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“No Picture Available” - Bad Agent Syndrome

Do you recognize this house? No, that's not a mistake you're looking at here. "No Picture Available" is something I'm seeing lots of these days as I search the MLS for my clients. You've probably come across it as well. It's the sign of "Bad Agent Syndrome". It causes endless frustration for the buyers out there and agents, too. You pull up a list of homes that fit your criteria, and many of them get canned because there aren't photos or a decent description.

Ultimately it is the sellers of these photo-less homes that suffer the most at the hands of this type of agent. You know the type; the agent who doesn't take pictures, spellcheck their listing, return their calls, or check their emails. Apparently these agents can't be bothered to do their job. Are there decent flyers for these homes? No. Are there ads placed for these homes? Of course not. Do you think there's ever an open house held? Nope. Market Analysis? Huh-uh. And do you think these homes end up fetching a decent price? No way, Jose.

How does an agent serve their client if they don't bother putting even the slightest bit of effort into getting their listings sold? I'm also curious as to how these agents continue to get listings? Are they actually making a living? Shouldn't someone kick them to the curb? I wish I could . . .

One Bad Apple I feel so bad for the sellers of these homes. I wonder if they are even aware of the fact that there aren't any photos of their home on the MLS or on the web? "Bad Agent Syndrome" seems to happen more on lower priced homes, and that's just not right. Whether it's a conventional resale, a short sale, or a foreclosure, doesn't a home seller always deserve to have their home marketed effectively? Many of these homes are already headed for foreclosure, and these homesellers need all the help they can get!

Regardless of price point, a home is the single largest investment most people will ever make, and we have an obligation to serve our clients fully and to the best of our abilities. There are so many good agents out there. Agents who are cognizant of the many ramifications of their actions. Agents who are trained in marketing, fully invested in their business, and respectful of their fiduciary duty to represent their clients. These are the good guys. These are the ones who somehow manage to triumph over a declining market and get the job done.

Let's hear it for the good guys!

By the way, I'm starting my own personal campaign to make these agents aware that their listings need photos . . . and I invite you to join me. With kindness, of course.

Posted by Sharon Filbig | San Diego County Real Estate on 03/08/2008 06:47 PM

Comments (113)

home marketing, agent responsibility, good photos, real estate marketing

113 Comments on “No Picture Available” - Bad Agent Syndrome

MAR

2008

How lazy can someone be that a picture is not the first thing they would do? These are the agents that won't be around very long...

Amen! It is so very frustrating when searching MLS for a client (as you pointed out, usually is in lower price ranges), and there's no picture, no remarks, and you're left with no clue as to just what the property is really like. I'm joining your campaign to make these agents aware that MLS listings need photos!

I'll try to defend these picture-less listings.

I very much dislike those listings! Many times the property is not accessible to the listing agent and many times the property is not "camera-ready". Another big issue is using photos that are not accurate! Here in Miami, South Florida the bulk of listings are condominiums- same line, same layout/floor plan... Agents just clip and paste the photos of similar units, Oh... updated kitchen, marble/carpet - does not matter... just clip and paste!

The pictures should be one of the very first things that a decent agent should post.

When is it coming?

Josh - Let's hope so. I keep hearing that the bad agents won't last in this market, and I'm starting to see that the bad agents are one of the factors behind this market!

I see that all the time. It's really sad. Another thing I "love" is when an agent takes a picture of the home without getting out of their car! I've seen several listings where you see the frame of the car window and sometimes the rear view mirror in the MLS description! Hard to imagine,.

Great Post.

I totally agree. At least an outside photo. I have had houses that I didn't put interior photos in, because the sellers had too much stuff and I couldn't get them to de-clutter and all my photos were awful or honestly the house was really dirty. But I do always do exterior, no matter the condition and I think the marketing/comment section is extremely valuable. Buyers/agents need to know what they are getting into before they make the long trek to see the home.

Pat - Thanks for joining the campaign! No clue, no sale. Let's make a difference!

Brian - Wow, I hope at least they slowed down . . .

Nora - One exterior photo at least shows something! Better than nothing . . .

Mott - I know, there's just no defending them. No matter what, there's always something you can post!

Buyer after buyer tells me if there are no photos there must be something wrong with the property so lets skip it. Even bad photos have some value but no photo is a reflection of the agents commitment to the client.

Terry - I agree. That's a good way of putting it.

My local MLS requires a primary photo within 5 days and is implementing an automatic fine 3-26-08 if not done. Hopefully this will make "Bad Agents" post a primary photo when listing the property!

Deborah - I love that policy! Especially the fine. Agents need to be held directly accountable for their behavior. I can't think of anybody who'd object to such a requirement, except those who don't like to do their job. What's the amount of the fine?

I wonder why they don't put a picture of the house on line?

Couldn't be because the house doesn't look good, the remarks say its a "cream puff".

Couldn't be because the house doesn't photograph well, the remarks say it has great curb appeal.

Hmmm, wonder why there is no picture.

Thanks for sharing.

Jim - Yes, that could be it! A picture paints a thousand words, and sometimes those words conflict with the agent's words!

Anyone selling their home should Google their own address and see what pops up. If nothing, they should have a chat with their agent!

In this day and age, with just about everyone having a digital camera, I can never understand why a listing doesn't have a picture, or only one picture. My MLS has just instituted a new rule - all listings MUST contain at least one picture within a week of listing, or you will be fined. If you can't (for whatever reason) take the picture yourself, you can hire their approved vendor to take the picture(s) and upload it to the system at a rate of $5 per.

That is an all too familiar picture, that house is just down the street, but no one would know it. I just think it's terrible that so many homes have no pictures. Our local MLS now allows agents to load up to 30 pictures for free, yet they still don't load a single one. Those poor sellers.

Not having a photo is simply unacceptable! Amen.

It is so frustrating to look at homes with no photos. How can I tell if it's really a nice fit for my client if I can't see it? It is, of course, best to have multiple photos, the inside of the house is just as important to see - but if the agent could at least put one photo on the mls, it would help...

" "Bad Agent Syndrome" seems to happen more on lower priced homes," Unfortunately I see the same thing with luxury homes. I'm appalled to see a black and white photocopy of the MLS as the "brochure" for a multi-million dollar listing.

We delay, with written authorization from the seller, the entry of a property into the MLS until we have the photos, visual tour, property website, property brochures, etc. all ready at the time of listing in the MLS. You only have one chance to make a first impression.

Sharon - I get very frustrated when I set up a client on my automatic notification of new listings and they get listings without photos. You are right, it is a disservice to the seller.

We can put that sign in lieu of a photo of the house. I agree that it should be updated as soon as possible if the house isn't show ready. It shouldn't be allowed to remain indefinitely.

Our MLS took care of this to a degree. You have 48 hours to upload a photo or submit a request for the MLS guys to take photo and upload it. If not you face a fine. Our MLS is pretty fine happy. Of course there isn't enough manpower to catch every violation so members end up policing each other, not the best for a number of reasons.

I spoke with an agent about a property I had driven out to see. To start with the number on his sign was the wrong number. I ended up calling some poor woman who knew nothing of what I was talking about. When I finally got a hold of him he told me he did not know anything about the property (title, vacancy, etc) Simple things an agent should know. He said that wasn't his job it was the buyers. He even admitted he had never seen the property. His assistant put the sign out for him. Lazy Lazy Lazy

Don't they know a picture is worth a thousand words? My MLS recently put into place a rule that a picture must be posted within ten days or the listing will be deleted.

Penny - Thanks - I certainly do agree with you. Every seller deserves to know that their property is getting the exposure necessary to get the job done!

Jim - Thanks for your comment. I like that rule. Some people do as little as they can get away with; that kind of rule would help raise the bar!

Sharon, I know I am preaching to the choir, but I mean really, how hard is to take at least 1 photo?

June Piper-Brandon - Those poor sellers is right! And when the house finally sells for below market value, it becomes "those poor sellers and those poor neighbors", etc. . . . everybody around is affected by that comp.

I see this happen a lot in the Indianapolis market as well; it baffles me why a seller would choose an agent like this. Our job, along with negotiating and getting the buyer to the closing table is to market the home. This is mistake 101 in my mind. I also think having a virtual tour is important in this day and age and pricing it right too!

David Matney - Thanks for your comment!

Debi Ernst - I get frustrated by that too. I'm getting proactive about it now. If it's not there, I ask the listing agent for it.

Sharon Simms - Thanks for your comment. I agree with your strategy of being totally ready with the marketing when a property first hits the market. That's the type of high level service that bad agents don't like to give.

Candy Henthorne - I know it's frustrating I delete the emails of new listings that come through with no photos.

Latonia Parks - Thanks for your comment. I agree--ready or not, photos should be there when the listing appears.

JoEllen Stranger-Thorson - I think that it is a terrific idea for MLS's to have minimum standards and a timeline. I'll bet you don't have this problem to the same degree as we do, and that's got to be healtheir for the marketplace there!

Carolyn Deer - Yes, that's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about! No photos, no effort, no follow-through. How on earth do these agents justify their existence?

Mary Walker - Thanks for your comment, Mary. I agree - those photos are so important! I hope your MLS rules effectively keep the agents on their toes!

Tony & Darcy - I know! Just one little photo and then at least you have something to keep you in the running. That's not too much to ask.

Cindy Marchant - Thanks for your comment, Cindy. How these agents stay in business is a mystery to me as well. I don't expect every agent to have perfect listings and great marketing skills, but for gosh sake they can at least adhere to certain minimum standards for the sake of the client. :)

Yes i've seen it here also. My clients just pass it by and move on. It's called the lazy agent syndrome.

Robert Brown - Thanks for your comment. Lazy agents and lousy agents - they're certainly out there, and I know they are in the minority. They sure seem to have a lot of listings, though, don't they?

Like everyone else, I completely don't understand why agents don't put pictures out there. With the internet being the first impression buyers get I always put the best pics out there.

Maybe those agents need to learn how to use a digital camera! It is just ridiculous not to have photos of real estate for sale. Even the FSBO's have photos. We can list 9 photos on our MLS and all 9 photos should be there unless of course the home doesn't photograph well on the insode. But at the minimum there should be a front view and perhaps views of the back, street or other areas that may be of interest to a potential buyer.

Hi Sharon, I am amazed when a $5ook + house goes up with no pic. Our MLS now has a policy to not let a listing go live w/o pics.

Great post, it is a problem and it can be quite frustrating when you are searching for clients.

In defense of some of the homes that i've seen out there (like the photo below) , that couldn't have a good photo taken of them even with a professional photographer. I beleive that sometimes less is more, but I have to agree at least one photo would be nice. Now, I understand that cannot always work out for the best, as seen in these examples.

Sharon, that is my favorite pet peeve too. I think the agent who doesn't put up pictures is probably "dumb" in that they don't know how to operate a digital camera and they don't know how to upload the photo to the MLS . Then others are dumb in thinking the house is not worth taking a picture! Others think it is not "ready" for pictures (then why list it? hold the listing til the house is "ready"). My thinking is that it is absolutely inexcusable for having no pictures. Thanks for the post. I did one myself awhile back.

No Way, you mean it's not just my MLS that has this bug. If you Take a listing-Take a photo....

There seems to be a trend now for some of the short sales or foreclosed properties not to have photos on them. Don't know, but could be that the listing agents know the compensationwill be so low they simply are not devoting any resources to promoting and marketing the properties. Just posting them and hoping that they get a sale. At least that is what seems to be happening in the Phoenix area. It's not right, but with the compensation on some of these properties being so low, can see why they might do that.

An agent that can't even take a photo. This is not the level of professionalism that endears us to the public.

MAR

2008

The picture above stole my thunder! Sometimes it is hard to find a picture that invites prospects

Sharon - I would have to say the second worst bad agent syndrome action is to only post 1 picture (front home view) of the house.

Oh and that photo above is pretty horrid. Have to say that unless it's some great contractors deal I wouldn't list with a client like the one who's house is posted above. What a waste of our time.

This is one of my pet peeves as well. There is no shortage of homes available in our market (there are 17,000+ Single Family Homes in our county alone). Yes, 17,000, and it's ashame how many listings don't have a single picture uploaded--ever. I feel so bad for most of the Sellers who probably have no idea that there aren't even any pictures online. My Buyers want to see pictures first in order to become familiar with what's available and to narrow their search, based on their criteria, so for automated and manual searches for Buyers, I no longer include listings without pictures. Our MLS has a field that indicates how many pictures are included in the listing and, most times, I set the minimum for search results to at least 3 or 4 images. There are just entirely too many homes on the market to waste time on listings where there aren't any pictures.

At the risk of hijacking your blog, I would like to comment on Lorrie's pictures. First, one photo is better than none and as someone who works with a lot of investors, one photo of the exterior and a decent and honest appraisal of the interior is all I need to show. "It's a teardown" has saved me many a wasted trip.

Regarding the photo above; potential buyers are going to see it anyway when they drive up.

In our MLS we automatically suspend listings without at least a photo of the front of the house in 10 days.

One thing I hate is the incomplete listing...I always take my own photos and even though the agents in our MLS can use them ...I always add my own watermark...too bad...they are mine and the other agents should be running to put photos in the listing as soon as they can...most buyers want to see something before they actually go to the property.

IN Metro Detroit we don't have many pictureless listings. I guess our agents aren't that lazy.

Hi- Our MLS won't even let us enter a listing any more without a picture on the listing and before that we were fined if a picture was on the liting within 7 days.

Our MLS has rules that say a listing must have photos posted within 48 hours or the listing will be deleted. However, I've still seen listings without pictures much longer after that time period. I tend not to show my clients properties without pictures unless I'm familiar with the property. The one that suffers is the Seller and many times they don't even realize they're being short-changed.

Our MLS makes it mandatory to have at least one photo in the listing. I think the agent has 24 or 48 hours to upload it.

I've often wondered if the LA's who don't load photos are more than lazy. Perhaps they are trying to sabbotage the listing so that can buy it for investment purposes in the 11th hour of foreclosure OR they are trying to get both sides of the transaction by not promoting properly?

I'm not saying it's right, but I often wonder what these LA's are thinking.

We used to have a lot of that. Our MLS service now will not post a listing without a picture, nor will they take the picture for us. I think that's a great service they are doing for us now. Lazy agents now have to come up with at least one picture.

Oh I think you need at least 10 pictures if not 25. Pictures sells listings and can't imagine whay an agent would not have at least 15 to 20.

My favorite is when agents list a condo, and refuses to mention anywhere in the MLS what level the condo is on. Then they refuse to return your calls when you inquire. Another lazy issue is when they don't measure rooms.

You measure rooms!?!!?!? we don't even quote square footage, due to liability issues, in the metro Atlanta area.

I never show a home where there is not a picture on the MLS. I think either the listing agent is lazy or the house has something to hide. Why waste my time as well as my clients. If only these listing agents knew what is is costing them but more important the bad job they are doing for the sellers.

Our MLS (MLSPIN in Massachusetts) deals with this on the MLS level. It is mandatory for at least one photo to be posted within a specific timeframe.

Kim Daugherty - Thanks for being one of the good guys.

Angelica Blatt - I agree! At least something! Not that quality isn't important, but substance wins over style.

Bill Gillhespy - That MLS policy is undoubtedly facilitating the market. Good thing.

Brian @ Blue Harbor Media - True, it is frustrating. For everybody!

Lorrie Thomas - Wow, thanks for putting up that photo! I got a laugh out of that one! But you know what--there's a buyer for that home too! Some people want the ugly ones. There's no shame in it.

Sharon,

Go Get Em ! I do BPO's frequently and find that I can name the listing agents who DO NOT PUT COMPLETE AND/OR ACCURATE INFORMATION ON THEIR LISTINGS.

Sorry about yelling, this is one subject that just sticks in my craw !

If someone wants to be a listing agent, do your fiduciary duty to your client and put complete and accurate info, along with pictures, on your listings.

Hi Sharon! Send me a t-shirt, I'm joining the campaign. I read in one comment above about one of my pet peeves - short sales and bank owned properties are not being marketed properly in many cases. Perhaps 1 photo, no exciting descriptions for an exciting house. When banks/individuals choose agents to list their homes, they should add the step of learning how each agent will market the home!

Posting a house without a any photos cost the seller. Why would a listing agent even bother? The picture-less listing is just a joke and it really makes the listing agent as well as our profession look bad.

Our MLS has a 48hr limit or the agent gets fined. That quickly solved the problem.

Trying to put a positive spin on a bad situation, I try to go to listings that come on the market with no (or only one) picture as soon as they pop up on the grid. I figure that if the listing agent is too lazy or unorganized to take a plethora of high-quality pictures, maybe they were lax in their pricing analysis. It could be way off what the real market value is and my buyer clients could get a very good deal. Plus, if the listing agent isn't representing their sellers with good pictures, they may not negotiate very hard for them either. Either way, my clients may get a hand up. Also, since many buyers simply bi-pass any listing without pictures, my clients may have less competition....

I wholeheartedly agree with the negative affects that L.A.S. has on respective clients, and our profession. These agents must at least be going to the property for one of two (if not both) activities: getting the Listing Agreement signed, or putting the sign in the yard. So what if your asistant does it for you? SEND THE CAMERA with them!

While I am with the majority of you who says there is no excuse, and the LAs should be fined, or have their listing yanked from the MLS...I can think of ONE exception to the rule. And perhaps, most likely, some of you will have a solution to this circumstance--the seller, of usually a very high-end property, wants or needs confidentiality.

I've seen listings in our MLS with the street name, but no house number. I've also seen the agent's other marketing efforts, and they do not depict laziness. Sometimes, the seller has a high profile and wants to or has to (for company confidentiality) remain anonymous.

Too many comments to have read them all before I posted. So sorry in advance if I'm repeating what someone else already wrote.

BUT TO HECK WITH THOSE SELLERS AND THEIR POOR REPRESENTATION! They chose that agent. What really pi**es me off is the extra work it CAUSES ME when I'm representing the buyer. Those same agents don't bother checking the box for first floor master or first floor laundry. Or fill in the space for the lake name on a lakefront listing. So there are times I spend 5 or 6 hours reading EVERY listing in a certain price range hoping those lame ass agents at least marked E or U after the room sizes. Or even filled in that a house is a lakefront. Sometimes I have to go by the address (odd or even) to determine if a house is on or off the lake.

I resent not being able to fill in the criteria that suites my buyer's needs. I showed a lakefront recently where the listing agent not only didn't fill in the lake name, he didn't fill in the subdivision name. How are we supposed to do an adequate job for our buyers if we can't search in certain subdivisions or on certain lakes?

These agents should lose board privileges for repeated offenses. An occasional mistake happens, but there are too many "mistakes" lately- at least in my market area.

Barbara Duncan - Thanks for your comment. I agree with your thinking. It's inexcusable not to have a photo.

Tracy Riba - Yes, it really is as simple as that. Thanks for commenting!

It's pretty sad to list a property and not show photos. In our MLS, we get fined. Maybe that would be a good idea in your area too.

Bob and Carolin Benjamin - Thanks for your comment. Even if Rod N. Agent doesn't get paid at all for a listing, it costs nothing to actually go to the property and take a digital photo. Five minutes taking a few shots is worth it if it exponentially increases the likelihood that the listing will actually sell.

Sharon I wrote a blog on this a while back. I am still stunned that, in the current market, "professional" realtors will obtain a good listing and neglect such a basic step as adding a lot of pictures (not to mention a virtual tour). And I don't simply means newbies; I know of several long-time realtors (one is a broker) who rarely put any photo other than the freebie that the MLS provides, and scarcely even writes any information under "Remarks".

Why do sellers put this valuable commodity in their hands???

Wayne Pruner - I know. Unfortunately there's always a few bad apples (thus the picture I included).

Laurie Logan - I believe there may be a good case for actually showcasing an ugly property as exactly what it is; warts and all. Some buyers don't want "pretty" because they want the "ugly house discount".

Jessica Bigger - Thanks for your comment. I agree. Not wasting anybody's time is important, and wouldn't it be better to show a photo of an ugly house so that you attract the right kind of buyer?

I think "no picture available" is just because that line they use is "available" as a copy and paste line from yesteryear--pre digital days.

This has alway been a pet peeve of mine, if the home isn't ready for a picture why bother, get it ready or put a picture up of it as is. don't you just wish you could notify the sellers.

I have started setting my listings up so that the pictures, virtual tour and flyers are all ready BEFORE the listing starts. Usually it takes a couple of days to get everything ready to go, and those first few days are SO important.

I believe our MLS will fine the agent after a certain number of days with no picture.

If it's a house in my market, I pretty much know what it's like from the listing description and location. However, the consumer doesn't. It won't stop me from previewing or showing a property. It will slow down calls from consumers to see those properties.

It's pure negligence, or so some would believe. IMO, the only explanation is that the listing agent isn't interesting in co-op sales.

I have never, ever did it before today. I posted a listing on localism and for the life of me cannot get a picture to download. It is a lot and not a house so all you would see is dirt. Pretty dirt, but dirt none the less. I am, however, determined so it will not be there long without one. I cannot seem to figure out why. Please don't call me a bad agent. I just need tech support. I cannot stand when agents do this, though. I always need a picture to show buyers. I am in a small town so I can usually figure out what home it is by the address.

I agree with Lane, taking the pictures should be a vital part to PREPARING the listing for presentation to the public. Why waste those precious first days when it is getting the most exposure by not having the photos accessable?

When I'm searching through listings the ones with more photos are the ones that grab the most attention.

Oops. Above was me. I thought I was logged in. That is it. I am calling it a day.

Sharon

Let the bad agents continue to not post pictures, the good agents with photos will sell their homes first.

I have seen a lot of those in the lower ranges as well. It is quite frustrating when you can't see anything and there's no information to go off of.

many agents have the practice of not putting pictures right away...they are either too busy, too lazy, or want to try and sell the home in house...either way...how will that help a seller?

Well, I did not call it a day. Thanks to you I can sleep tonight because my picture is now posted. I just could not live with myself being a bad agent--never was--never will be. I enjoyed this post more then you will know. You were like a little voice in my head. This is what Active Rain is all about.

I showed a house today that was vacant and in extremely bad condition.

There was even a hole in the 2nd floor bedroom ceiling and underneath it on the floor was a dead rat.

I can see why there were no pictures taken of this property!

you would think the listing agent would at least toss out the dead rat.

MAR

2008

LOL, I just posted almost the same post!!!

Good for you! I encourage you to use that in your advertising some way to attract the attention of sellers also. I use examples of that in my listing presentation. My buyers always automatically delete the listings I pull up if there isn't a picture! One thing I would like agents to be aware of is that a picture of an ugly house taken to "misrepresent" how it really looks is a bad reflection on how the public sees realtors. It is better to point out the possibilities with remodeling, etc. than to take pics at certain angles to leave out the unsightly and so forth.

When listing are done my way, I have not only photos, but a story that goes from one picture to the next creating a mood as the viewer visits each picture. However, sometimes the client insist on listing the house before the house is ready to show or have pictures.

Sharon, I cannot believe how many agents do this!! I have always wondered the same thing: do the sellers know that the agent they hired is lazy? My buyers don't even take a look at listings without pictures, these agents need to get up to speed with things, more pictures in the MLS of a home helps it sell more quickly. Great post!

Vickie Arcuri- Hey, that's good! I like that idea of having a search field that enables you to only select pics with photos. Thanks!

Susan Walters - Yes, one photo's better than none! Sometimes it saves it saves time, sometimes it saves embarassment.

Jim Lee - I think that MLS's really protect the seller by having minimum standards.

Neal Bloom - Thanks for your comment. We all need at least something to look at! I haven't seen watermarked photos around here.

Russ Ravary - Hmmm . . . could it be our San Diego weather? (wink) Maybe those few bad agents are just hanging out down at the beach instead of taking their listing photos, etc! In fact I'm speculating that there could be a bad agent surfing club?

Pam Mabe - I really think that's the way to solve this.

Joyce Jewell - Maybe the best way is for the MLS not to let the listing not to go live without a photo.

Brian Kreick - That requirement probably saves your region from a lot of frustration.

Amanda Hall - I don't know if these agents are all that encumbered by the thought process!

Bob Cumiskey - Yes, that seems to be the way to do it!

This is not the first time nor will it be the last that someone blogs on here about no photos when a new listing appears on the MLS. It won't be the last time I comment about it either. This is definitely unacceptable. My advice do not enter the listing without a photo. With digital cameras there is no excuse, even if you say you don't take very good photos. A poor photo is still better than none, you can have better photos later. There should be a rule in every MLS. NO PHOTO NO LISTING ON THE MLS.

MAR

2008

Our MLS requires a photo within 3 days, and we can upload 9 additional photos for free. I really don't understand why people don't take advantage of this, as it's basically free marketing. I wonder how many buyers [and agents] pass up homes because there are no interior photos as well, especially in these markets where there are huge inventories, or where the buyer is looking at foreclosures and the interior condition is a main factor between properties.

a picture is worth a thousand words... we post as many as we can...

have a great week

Michael A. Caruso

Sharon - This one of my biggest pet peves. These are typically the same bad agents that have not agent photo either.

Wow Sharon!!! I guess you hit a nerve with is one.

Our MLS implemented a new rule about a month ago. When you enter a new listing it goes into a holding pattern and will not show up as active until you have added at least one picture. It's an excellent feature!!!

Great post. Listings should not be allowed without a photo, the 2 go hand in hand..... Thanks for the blog. Lu

MAR

2008

I take 30 or more photos of all of my listings and the homes I preview. Its to easy to pint and shoot with digital. It also helps me remember one home from the other.

That is the biggest sign of laziness that I think there is in this business. Are you really representing the best interest of your sellers when most buyers probably will pass right by the listing.

Love the great picture. Like you i see this here quite a bit. It frustrates everyone in the process. Buyer's first then agents who want to show them and then seller's. My thing is if you are already at the house what would it take for you to take a picture right on the spot. So very easy.

When I come across a home with limited or no pictures, I just figure there was nothing good enough to take pictures of! NEXT!

Seriously though, I always wonder how the sellers of the home let that fly. If I was a seller, I'd be mad if I didn't have multiple photos on Realtor.com, let alone the MLS.

I'm so glad to see this post...one of my biggest pet peeves. The main reason I hear agents say why they don't have pictures yet is " I have not had time to get back out to take the pictures"...well if you don't have pictures...don't list it on the MLS until you do. It's just not fair to the sellers!....Ok...I feel better now :-)

Patty Ledford-EXIT Realty-Blue Ridge, Ga

www.LedfordProperties.com

APR

Great post. I couldn't agree more. A picture is worth a thousand words....

JUL

I think part of the problem lies with the brokers who offer bonuses and perks to the agent who brings in the most listings for the month. No need to sell them, or even make any effort to sell them, just buy enough listings to get that $1,000 bonus each month and the prime parking spot with your name on it.

I was just up in old Escondido a few days ago doing a home inspection.

I also see that this is your most recent post. Hope all is well with you and yours, that you're really busy, but that you'll soon be back to Play in the Rain with us.

Sprinter from Oceanside to Escondido, California

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