Inspired by Jennifer Prestwich's post, What's with the Pictures on the MLS? (sorry, non-ActiveRainers, it's a member's only post), I thought I'd write the 'other side of the story of, at least some, bad MLS photos. BTW, if you want to see some really bad MLS photos, just type in 'bad MLS photos' in google and enjoy
I've seen some pretty bad listing photos in my time, too. If the goal of the seller is to get the best price out of the home in the shortest amount of time, then it's generally a good idea to a) stage the home so that it appears in it's best possible condition, and b) take GOOD photos of that home.
However, I think that there should also be some truth in the photos as well. I list a lot of short sales, distressed sales, estate owned homes, etc that are going to be sold in completely a "as, is - where, is" condition. With these, I take photos that show the property in it's "true light," so to speak, along with a pretty detailed description of it, as well. I do this for one simple reason...to make sure that both the buyer and their agent is fully aware of the true condition BEFORE they ever attempt to go look at the house.
Here's an example of a couple photos from one distressed listing:
As you can see, not really pretty photos! The others in the listing didn't get any better, either
Added to these was the description, which (somewhat summarized) was: Needs some major work! House is dirty, unkempt and outdated. Sold 'as is, where is' Definitely a Handyman special! Still, great price for the area and square footage!
I didn't even use the 'needs some TLC' on this one (which, if you read this blog, knows really stands for 'Tremendous Load of Crap')
What truly amazed me about this property (and others I do like it) were the number of feedback responses I got with things like:
Seller really should clean it up a little.
House was dirty.
Property needs work.
And my personal favorite: My clients were mortified with the amount of trash in the home and the amount of work needed.
To all of these, my responses were pretty much the same: Umm....did any of you see the photos of the property before making an appointment? Did any of you read the description of the home before making an appointment on the property?
Yes, bad listing photos of good homes is simply poor business. But bad listing photos of a bad home show it in it's true state and are good...if only the people believed their eyes!
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