At least once a week, while checking the MLS, I find awful photos that an agent has loaded in to the MLS with his latest listing. I have been collecting them in a folder for a while, and sending them to my friend, Athol Kay, a Conneticut agent who has posted them on his "Bad MLS Photos" blog. Athol has since left the business, and I decided that I will just post them myself occasionally as I find them.
To me, the whole purpose of adding photos of listings is to present the attractive features that might make a potential buyer want to come see the property in person. With that in mind, see if you can figure out why an agent would include these photos (these were all actually in the SoCalMLS!):
I would really expect an agent to let his client know to clean everything up before the photos would be taken. In addition to the clutter all over the counter, and the open drawer with something sticking out of it, this agent couldn't even figure out how to get out of the way to avoid the flash in the mirror!
If the purpose of this photo is to prove that there is a lockbox on the door, couldn't the agent have at least pulled the junk mail and coupons off the door before taking the picture?
Sellers - before you sign a listing agreement, ask the agent to show you examples of his or her other listings and the photos that were used! Just because someone says they will put 20 photos in the MLS, doesn't mean they will be 20 good photos!
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Lake Forest, or other communities in South Orange County California, please contact me to help!
Vicki Lloyd, MBA, e-PRO, Realtor
The Real Estate Professionals
(949) 457-0281
email :Vicki@VickiLloyd.com
http://LiveLakeForest.com
 |
|
|
Specializing in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Trabuco Canyon, and surrounding areas of South Orange County.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Vicki - photos like this are pretty shocking, but unfortunately all too common. Wonder what the clients would think? Of course they have the mess so perhaps they would not even consider it an issue.
Jeff
I agree with you 100%. I would rather have no photographs than bad photographs. Bad photographs can disqualify your property in the prospect's mind. With all of the software programs out there, it seems simple to adjust lighting, crop the photo, etc. I don't mean using PhotoShop to eliminate power lines and other thing. I'm talking about correcting deficiencies in the photo, not the property.. To not present the property in the best light (no pun intended) is just lazy.
Hi Jeff - The seller who owns the (obviously vacant) house with the clutter on the door, probably has no idea that the photo is being used to "market" his property. The one who owns the messy bathroom probably doesn't know any better and thinks it looks fine, unless it is a non-occupying owner who has no clue that his tenant doesn't want the property to sell soon!
Hi Ryan - Yes, photos should not be used unless they add a reason to view the property in person. It's a pet peave of mine that so many of them are so poor!
Vicky just a heads up for you. I would be very careful posting another agents photos. You could easily get sued for doing this. As far fetched as it sounds what if the person who's photos you are posting finds out? I think they will be pissed that you are making an example of them. We are in a sue happy society unfortunately. If you look around AR the last few days there is a lot of discussion about copyright and people getting taken to court for photos that don't belong to them getting post. A word to the wise:)
Vicky - Bill is right about being careful posting another agents photos. It is true, I have seen pictures on million dollar properties that are not done very professional. I also think that the Sellers never see these pictures and have no clue. Great point about showing your other listings with a photo presentation.
Bill & Petra - I actually thought about it a little bit, but decided to take a chance. These photos have already been spread all over the internet to all the real estate sites through idx, or real estate portals. With no identification of the agent or property, I sincerely doubt that anyone would come after me. (And who would want to admit that they put these out to "sell" the home?)