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Pictures May Not Always Tell The True Story Of The Condition Of A House

By
Real Estate Agent with Classic Realty Realtor

Last Saturday was a bit different for me than the typical day of showing properties. Instead of touring homes with clients, I set out on a Mission for an Out of Town Client who simply needed pictures. I've done this many times for clients in the past with very successful conclusions. Since I would be on this Picture Fact Finding Mission, I invited the newest member of our team along (a new Realtor) so she could see what I typically do when helping someone out like this.

There were four homes to tour, just outside of Washington DC. Three of them were really easy to gain access to, but the fourth one, we couldn't get in to. It was a Security Issue! After taking the pictures, I returned to my Office, processed them on the computer and started emailing to my client, explaining that we couldn't gain access to one of the properties.

While sending the pictures, an email arrived in my email box from my client. She indicated how excited she was that the pictures would be arriving soon. More important, the home she looked forward to seeing the most, (you got it) was the one we couldn't get in to.  Hmmmmmmm

Sunday Afternoon I thought I would try again without my client knowing. Surprise, surprise, we got in but this home didn't look anything like the pictures that were displayed on the MLS. I wouldn't have known it was the same house except for some furniture pieces. The house was trashed, in need of serious cleaning and a number of other things that were a huge negative. The disappointment my client felt was beyond description.

My point is this: I believe it is important that true to life photos be placed on the MLS by the Listing Agent. I understand there are moments when things happen beyond the Listing Agents control. Having just stated that: I can't tell you how shocked we all were to see the opposite in this house of what had been portrayed in the pictures. I'm not surprised as to why it hasn't sold and why it has been on the market for so long.

Lesson Learned for Buyers: Be prepared, in a day of very sophisticated digital photography that what you see in pictures may not always tell the true story of the house you are seriously interested in. This is why we have home tours and this is why sometimes, buyers will end up removing a house from their "Top 3" list.

 

Comments (4)

Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

David, great post.  Just yesterday, I got a call from a potential buyer who's first question was, does the house really look like the photos.  I knew EXACTLY what she was asking and we had a great laugh over it.  Like you, I will take photos for out of town clients and I'm finally past the "shocked me" factor, LOL.  One thing I've started doing is reviewing any old listings in MLS on the subject - it's amazing they'll be the same photos from the listing 6 years ago instead of new ones, LOL. 

Aug 22, 2011 08:07 AM
Marnie Matarese
DWELL REAL ESTATE - Sarasota, FL
Showing you the best of Sarasota!

This unfortunate situation happens more times than not, especially with agents who are listing machines. I have gone into countless homes that are now void of furnishings or filled with tenants with their own belongings.  It would be nice if the listing agents could keep them updated within some degree of realism.  I know that often the photos are taken prior to the owners moving out and it is helpful to see how their furniture was arranged but when it is replaced with renter's stuff or has been allowed to decline into terrible condition due to the amount of time it has been in short sale status, it is very discouraging to show them to the buyers who are looking at gorgeous pictures of the past.  And, I put my money where my mouth is.  I replace my photos once the sellers move out and I document any major changes to the property whether a tree falls down or a fence is removed.  It is only fair to the people who have their hopes set on a pboto!

Aug 22, 2011 08:11 AM
David Burrows
Classic Realty - Fairfax, VA
No Pressure, Just Seriously Devoted to Real Estate

Juli and Marnie, I really agree with you and I see this all too often! We simply have to educate our buyers that some photos are old, distorted by way of portraying the size of a room or someone took a shot of the railing on the deck so you wouldn't/couldn't see what is on the other side! Perhaps a huge parking lot! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!

Aug 22, 2011 08:33 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

David, We just showed a home to an out of state buyer where the mls photos showed furniture and the listing said "furniture included".  Our buyer was most anxious to see this one. Turns out, those photos were from a previous sale and the home was now vacant and empty. It was a new listing and we didn't have time to preview it...Agents, revisit your listings and photos!

Aug 22, 2011 10:53 PM