Photos Lie: The One Time a Listing Photo Fooled Me
We’ve all heard the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be honest—when it comes to real estate, we all judge a home by its listing photos.
And sometimes… the photos lie.
I remember pulling up to a listing that looked stunning online. The lawn in the pictures was a lush green carpet. The sky had that perfect golden-hour glow. The rooms were spotless, bright, and full of promise. My buyers were excited. I was excited.
Then we pulled into the driveway.
Let’s say… the photographer had been generous. The “lush” lawn was mostly weeds, the shutters were hanging a little crooked, and that gorgeous lighting? Added in post-production. Inside wasn’t much better. Same furniture, different reality. Dark corners, strong smells, and no sparkle we’d hoped for.
Were the photos inaccurate? Technically, no. But they painted a picture that reality couldn’t quite live up to.
Why This Matters
Listing photos are a powerful tool—they can make or break a showing. But they’re not the full story. And as agents, we’ve all had that awkward moment when we realize:
📸 This is not what we expected.
On the flip side, I’ve had listings that didn’t photograph well but were charming in person. Real buyers felt the layout, the natural light, the vibe—that intangible something that no photo can truly capture.
That’s why I always remind buyers:
Photos are an invitation, not a promise.
They get you in the door, but the experience inside the door is what matters.
Let’s Hear Your “Photos Lie” Story
We’ve all got at least one.
👉 Have you ever been fooled by listing photos—good or bad?
Maybe the photos oversold a property... or didn’t do it justice.
I’d love to hear your story. Whether you're an agent, buyer, seller, or stager, post it in the comments. Let’s pull back the curtain and discuss the reality behind the lens.
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