Would You Buy This House...Poor Photo

Would You Buy This House...Poor Photo

I feel as a real estate professional that is my duty to do the very best job for my client and also feel it is a reflection on all of use when someone fails to meet the basic criteria.

Recently, I received a listing from one of the major internet advertisers and I couldn't believe the photo. Yes, this is the only photo for the house. Our MLS has standards one being the first photo MUST be the front of the house. Also our MLS allows us 36 photos which gives the viewer a pretty good idea of the house inside and out.

• Cropping Photos- I have taken photos of messy rooms but I try to shoot high or crop the room as it is never my intention to embarass the seller or their tenant. If the fireplace is off to the side, then crop it so it is in the middle. 
• Dark Photos- What I notice most that the photos are either crooked or too dark and both can be corrected easily on the internet with FREE editing tools like Ribbet or PicMonkey and I am sure there are many more including free photo editing on our computers. We are not altering the photo but just making it a little neater to interest the potential buyers.
• Crooked Photos are a problem too and can easily be straightened. 
• Bathroom Photos can be a real dilema. I too have had nightmare photos and had to return to take more just to get the perfect photo. Standing to the side, up on a ladder or step stool or down in the floor can help to keep your image out of the mirror.
• Blurry Photos certainly do not display the home accurately. Stop and get a clear image before running off to your next appointment.
• Retake Photos if necessary. If you get a listing, take the time to go back and get some better photos and replace the ones you already put in the MLS. 
• Cluttered Rooms- If it is too bad, then just leave that room out. Sometimes the seller or tenant just refused to clean up, then skip that room. Put an extra photo in of a nicer room or a close up an upgrade that will appeal to the viewer.
• Close the Toliet Lid- Yes, this is my pet peeve and I see it all the time. It only takes a second to close the lid before capturing the room.
• Use a good camera- I have 3 cameras but sometimes get great images from my iPad 6. I know we used to see this as a bad tool but they have improved over the years. 
• Hire a Company- There are many local places who will take your photos and are well worth the added cost. This can be taken off your taxes so you do get the money back.

Would you buy this house? Probably not and it might be a good fixer but how can you tell from this one photo which is not even the front of the house.

When I go to take my photos, sometimes I need to remove all the items off the bathroom vanity so I just do it. Same thing in the kitchen. Put dirty cups or a pan sitting on the stove in the sink while taking  your photos. Remove water bottles sitting around the house and straighten the bathroom towels. A few extra steps will improve your photos.

It is not my intention to embarass anyone but if your photo skills are lacking, go online and practice making them more inviting to the viewer. If you just cannot do a good job, you should hire someone or ask a fellow agent to help. Most of us would be glad to help a new agent take some enticing photos showing the good qualities of a listing. I am convinced there is a buyer for every property but it must be displayed correctly. 

Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog............