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Can your pictures be too good? Maybe...

By
Real Estate Agent with Atlanta Communities 303302

After all the talk about how bad MLS pictures seem to be, how in the world can we talk about pictures that are too good? Well, from a technical point, I don't think pictures can be too good. We strive to show the property in it's best light, but what happens when we go too far?

I showed a home yesterday about 30 minutes away. My clients were all excited because the pictures showed a great home on a lake. Just what they were looking for, they thought.

When we get there the lake was a pond. Still nice, but not a lake. The power lines crossing the street were a definite surprise. So were the cracks in the brick that did not show on any pictures. The floors, instead of being a great dark stained wood were actually several different colors throughout the home. The lovely kitchen in the pictures was actually small and had those cabinets where some but not all the doors had faded from white to an almond color.

In short my clients were disappointed. The pictures were taken in such a way as to make the home look better than it actually was. I believe a home can be shown in its best light without covering up or hiding all the negatives. The pictures got us to the home, but we left with a bad experience. The best complement you can have is, your photos really showed the home well.

Posted by

Peter den Boer, Associate Broker, Realtor

Atlanta Communities Real estate Brokerage

 

Ph. 770.713.1545

www.denboerhomes.com

 

I write about daily life as a Realtor in the Towne Lake Community in Woodstock Georgia.

Comments(8)

Jenna Dixon
Momentum Real Estate Group LLC - Marietta, GA
55 & Over | New Constructions | Horse Farms

I have definitely had showings like the one you described.  While we don't focus on taking photos of the cracked brick or power lines, I do think sometimes we can go too far!  The photos should be "representative" of the product.  And the written description should have some "disclosure".

Sep 28, 2014 11:18 PM
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

I get upset when they add a picture of the river or bridge that is miles from the property.

Sep 28, 2014 11:19 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

So not fair to agents and buyers when those kind of photos are posted in the MLS.....waste of time.

Sep 28, 2014 11:42 PM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Peter: When I take photos, I try to show the home in the cosmetic shape it is actually in. The editing I do is to make the occupant's existence disappear, like trash cans, clothes on the floor, etc. The agent that posted those photos is truly misleading others if colors have been changed and floors and cabinetry is not as it is in the current state. That's a waste of everyone's time.

Sep 28, 2014 11:46 PM
Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

Yes Peter that is true it can be what is not in the pricture that is a problem.

Sep 29, 2014 12:46 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Peter. This was funny but also very true. I agree with your premise.

Sep 29, 2014 01:02 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     It is fraudulent and misleading advertising when you photoshop out the flaws, powerlines, and distractions.

Sep 29, 2014 04:42 AM
Bette Gottwald
UNITED REAL ESTATE | Central PA - Mechanicsburg, PA
"Bet"on Central PA Real Estate!

Peter,  Most often I use a professional photographer for my listings, but do not permit extreme editing to the point of misleading potential buyers.

Sep 29, 2014 09:22 AM