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Personal Photos: Remove or Keep When Listing a Home in Richmond, TX

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Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Cinco Ranch License #0574076

Present to You by Julie Morales

RE/MAX Cinco Ranch

 

 

 

According to some home stagers, it is best for the seller to detach themselves from the home, including removing all family photos.  

Recently my client asked, “Should I remove our family photos?” As she was preparing her home for showings. I replied to her, “Absolutely not!”  I thought family photos were a wonderful and warm addition to her neat and well-maintained home. But then I started to wonder… What do others think when they see family photos? Are they judgmental? Is it a distraction for them? Are they less able to picture themselves in the home? Removing photos removes any potential bias and subtly persuades the buyer to become more intimate with the home. However, photos of family can invoke a sense that the home has been well cared for. Please share your thoughts on photos and there place in home staging...

Show All Comments
Bob Publicover
Publicover Realty Group, inc - Stuart, FL
Thinking outside the box

Julie, That is always a great question. Problem is, there is no right answer.

To me, having personal photos would make one feel this is a happy and fun home with fond memories of the current owner. Who could be offended by that? I suppose too many may be distracting. I can't remember the last time personal were a deal breaker.

Apr 14, 2015 02:54 AM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Bob Publicover - Thank you so much for your comment. I agree too many could be distracting. You are right, buyers have so many other things to consider that photos wouldn't really be a deal breaker!

Apr 14, 2015 06:45 AM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Julie. Always great question, personal photos are OK, within reason, but some just get carried away.

Apr 16, 2015 01:26 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

You never know about the perspective of prospective home buyers. Photographs that may be attractive for one prospect may be a turn off for others. The safest recommendation is to pack the personal photographs beyond the current pictures of the immediate family.

Apr 16, 2015 01:33 AM
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I say remove if possible Julie. If you are serious about selling your home it is time to pack up personal belongings.

Apr 16, 2015 01:58 AM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Noah Seidenberg - I love your opinion on this! It is a strong stance to take. Thank you! 

Apr 16, 2015 04:00 AM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Sometimes buyers get distracted and spend time looking at the photos rather than the house. 

Apr 16, 2015 08:44 PM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Julie,

 I have a always been a fan of having the family pictures in the home as long as it is not over done. I think it add warmth to home, and if someone gets offended that easily I am not sure I want to deal with them.

 

We put family pictures in our models so people can think of themselves living in this home

 

PS I am having a A/R meet-up would love for you to come. I will call you late next week! Check out my blog for more info!

Apr 22, 2015 05:46 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

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Apr 22, 2015 05:46 AM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert - Thank you for your input. ALso, that is really nice oyu are putting together an A/R meet-up. I will check your blog! 

Apr 22, 2015 06:37 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

A few are O.K.  However, I've seen homes peppered with photos.

That distracts from a prospective buyer's concentration on the actual home for sale.

It's just a matter of degree.

Apr 22, 2015 10:38 PM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Thank you Lenn Harley - Moderation is the key! 

Apr 23, 2015 12:18 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I have always felt it's best to remove them.  Unless it's a celebrities home, than keep the important ones on the wall.

Apr 24, 2015 09:10 PM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Gita Bantwal - That is very true! You do not want to risk that it may have a negative effect on the potential buyer.

Apr 29, 2015 01:35 AM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Gabe Sanders - Thank you for your perspective. Yes, if it is a famous person, I do not think any body would mind the pictures

Apr 29, 2015 01:37 AM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Lenn Harley - It is definitely a matter of degree and if the pictures situate into the home nicely!

Apr 29, 2015 01:38 AM
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