Run-down abandoned pink building with big questionmark on it

If 'a picture is worth a thousand words'...a good listing photo is worth ten-trilion-zillion thousand words. Maybe more. REALLY.

Listing photos are the number one tool homeowners, buyers, and their agents have. They work silently, and for free, 24/7....but whether they are working for you, or against you is totally up to you.

Welcome to my new interactive series where actual listing photos gone bad are shared, then pointed on the path to redemption. Some points will be obvious, others not so much; some rationale may even seem downright petty. But the point of each will be there is something that is not serving the best interests of the property, the seller, or the agent.

Diologue is encouraged! The idea being that for the moment, we can each 'see' a room for the first time; by constructively sharing reactions, thoughts and questions, each of us learns. What bothers you, and why? And what would you like to see differently?

This Westchester County Home Stager will weigh in shortly after, with the introduction of the next photo. And last, just to keep it a nice, and positive experience, anyone who can claim a photo as their own will receive a free interactive consult, value up to $180.00.

Last week during a workshop at the Mamaroneck Public Libray, I ran this photo in my presentation and asked 'What's Wrong with This Picture?'. Nearly the entire room was engaged...see, much easier to see/say what you don't like in someone elses' space! I was surprised by the speed of their responses, and also the range of what they came up with.

So what do you think-what's wrong with this picture?

                                                                        ***********

"Home Staging is anything that betters the market position of a property, while easing the minds of both the seller, and Realtor"    ~TRH

Our spaces affect us profoundly. Whether you are buying, selling or staying-The Refreshed Home is your Westchester County Decorating, and  Home Staging specialist. Bettering Westchester and lower Fairfield County  CT homes since 1981, we know it's about more than a good visual.

The Refreshed Home helps you plan, and make good decisions.  It's creative and quality direction for the DIYer, full service to the busy, or out of the area homeowners/landlords.

Need to sell? Have listless listings? Just ready for a change? Know that something needs to be done, but don't know where-or how-to start?  Let The Refreshed Home be your partner in change.  Because when your space works, so  many other things fall into place!

Marie Graham ASP, IAHSP, IDS Your Stager With A Mission!

QUESTIONS? Don't hesitate!! 914.607.2895 

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27 Comments on What's Wrong with This Picture? NEW SERIES!!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
17

Of course the picture is out of focus. Also the picture is out of proportion, it seems to be mostly about the bed. The window shade are all at different heights and the ceiling fan is half in-half out of the picture. Also I don't know if the crucifix on the wall is a big selling point. Now let me take time to really look at it (simile).
7:52pm • #8
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Laura-all I can say is STAY TUNED!!

Garry-so how do you really feel?
7:58pm • #9

Oh Marie, It's too blurry. It is not appealing to the eyes. And I agree with Debbie's observations.
8:03pm • #10
876,517 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Will come back again to see your answer, Marie. Consensus is - it is blurry, and yes, there are some specifics that expert stager can point out, I am not so good at it....lol.

For me, if it is a Master Bedroom, I'd not like to have window(s) next to the bed.

Purple carpet? One cannot question someone's choice of color as a 'wrong' thing.

I don't like something scribbled on the right bottom corner of the picture. Some footprints or watermarks, perhaps. Why?

Will wait to see your answer.

 
8:09pm • #11
408,718 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Marie - Fun series!  For me, it doesn't feel like a Master Bedroom retreat, but more like an austere room in a nunnery!  Where is the sumptuous bedding and cushions?  Where is the "get away from it all" feeling?  Oh, and I really hate ceiling fans, but maybe that's just me...
8:14pm • #12
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks for visiting Mike. Isn't it crazy?

Praeful-bottom right are MLS watermarks...
8:24pm • #13
579,645 Points 37 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

hi Marie -- I like this exercise!

1.  Blurry photo -- improperly resized

2.  Religious icon on wall should be removed

3.  White bedding looks bad against white walls -- need color for interest and appeal

4.  The photo quality is so poor that it's difficult to "see" the other errors.  However it looks like the picture on the wall might be a personal one

5.  Bed looks like a hospital bed!

6.  Art above the bed is improper scale (it should be approx 2/3 the width of the headboard)

7. Ceiling fan is outdated

8. Bedside table lamps should be turned "on" for photos

9. Window coverings should be "open" for photos

Please, on your next one is this series, let us see a photo that's not so fuzzy :-)
11:13pm • #15
JUL
18
982,991 Points 79 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Yowza, much easier question to answer would be "what's right with this picture?"  Answer:  Nothing!
2:37am • #16
409,118 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Maureen, that is awesome!  I confess the photo was too blurry for me to make out those details.
5:05am • #17
289,569 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great way to get the blog comments flowing in this series Marie!
6:29am • #18
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Very cool, thanks everyone for contributing! There weren't any 'wrong'  answers, would only add two thoughts: 

Staging is like RE, super-duper hyper local. RE: religious articles...different things fly in different parts of my market. I don't automatically dismiss them, but anything predominant or distracting is addressed.

Other think is that ultimately, all of these are subjective comments...which is exactly what I asked for. But the goal is to be helpful, so am taking it a step further so the 'wrongs' of this picture translate into a less personal, more dollars and cents answer.

Will post a new photo shortly with summary of this one too.
9:53am • #19
JUL
19
774,383 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Marie, actually I like that top photo as art, not so much as a listing photo. Now the bottom photo... I've seen way too many like that...what are the realtors thinking.
8:26pm • #20
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

NICK!  Actually top is art photo! Judi Bennett had suggested Flicka (free photos) site last year and it is the best!  Bottom photo-yeah, we know the rest of THAT story...
8:36pm • #21
JUL
20
284,203 Points 7 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Aren't you having fun?  There's been a recent spate of blurry photos on our local MLS - too many phone cameras in use!  Shame on the listing agent!

At least the bed is made (I think), and there's no cat or dog lying on it (I think).  LOL
5:18am • #22
Outside Blog

I agree with all the comments. It was truely hard to look at.
12:51pm • #23
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

JULIA!  Well, it's kinda-sorta fun. Just trying to start dialogue about not just whats good/bad, but why, and what's at stake. If it can be objectively explained and understood, maybe more people will get their panties unknotted. (And yes, I did just say that!)

Linda-everytime I come back for comments, I can feel my pupils constrict...thank you for stopping by, please stay tuned.
4:58pm • #24
JUL
27
978,793 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The photo looks like it's a room in a nursing home.  This is something I'd see when I go visit Grandma.
9:11pm • #25
JUL
28
294,661 Points

Maureen pretty much pointed out everything for me. Obviously, it's blurry. There is no pop to the room, it's all bland and white. The uneven shades give it an almost lazy and unkempt appeal to me. If you are attempting to attract all potential customers, yes, remove the religious icon. Yeesh.
6:33am • #26
253,611 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Carla, Bud and Beth-yes, no reason at all for someone to want to pony up almost $800K for this house, right?
6:47am • #27
JUL
31

"This is how your bedroom will appear to you after a night of heavy drinking."
8:40am • #28

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Marie Graham Westchester County NY Home Stager

White Plains, NY

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The Refreshed Home White Plains NY

Office Phone: (914) 607-2895

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