My new definition of the word “Photo”: A deceptive way to record something that may or may not be an accurate portrayal.
I wrote the response below to a blog written by Sharon Tara regarding photos that may be a bit deceptive. It is a great blog…read it here: At What Point Would You Consider Real Estate Listing Photos Deceptive?
By deceptive, I mean…deceptively accurate…you know…”yes, that is true, but there is more to the story” deceptive.
In other words, portraying the property in a way that makes it seem nicer than it actually is.
It is kind of funny how we have to tap dance a fine line when we want to share what we perceive is valuable constructive criticism of our industry...isn't it?
Sharon did it eloquently and gently...and then there is me. I wade in to the fray with both barrels blazing and crap flying!!
You are absolutely correct, I wrote. I see it all the time.
To the agents who waste my time with fake news...ie: glam shot photos of your listing...."Knock it Off!!"
I want the truth…the whole truth…and nothing but the truth about your listing! I can handle the truth and I can help my clients understand it if I can just be prepared and not blindsided.
I rarely show houses...but the same happens with ag land, rentals, and commercial properties.
On Wednesday last week I drove about 25 miles to show a "tri-plex" to a client and let me tell you...CAMERAS LIE!!
The home in the photo may or ot be in move in condition and miles from nowhere!!
If it is a fixer upper…tell us…we can handle the truth.
On the computer we could not tell that another house was within 10 feet or that the siding, roof, and most windows, soffit, fascia, porch railings, gutters (what little there was) all needed replaced. The large porch roof had a huge sway back and would need to be rebuilt.
The trees needed a huge trimming and the grass was not there even though it had a sprinkler system. What sidewalk was there was in bad shape. We never even made it to the garage or the back side of the property.
Inside the home was a complete botched up disaster and was a perfect example why Homeowners and Landlords should be required to take a “hands on” construction test before being allowed to buy any lumber, tile, cabinets, baseboard trim, counter tops, and plumbing supplies from a lumber yard.
The power was turned off and there was 12" of frozen water in the tanks of the toilets, and the seats were not secured with tape or notices...which tells me the home was NOT winterized by a professional.
I told my clients to run away as fast as they can and do not look back unless they have an extra 100K lying around.
I also told them that if they were interested I would only write an offer in the range that was at least 60% less than asking price and as is with no inspection requirements...otherwise they could call the listing agent.
"But it looked so nice in the pictures on Realtor.com" the buyer said. I replied...."yeah...but even I look good in pictures!" To which her husband retorted..."are you sure?"
Moral of the Story?
Honesty follows you everywhere..even behind the camera...so be honest!!
Until next time...Be Safe...and take accurate photos!!
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