listings.  If the seller is too lazy to mow the lawn, clean up the kitchen, etc.  then they are definitely TOO lazy to be my clients.

8:54am • #46
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Wow...you shut down your computer for the nite and then log on in the morning only to find you have been featured.  What a nice surprise.  Thanks to all for your comments.  I think this is one of those subjects that hit a nerve...you know...kinda like the age old debate of should the toilet paper go over the roll or under...  Of course we ALL know it goes OVER...but that's beside the point.

9:18am • #47
Outside Blog

Claire, I remember a few years back when we were looking for a home some of the nightmares we walked in to. One house in particular had not been dusted for what seemed years. When we walked in to one the bedroom there were cobes in every corner, yuck. If they don't take the time to at least dust how well did they maintain the rest of the house?

9:19am • #48
1 Featured Post

Hi Claire, Thanks for the great post! I can't believe how bad the photos are on a lot of the listings on the MLS. I agree, please put the lid down!

9:22am • #49
126,371 Points Outside Blog

Agreed.  Remember that one picture is worth a thousand words.  Take pictures when the lighting is right and the home shows it's best.  Never in the rain, even inside

9:28am • #53
1 Featured Post

No need to photograph a bathroom unless it has great tile or a fabulous glass shower. There is the danger of too much informtion, even for a house. This post reminds me to take a look at all the listing pictures I  have online. Perhaps some can be updated with a better shot.

9:37am • #54
482,745 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Claire,  I rarely do a pic of the bathroom unless it is very nice !  As for the bad photography agents should invest in a camera, lens and strobe which enables great pics.

9:43am • #55
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

It is amazing what folks consider acceptable for showing their home.  The funny part is...when they go to find a home...they are more picky about the home they are buying than the home

The lighting thing also amazes me... Why bother taking the picture if you can't make out what it is.  Also...any flash on a camera will light up a room so that everything can be seen.

One other side bar here...I would love ya'lls opinion on this...I have notice a lot of people taking pictures with this telescope effect on it...meaning...the picture looks as if you are looking through a tunnel and widens the view of the room.  Is this really the best way to take the picture?  To me it feels like I have tunnel vision...  Would love feedback on that...

9:44am • #56
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I agree with you, Millie and Bill...  No need to take a picture of a bathroom unless it's an amazing retreat. Even then...a toilet doesn't need to be in the shot.

An investment in a camera is one of the first things realtors should make.  As inexpensive as they are...it's worth it.  If you are starting out...borrow one.  It could be the difference between a sale and a home sitting for months on end.

9:46am • #57
312,577 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

This is a long discussed subject. And this is why I take about 100 pictues, none of us is perfect. But if you take enough pictures you'll get at least a few you can use if you don't want to have to adjust them.

10:01am • #58
498,000 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Claire - this is so true, and photos are a very good opportunity to show a property in it's best light. I have seen blurry photos, cars in front of exterior, etc.

10:04am • #59
243,361 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I just saw a new listing this morning that had the someone drinking a cup of something in the kitchen picture. NO people in the pictures.

10:16am • #60
366,891 Points

I hate seeing the toilet seat up as well...  I question how much photo shop is within limits...  sometimes the outside doesn't even look like the home when you drive up to it...

10:21am • #61
277,620 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think a lot of REALTORS just take crappy pictures period.  I know buyers really do care about the look of the house.

10:23am • #62
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

ROFL! This is one of those things that never gets talked about!

10:25am • #63

love this blog and so TRUE!

10:39am • #64
Outside Blog

I too have seen this many times-ICKK! Also, garage door open, junk cars & more.  I also see why some foreclosed homes don't have bathroom pics- someone took the toilets! LOL At least warn me :-)

10:44am • #65
2 Featured Posts

Claire,

The telescope effect you're talking about is due to using an ultra wide angle lens down at around 10-12mm. This level of wide angle can make a 15x20 room look like a ballroom.

Two issues here:  1) personally, I feel that making a room look 2 or 3 times as big as it is can be misleading to someone looking at homes online.  2) There's software so that if you really do need to go way down in the wide angle range you can correct for some or all of the distortion (that bowing on the sides).

Amy Hunter  

10:50am • #66
258,359 Points Outside Blog

Look, every house has at least one bathroom (or it should.) Almost every bathroom looks somewhat the same, with a few exceptions. If your listing has one of those exceptional bathrooms, take good pictures, otherwise lets just assume that those others bathrooms look about the same and not take pictures of those "ordinary" baths.

Oh Look honey, it has a bathroom!

10:56am • #67

Hi Claire ~ I hear you loud and clear!  I don't understand the lack of attention to detail some have when MARKETING their properties!  It's not just a photo...you're trying to SELL the home and make it look the most fabulous that it ever has!  Even if the sellers aren't the neatest or the best decorators, we can all use our best judgment, tidy up for three seconds and find some shots that work.  As far as bathrooms, I usually try to avoid toilet photos altogether and instead focus on the vanities or nice showers/baths, etc. 

11:02am • #68
101,940 Points Outside Blog

Point well taken!  Unless it's a bathroom to brag about it better left out of the pictures.

11:03am • #69

Great tips on staging. A nice set of pictures will go a long long way when listing your home.

11:15am • #70
147,082 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

One that I was complaing about this am are phots of bedrooms where all you see is a bed. Are you selling a home or furniture?

Sometimes less is more.

11:49am • #71
154,308 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wonderful comments. It's funny I took a couple like that in the beginning until someone pointed it out to me. After seeing the picture myself it is something I always look for.

12:05pm • #72
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Gosh...it's hard keeping up with all the comments...but they sure are keeping a smile on my face. 

Thanks, Amy, for the explanation on the camera lens that creates those pictures.  In my mind it does put up a red flag as to what they are trying to hide.  It is what it is... so highlight the best part of what it is.

Don, your "Oh look, Honey, it has a bathroom!" comment made me laugh.  Let's not state the obviouis with our pictures and like Donna said...are we selling furniture or a home. 

And Kerry...you're right...if the folks are not tidy people...it doesn't take too much to move certain items out of the picture to get a good shot. 

I am more and more becoming a believer in hiring a stager to come in and make the property right.  I can tell you that the homes I showed last week...the ones that were staged got the second look. 

12:06pm • #73
687,078 Points 83 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Always has been a real pet peeve with me too.  Can't the photographer put the lid down?  It's starting to piss me off . . . LOL

12:20pm • #74
114,643 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

We're all in agreement, and yet we see it over and over and over!  LOL.  Toilet seats have built-in lids for a reason!  If they were separate, I guess I could see why folks might not bother, but it's attached, by golly!  Could it get more convenient???

12:44pm • #75

I love the way you write,,,,to the point.... and also love the horse picture!!!!!!!!!

Great way of writing!!!!
12:49pm • #76

I agree...professional??? I have been alarmed at how many agents only put a pic of the front of the house, if even that, and when I look at the inside of the home it is spectacular. Why would you not want to do your best for your sellers?  

1:00pm • #77
3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You are so right! Even as a professional home inspector I know what is appropriate for maximizing the potential to sell a house. I even have a PDF that I share with everyone called "101 Home Selling Tips". Much of what you point out is covered in this free posting. Feel free to make copies and pass it out like "friendship gifts". Thanks for your post Claire!

1:03pm • #78
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

The toilet seat thing bothers me too, and I'm a guy so it's no excuse.  I sit and shake my head when I see some of the photos that supposed professionals have posted to market their listings. It makes me wonder what type of advise they gave, if any, regarding staging the apartment before it was shown.

However, for a good laugh:

There was one apartment here in Manhattan where the broker had not put up any useful photos. I asked him when they would be up so I could send a show sheet to one of my customers. I was told that they couldn't post photos, and that I would understand when we saw the apartment. It was a sponsor unit, with three bachelors living in a 2 bedroom apartment.  The dance pole in the living room was outrageous enough, but the "No Fat Chicks" signs and photos of naked women all over the disheveled apartment had people practically running out.  The sponsor bought them out of their lease, cleaned up the apartment, and it eventually sold.

1:05pm • #79
196,802 Points 7 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Some people just do a half effort job. They take a listing, list the house and just snap some mediocre photos. They may not pay attention to details. I have seen photos of a nice house from the front, back yard and side yard. That was it....what about the inside? DUH! I love the ending your post.

1:09pm • #80
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Love the story, Louis...  Been there--done that on a few listings.  I can one up ya on that and let you know...even after calling before we walked through the door, ringing the bell, yelling "Realtor" as we walked in the door...we were greeted with a gentleman that didn't seem to mind that he was butt naked walking down the hall having just come out of the shower. Looking around the place up to that point...of all the "nudes" on the wall...you kinda wondered if he missed his calling on homes and should have been a clothing optional type subdivision. 

Thanks, David for the link...  I look forward to seeing it. 

And you all are right...this comes down to professionalism.  I guess that's why 10% of us do 90% of the work...eh? 

1:24pm • #81
262,009 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I know this grosses me out too - I have taken pics of listings then gotten back to my laptop and noticed the lid was up!!! DELETE!!!! I refuse to put that on MLS

By the way - I have a remodel in South Austin going on - went over there yesterday and there is a playboy mag on the back of the toileet - should I leave it there when we list the house - I just can't decide ;-)

Malita

1:38pm • #82
390,689 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Yes for goodness sake, what does it take to put the lid down. I think the next worse bathroom photo is where the mirrors show the photographer, talk about lack of thought. Well said.

1:44pm • #83

I think some people just don't see a toilet seat up as an issue, when it is...also some of the photos are so horrendous lately in MLS..I've been seeing photos so dark you couldn't see the room and blurry to boot!  Not a way to sell a house!

1:47pm • #84
509,525 Points 70 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Claire ! I cannot STAND loo seats UP ! ...worse is that I once showed a house with the seat up, and ...well...not such a clean bowl either ... ooops, probably TMI there...sorry about that.

...I agree with your post though !!!

Cheers !

2:27pm • #85
261,681 Points 2 Featured Posts

Wow, never gave it a thought.  Now that you mention it, I have to agree. 

Wishing you continued success

2:28pm • #87
246,908 Points Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

How true, how true and the comments have said it all.  Let alone an un-flushed potty!  It isn't like it takes a superman to put the lid down.  I agree with the comment that unless the bath is pretty super it can go un-pictured.

I also agree that your pic with the gorgeous horse is super.

Sue of Robin and Sue

3:27pm • #88
723,738 Points 223 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am amazed at the reaction to this post. It really doesn't bother me. Honestly. 

3:36pm • #89
1,215,723 Points 44 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I rarely photograph bathroms. There are so many other features of the house and yard that make better photos. And with today's cameras and editing programs it's much easier to produce quality images.

4:49pm • #92
107,693 Points Called Shot Master

I agree 100% bad pics are a real problem. I do not like the super wide angle shots that distort the room and make it look bigger than it is. My other pet peeve is a listing with one or two pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

5

5:58pm • #93
300,493 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Having been on the lending side for 17 years I have seen 1000's of appraisals and have been shocked and amazed at more than a few of them.  But when you are marketing your home for sale first impressions are extremely important. ~Doug

7:07pm • #94
109,740 Points

Great post and a good reminder to put the lid down, I hear it everyday as well, lol. That is one of the many reasons I use a stager for my listings. It reminds the sellers about all those little touches they need to do to get top dollar. A professional photographer will also eliminate those dark shots. First impressions count and many times the first impression is from the pictures.

Jean Richer
Ottawa, ON

7:11pm • #95
149,483 Points

I don't know why bathrooms are pictured in listings at all. The toilet is the ugliest part of the bathroom - no need to show it...

7:13pm • #96
860,635 Points 76 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I saw one listing of a kitchen with all these alcohol bottles lined up on the counter top!!! Hysterical. And it was an island, so it was like "open bar".

7:43pm • #97
126,232 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I was looking for property in another area for myself.  The bathroom was painted black with Kama Sutra pictures lined up as a border.  The fact that an agent put the picture on mls says something about the agent.

9:11pm • #98
697,922 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Claire - A toilet seat up is my BIGGEST pet peeve, both in pictures and when showing a home.

10:22pm • #99
546,176 Points 11 Featured Posts

Hi Claire -- I hear ya, I see it all the time as well.  A cryin shame isn't it?  My daughter is a hunter-jumper.  Are you a horse woman?

11:58pm • #101
MAR
24
2010

Claire, it's a pet peeve of mine as well. I cannot tell you how annoyed I get when I see that one of my neighbors has left the lid up on the toilet in my garage. If there was ever a man's toilet, it's the one in my garage, yet even it is subject to the same rules as any other toilet in my professional life. The lid goes down.

12:09am • #102

Claire, it's a pet peeve of mine as well. I cannot tell you how annoyed I get when I see that one of my neighbors has left the lid up on the toilet in my garage. If there was ever a man's toilet, it's the one in my garage, yet even it is subject to the same rules as any other toilet in my professional life. The lid goes down.

12:09am • #103

You really get that butt hurt when you see a toilet lid up? I mean come on REALLY?

3:05am • #104
497,480 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gotta love those toilet pictures, lol. I also love when I see a close-up of the shower or a bed. No one cares about the bed, it's not staying! :)

6:18am • #105

Thanks for the tips & reminder!

10:38am • #106
569,934 Points 100 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I also hate seeing the refirgerator covered with magnets and the driveway full of cars.

12:07pm • #107
201,244 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

(Sadly) I'm anal (no pun intended) enough that when I'm walking a client through a home, I put the lids down before they get to the john!

12:21pm • #108
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

This drives me crazy! I am sure to tell my sellers that toilet lids should ALWAYS be put down. There is NO good reason for not dropping the lid. Also, I don't normally do photos of bathrooms on my flyers, unless there is something specail about the LOO. Everyone knows what a white toilet, bath tub and sink looks like.

1:51pm • #109
Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

In addition to the toilet seats, my other issue is with those agents that take exterier pictures on trash day with the trash cans right out in front. How difficult is it to move the cans and recycle bins out of the way?

2:06pm • #110

Claire - This is hilarious!  I've always found it amazing that agents take pictures of this stuff.  Are they totally brain dead?

4:35pm • #111
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Ya'll are cracking me up with your comments.  And J. Phillip...the one lone guy standing up for the seat up.  How courageous and bold.  :) 

5:25pm • #112
171,451 Points 36 Featured Posts

Here comes Guy #2 standing up for seat-up-guy.

It sounds like Dude was just trying to save water.  You could turn it around and tell your clients it's been running as a "green home."  Now that's real estate sales baby!

You know what they say, "If it's yellow let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down."

I know-- TMI.

6:19pm • #113
135,575 Points

Yes how I've wanted to send a seller pictures of their listing before. Can you believe you hired this guy????? My fav is when you see a really nice house, good price, no interior pictures. You decide to show it without seeing inside pics. When you open the door you know why there's no inside pics. Geeesh! 

10:44pm • #114

Kevin - Yes, my mother did a good job with me. It's slovenly and crass to leave the lid up, especially for photos. We are supposed to be representing our clients' best interests, how can poor photography be considered to be in their best interest?

 

Believe it or not, some people are offended by toilet lids being up - filled with urine or not. Likewise it's a poor business choice to have photographs of people's feet - there are quite a few people who are horribly put off by feet.

10:46pm • #115
MAR
30
2010
436,755 Points 35 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kevin:

This is a first. I have never laughed out-loud as I peruse posts . Thank you for that. As far as lids go, I have been and will continue to be.... on the side of the lidowners. I will stay faithful and true to the end on this subject. My wife is the only one to appreciate this until now probably because I had no one to share it with. Who would think I would be blogging on this one day? I love this business. Best,

1:49pm • #118
6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Thanks, Kevin for the comment.  Glad to know that you're a lidowner.  That's one of the few times a downer is an upper.  :)

2:26pm • #119

What does the graphic say?

Leave a response…



(optional)
What does the graphic say?
 
Activerain

Claire Record

Boerne, TX

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty--Boerne Hill Country

Address: 1595 South Main Street, Boerne, TX, 78006

Office Phone: (210) 623-0055

Cell Phone: (210) 623-0055

Email Me

If you sit at work dreaming and thinking there's gotta me more than concrete sidewalks and this face paced life...then maybe it's time you find yourself again and start living the simplicity of the "rural lifestyle". It doesn't mean you have to give up your job...just give up living 10 feet away from your neighbor or starting your own garden or have that horse you've always dreamed of. I have been a licensed Realtor for nearly 18 years with experience in new home construction, (both production and custom), log homes, and helping folks live the rural lifestyle. It would be my extreme pleasure to help you realize your dream.


Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find TX real estate agents and Boerne real estate on ActiveRain.