The MLS POLICE have arrived! Thank you, Newsday!

Carole, maybe that's why some houses aren't in the mlsli- the real estate agents can't take pictures...nah.

 I love looking at the horrible photos, but am sure that the sellers would be mortified!

Carole - I would rather NOT take the photo than take one like that!  Skip that room, accent the visually appealing.  If the interior is not fit to take photos of then it's time to have a chat with the homeowner.  The agent is responsible for promoting the home and facilitating the sale - the homeowner is responsible for making the home presentable.  We all have to do our part.

Carole- I love that saying Re take this picture, please :)  In Ca we seem to have the MLS Police when you least expect them :)  I think that's kinda funny about the pictures though.

Carole--As an agent, I for one would not want to be showcased in this way. Certainly lets your clients know you didn't do your job very publicly too!

I will NEVER understand how an agent who doesn't bother posting at least one photo for their listing actually expects it to sell.  I don't spend much time on those listings, and neither does anyone else I have talked with.

I just don't get this either Carole - Our MLS says that you must have a front picture and it must be of the house (I find it hilarious that they had to say that) but there are tons of agents that don't put any interior shots.  I don't care how crappy the house looks, I am going to find something to put for internal pics because I know for a fact that many people won't even look at the listing if they don't have interior pics.

hi Carole,

That should keep people on their toes...

Jo

Carole--I agree wholeheartedly, and I'm in a constant state of wonder at the number of agents still out there surviving in this market who fail to market their listings properly!

I've actually started interviewing listing agents when I call on their properties to ensure that I'm not wasting my buyers' time in even looking at the property, prior to showing--especially when the listing is a distressed property, which so many, sadly, are.  Too many contracts are getting stalled due to improper representation!

Carole --  our RMLS has a rule that you have to have at least one photo -- and it has to be of the front!  It is amazing to me how many agents don't even do that. Obniously the MLS police aren't on it!  There are so many statistics avaialble to us that consumers want photos -- the more the better - and they LOVE virtual tours!  I won't even start on the truly bad photos - blurry, dark, indistinct, plies of junk/clutter on counters, etc.

Carole. I wish we had you around here full time! Mercy you are good. I am trying to sell my own home right now. Did you see the slide show? If not you might look at it and tell me why my place isn't even showing...too high? Ugly? Bad Feng Shui? I just don't know. Do i really want to move? Not sure....

I'm waiting on your post for the passion contest. I KNOW YOU ARE PASSIONATE. Period.

Later in the rain~Deb

I've been looking for another company to found. You might just have given me an idea: MLSP, LLP -- LOL.

There's a site that someone found recently called uglyhousephotos.com. You should go have a laugh at all the Shirleys of the world.

Carole - My Mls Association has police and they DO police us. If we do not have a picture of at least the front of the home within 10 days they suspend the listing from the MLS. We are assessed $50 fines for infractions. Whether it be no picture, wrong information or incomplete information. In most cases this is really good and has helped MANY in our area put pictures up and frankly better ones to avoid 50 bucks. It does however suck when someone gets a fine because we used traditional and contemporary in our home field. Our choices are limited to 1 but believe me when I tell you I see a lot of traditional but contemporary homes. Narrowing it down to 1 is sometimes hard.

hope you had a great valentines and presidents weekend, and great article, they are understaffed here, but getting around to policing the MLS

Boy I wish we had those police here!  It still amazes me when I look at homes for sale and see...I mean don't see any pictures!   Why??  In this market it is soooo important to show the best features of a home for sale.  Period.

I love the home for sale in Shirley.  The wording on the box "Skid-Mate" how sad....and the mess....I didn't even notice if there were any windows in the room....or how big the room was....ugh!

Bravo for the newspaper! Stagers have said it, but maybe this will get the attention of homeowners who are ready to list...make them think twice before selecting their agent, and choose one who can take a picture!

Carole - I don't waste time on listings without pictures, I know my clients won't like them.  In this age of digital cameras there is no excuse.

I love your new look.