Photos and reality. Is it deception or marketing?

I think good, well-lit photos are key.  Since most people find their homes via the Internet, good pictures are a must.

Richard, As long as we're not photoshopping, it's our job to present our sellers in an optimal light.  That includes wide angle lens.  We don't advertise BEDS for sale, we're selling BEDROOMS.  It's a shame if some buyer's agents and buyers want to get bent out of shape because the home wasn't what they "expected".  Read the MLS sheet, room sizes are their.  Calibrate yourself instead of getting torqued with the listing agent.  Bill

Richard.   I show the 'today's' photo's of the property.  But if I can aqyire a nice past photo I will use it with a note saying the house cold look like this with some TLC!

Richard,

Marketing should build interest in the current product, via good photography.  

REO listings with old photos?  Not acceptable.

Hi Richard,

A good photograph, even if it makes a property look better than it shows in person, is okay.  But current photos should accompany every listing and photos should not be touched up or modified in any way.

Lisa

I agree with Lisa, it's great o put a room or exterior in its best light, but particulary teh amoutn of REOs, short sales, etc, I think you are helping to get the property sold if you take them of the less than perfect homes - so someone gets an idea of what they would need to do if they purchased. As the saying goes, "it is what it is."

I do not believe in photo shopping out items like a water tower behind a home, etc but am a fan of well positioned photography that might not catch that view.  I won't place photos of a prior list period in pristine condition if that is not what the home looks like today with wall color and condition.  That is why it is best when possible to preview the listings before showing, no surprises that way.  Nice topic for discussion!  Have a wonderful week!

I have seen some MLS photos that were staged for the picture shoot that look great on line, but not so great when you get there.

Great point my friend,

Food art is the right example of how things can and are misrepresented.

Richard...I do show current photos in my marketing. It is important to make rooms look as bright and roomy as possible. The picture in your post is great and makes that living room show extremely well.

I think good photography is great for listing photos.  I think photoshopping and using old photos (you know before the property was totally trashed) are just deception and it shouldn't be done.

It is all about disclosure especially if you used old pictures. Why not have them see the possibilities?