IS THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE ALWAYS THE BEST PICTURE?

I've used the backyard as a feature photo on many of my listings in the past.  Here in Arizona outdoor living is part of the package.  So if a backyard is spectacular we want that to be the first thing potential buyers to see.  On those particular listings where the backyard was fantastic I got many more inquiries than the homes where we just used the front exterior as our feature photo.  Good post Paula and best of luck to you.

I agree that sometimes the view from the back of the house epecially a water view is a good selling point or a pool view too. But I find that if on the MLS there is not one picture of the front of the house, you just know it's going to be really BAD.

As an appraiser, I don't really care which picture is the feature photo just as long as they are all there..and the more the merrier so to speak.  With new appraisal rules photos have become very important in the appraisal process.  I agree with Susan Shaw...if a photo is not there -- like the kitchen, say, then it usually means it's not good...LOL...

Thanks to all who put great photos in their listings! Just saying...

Hi Paula.. as for me I love mixing it up... and yes I am pleased to say that I have fully lived today... hope you have too..

It depends on the house and location. As a former builder's standpoint, I can appreciate all aspects. That being said I think the majority look at what the front looks like to capture the curiosity, and or the features inside. As on recent client commented, I love the pool area, but i don't live outside. In my opinion both photos are equally brilliant. 

Mixing it up keeps it fresh especially if the home has been on the market for awhile.

Love the pool in this photo!!!

Our MLS requires that a picture of the front of the house shows first otherwise they hit us with a $50 fine!  A shame when it is a condo on the ocean front and we have to show the front of the building instead of the view they are buying.

Hi Paula - Very interesting post. With our predominant architectural style placing the garages in the front of the house, we run into a lot of homes that leave us searching for a better way to catch some attention.

Paula, even if you use something like this woderful pool shot, I think it's still important to have a shot in there of the front of the house.  This one is beautiful.

If the front of the house is boring, but it has a nice pool, I might feature the pool picture on the MLS. The main picture needs to be interesting enough to hook the potential buyer and get them to look at the rest of the pictures.

I'm in favor of showing the home in the best possible way. Front, back, crawl space... :)

Thanks Paula.

Morning Paula I like what the agent done if the first picture you see shows off something that look sinviting and call to the buyer  this is your home.  Smart use of the lens.

The first picture should be the best feature of the home, within limits.  I also try to mix up the initial picture for different display options, so it doesn't appear to be the same home when potential buyers are searching on different platforms.

Thanks for sharing your observations.  Creative marketing should lead to the use of eye catching photographs.  A property this attractive should have many photographs that can be featured.

Enjoy the summertime activities with your camera in hand.

Paula, I'm on the fence with this one as I always in believe in leading with your best image, (you don't get a second chance to make a first impression) when you only get to show one image, however, if you can feature several images then I like to show the property in the order that the viewer will see when visiting the home, as I believe this reinforces a positive memory of the property.

It is certainly something that needs to be considered.  Each home can be so very different as to where the most effective photo may be.  I'm very fond of your first photo with the pool as well!

I always remember the class I took where the instructor said a bad photo is worse than no photo.  Now...I do appreciate ANY photo on say...an REO or Government-owned home vesus a blank site but I have to agree that often if the front of the home doesn't have that catch-your-attention curbside appeal...it's time to look over your photos and find what will hook the viewer.  Juli's re-blog sent me over here.  Good thoughts on this posting!