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The MLS POLICE have arrived! Thank you, Newsday!

The MLS POLICE have arrived-FINALLY!! Thank you, Newsday.

Honestly, I don't like to criticize. I have on occasion been wandering around through the MLS for Long Island-MLSLI-- for a while now and I honestly don't understand it.

We ARE in a depressed market right now. We DO need to pull out all the stops in getting a home sold. Some Realtors do, they do a fabulous job of marketing your home. If you happened to miss Sally's blog, just LOOK what she does for her clients: The First 24 Hours- Crucial Internet Strategy for Listings

They go out of their way to learn the newest technology to showcase a home for their clients. The hire Home Stagers or Feng Shui Consultants to Re-Design or to rent furniture and accessories to show a vacant off to it's full potential. Often, these homes are SELLING.

On Long Island New York on the MLSLI IF a home has a picture (too often I will see "Picture not Available and wonder WHY), I have to wonder what some people are thinking in posting pictures like these. Do they WANT to sell a home?

I have often thought we've needed an MLS POLICE. People who go through the MLS and ask for retakes---PLEASE. And, finally, we have one!

I have long been very fond of our own local Long Island Newspaper, Newsday. http://www.Newsday.com So proud, in fact, I've written about them several times. An inside look at NEWSDAY, Long Island's Newspaper since 1940 or my OWN personal favorite about a Feng Shui Makeover by yours truly: Photos Second Link for the Before and After shots and the article: Newsday - L.I. Makeover Article I am happy to say that for the last few weeks and hopefully it will continue,Newsday has spotlighted pictures from the MLSLI.

With a nice little saying, always the same, accompanying each of them: "Retake this picture, Please." I don't know whether or not they do but I'm willing to bet those that don't want to be "showcased" this way in Newsday will be a bit more careful in taking photos of homes for sale.

Here is a recent example: Retake: Is this really Shirley home's best angle? (Real LI) - Newsday.com Honestly, Do they want to SELL this home?

Thank you, once again, Newsday. Someone need to POLICE this site!.

http://www.FengShuiLongIsland.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City and Long Island and Online/Phone Consultations for those at a distance for homes, offices, businesses, corporations, renovations, and new construction.

Posted by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York on 02/14/2009 09:21 PM

Comments (35)

Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

feng shui, home selling, newsday, celeste sally cheeseman, mlsli, realtors, photographs, new york feng shui, feng shui long island

Originally posted at: Feng Shui Long Island's Blog: The MLS POLICE have arrived! Thank you, Newsday!

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35 Comments on The MLS POLICE have arrived! Thank you, Newsday!

FEB

Picture not available homes are DOOMED to sit Carole. Very good point on your post of getting things ready ahead of time. Happy Valentine's Day.

Hi Carole! I agree, there needs to be a MLS police for sure. Now ours police us but it is more for the statistical- if that is a word- information and don't care one bit about the photos. I have to say that it is such a disservice to the seller to not coach them through the process. Not only is that photo terrible, it will be one of the reasons that the house does not sell thanks to the agent!!

Glad to see "bad MLS photos" are getting some attention! Photos are required in our MLS but some are so horrible you almost feel sorry for the sellers. Members of the Nat'l Assoc. of Realtors take an oath to protect and promote the interests of our Sellers - not sure how these horrible photos meet that standard!

We see that in our area too which is unbelievable. Those agents are doing a disservice to their clients. Another thing that cracks me up are the really bad pictures on the MLS. I love the blog site It's Lovely, I'll Take It - http://www.lovelylisting.com/, it shows some of the really bad MLS pictures.

Hi Carole...That should wake up a few REALTORS and hopefully some sellers also. It is interesting that Newsday is doing this series. (I have a cousin, now retired, who worked there for many years.)

It really makes you wonder why some agents do not take sufficient pride in their work. That's all it takes to make sure you are taking the best photos possible. If you cannot get a good photo of a particular room leave it out. Better that than a photo that would keep buyers from looking at the home.

Kate

Carole... I wonder what people think also. There are some that are just lazy, or that they have a method to get people in the door, but won't be upfront about it at first. And it goes as far as having pride in what you do. Again, some don't. It's nice that someone is questioning those on the MLS, and questioning their pictures. We need more awareness more than ever before and it starts with people like you in writing about it. thanks

jeff belonger

My FAVORITE pet peeve is agents who take the front (main) picture of the property from the car -LOVE the rear view mirror in the picture. The other picture that is a pet peeve is one that shows the paved street. I don't know why, but seeing anything before the curb bugs me. It's about doing a good job, taking time to do the job right, being professional.

I am appalled at what I'm seeing...I was just on our mls looking for properties for a buyer coming in two weeks and I declare....there was one junk picture of the front or none at all! People start wondering what's wrong with it...including me ....and why don't they show it if they claim it's a wonderful excellent condition home!

Thanks for the mention Carole...I didn't expect that! Rub the turtle for me!

FEB

There is no question that good photos are an essential part of marketing. I love to show a seller the write and wrong way to do things at a listing presentation. Visuals are always the best way to educate.

When a new lising comes up and there are no photos or descriptions, it goes to the bottom my pile. I won't send it to a customer unless I know exactly what apartment it is.

Being ready to go from day one is the name of the game.

Carole ~ I absolutely agree with you, and almost worse than no picture is just a picture of the front of the house. I usually think "the inside must be pretty bad then". If I think that, and I'm not even looking for a house, I can imagine that potential buyers are thinking the same thing. I came across that section of Newsday online by accident one day, and I have to say that I have agreed with every picture they've highlighted so far.

Carole: That picture of the home in Shirley is truly amazing. What was that agent thinking or is someone who just doesn't care. I would have to say no picture would be better than this picture. I am truly stunned. Looks like there needs to be an MLS police. Great post.

Carole - so true, but it's sad that we have to have policing from the outside. No wonder agents get a bad reputation.

It is incredible how "lazy" some agents can be. I would think the sellers would be checking to see how their home is displayed also! It is good that the newspaper is point out these blunders and hopefully the "guilty" agents will include decent photos.

Gary, So are homes with pictures like this I'm afraid. I can't imagine anyone posting these types of pictures....

Audrey, It is an absolute dis-service to the person trying to sell. People are more then likely to stay away from homes that have pictures like this.

Debbie, I'm not sure, either. Here photos are not required and I wonder what they're hiding.

Kevin & Monica, I'll have to go look at that link, thank you for including it. I'm glad someone is watching out for these sellers if their realtors aren't.

Kate, I agree with you. But shouldn't sellers be advised to clear up because pictures will be taken? Even if they put this stuff in a closet it would help. You would have loved the Newsday Tour...it really is facinating.

Jeff, I actually hesitated in writing this....but I can't BELIEVE the pictures (or lack of them) on our MLS. I'm glad someone is watching.

Dena, I don't know if it's laziness but do these people want to help their clients (and themselves) and sell homes? Seems to me, especially now, they would take much more care in their presentation.

Sally, That turtle is SO cute--Thank you! I have been watching these pictures and when I read you blog I thought of all the hard work you put into it and what I've been seeing. It IS a dis-service to their sellers and makes themselves look unprofessional.

Bill, I would have to believe that sellers are not being educated and just leaving their homes to the care of a realtor to sell them. I think if a homeowner saw their picture like this they would want a re-do. I'm glad you educate your clients.

Morgan, Maybe you need to come out to Long Island and give a class on presentations....I read your blogs and they are wonderful presentations...

Kathy, I can't believe it...I've been seeing this for about a month and I still can't believe they are putting up those types of photos! It hurts their clients and themselves.

Donna, This was only one in a series...wish I could have shown them all. One is worse then the other and I'm so glad Newsday started watching--maybe they will listen?

Sharon, Unfortunately here this is common. I've been on the site quite often and truly can't believe the pictures they are putting up.

Joan, I would have to think the sellers don't think about checking their home pictures....if they did they would surely have them removed or clean up and do another picture. Maybe they don't think to check--after leaving it to the professionals.

Carole, maybe that's why some houses aren't in the mlsli- the real estate agents can't take pictures...nah.

I love looking at the horrible photos, but am sure that the sellers would be mortified!

Carole - I would rather NOT take the photo than take one like that! Skip that room, accent the visually appealing. If the interior is not fit to take photos of then it's time to have a chat with the homeowner. The agent is responsible for promoting the home and facilitating the sale - the homeowner is responsible for making the home presentable. We all have to do our part.

Laurie, I am always amazed at what I find on there. It's hurting the sellers; I would think they could take an extra few minutes to take some nice photos.

Carol, Maybe that is what's holding them back? Having that "chat" with the homeowner. I wonder if they just find it too difficult to be honest with them.....I can't think of any other reason.

FEB

Carole- I love that saying Re take this picture, please :) In Ca we seem to have the MLS Police when you least expect them :) I think that's kinda funny about the pictures though.

Carole--As an agent, I for one would not want to be showcased in this way. Certainly lets your clients know you didn't do your job very publicly too!

I will NEVER understand how an agent who doesn't bother posting at least one photo for their listing actually expects it to sell. I don't spend much time on those listings, and neither does anyone else I have talked with.

I just don't get this either Carole - Our MLS says that you must have a front picture and it must be of the house (I find it hilarious that they had to say that) but there are tons of agents that don't put any interior shots. I don't care how crappy the house looks, I am going to find something to put for internal pics because I know for a fact that many people won't even look at the listing if they don't have interior pics.

hi Carole,

That should keep people on their toes...

Carole--I agree wholeheartedly, and I'm in a constant state of wonder at the number of agents still out there surviving in this market who fail to market their listings properly!

I've actually started interviewing listing agents when I call on their properties to ensure that I'm not wasting my buyers' time in even looking at the property, prior to showing--especially when the listing is a distressed property, which so many, sadly, are. Too many contracts are getting stalled due to improper representation!

Carole -- our RMLS has a rule that you have to have at least one photo -- and it has to be of the front! It is amazing to me how many agents don't even do that. Obniously the MLS police aren't on it! There are so many statistics avaialble to us that consumers want photos -- the more the better - and they LOVE virtual tours! I won't even start on the truly bad photos - blurry, dark, indistinct, plies of junk/clutter on counters, etc.

Carole. I wish we had you around here full time! Mercy you are good. I am trying to sell my own home right now. Did you see the slide show? If not you might look at it and tell me why my place isn't even showing...too high? Ugly? Bad Feng Shui? I just don't know. Do i really want to move? Not sure....

I'm waiting on your post for the passion contest. I KNOW YOU ARE PASSIONATE. Period.

Later in the rain~Deb

Kathy, I wouldn't be laughing if I was one of their clients. This is a terrible injustice and I am having a difficult time figuring out why they post them.

Teri, I wouldn't either but then again, I don't believe you would put pictures like this up. I can't understand it because they are deterring buyers.

Jim & Maria, There are many homes on our MLS that have no pictures--it just says "Photo not available." I don't think these are helping buyers and I'll bet it wastes a lot of time.

Tami, Here you don't even have to put up a picture of the outside! That is horrendous and there should be some rules on MLS photos. IThere's not just a few like this, there are many!

Jo, A recent look by me on the MLS and they haven't changed.....there are so many it's just unbelievable.

Loretta, I too believe it is a waste of time. Show accurate pictures of the home (but in the best possible state you can) and don't misrepresent. How about when it says a little "TLC" and the home needs huge renovations (or more).

Alexsandra, It's a shame, honestly. I wonder if they don't want to speak to their sellers or if they're lazy but this is not a way to represent someone. And it's not professional. It reflects poorly on the Realtor I believe.

Deb, I'm trying, it's been a crazy two weeks....I know I don't have much time and that's exactly what I need...more time :)

FEB

I've been looking for another company to found. You might just have given me an idea: MLSP, LLP -- LOL.

There's a site that someone found recently called uglyhousephotos.com. You should go have a laugh at all the Shirleys of the world.

Carole - My Mls Association has police and they DO police us. If we do not have a picture of at least the front of the home within 10 days they suspend the listing from the MLS. We are assessed $50 fines for infractions. Whether it be no picture, wrong information or incomplete information. In most cases this is really good and has helped MANY in our area put pictures up and frankly better ones to avoid 50 bucks. It does however suck when someone gets a fine because we used traditional and contemporary in our home field. Our choices are limited to 1 but believe me when I tell you I see a lot of traditional but contemporary homes. Narrowing it down to 1 is sometimes hard.

hope you had a great valentines and presidents weekend, and great article, they are understaffed here, but getting around to policing the MLS

Boy I wish we had those police here! It still amazes me when I look at homes for sale and see...I mean don't see any pictures! Why?? In this market it is soooo important to show the best features of a home for sale. Period.

I love the home for sale in Shirley. The wording on the box "Skid-Mate" how sad....and the mess....I didn't even notice if there were any windows in the room....or how big the room was....ugh!

FEB

Bravo for the newspaper! Stagers have said it, but maybe this will get the attention of homeowners who are ready to list...make them think twice before selecting their agent, and choose one who can take a picture!

FEB

Carole - I don't waste time on listings without pictures, I know my clients won't like them. In this age of digital cameras there is no excuse.

I love your new look.

FEB

Russel, I'll have to check it out. It must be funny in a sad type of way. What a shame that homes are being marketed this way.

Melissa,I love that your MLS does that. And don't understand why ours doesn't. I have seen some of the worst photos that will only DETER a potential buyer and often times no pictures at all...no one is going to want to look at them. Our MLS could take a few lessons from yours :)

James, Thank you, same to you. If the pictures (or lack of them) are doing potential HARM, they should not be allowed up. I do wonder if the home owners see this.

Janice, Even though Newsday has taken this up, there's a new home up almost every day. Which means that they're still being put up that way even though it may bring unwanted attention to them. I don't understand it---at all.

Cheryl, I have to wonder if sellers are even thinking of that. I guess they believe their Realtor will take the best possible care of their listings--and how could they not? What a dis-service.

Jennifer, I don't blame you at all. I'm starting to wonder, however, if some are perfectly nice homes being represented by someone who is....lazy?

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