Unacceptable...

In our times and market, people will pass that one right on by because they think something is wrong with it.  Probably a discount broker did the listing.

I wish I could say that didnt happen often Lane.  It is really unfortunate to see things like that because the one who ultimately looses is the homeowner.  I, myself, went out to show properties today.  There were five houses my client wanted to see.  Three of them had incorrect directions in the MLS and the other two listings were shown as appointment only.  Sad part is the Realtors never called me back when I asked to make an appointment.

yeah, probably a discount broker. I truly believe your reputation follows you. I'm seeing evidence of that in my experience.

It sounds like it is a great time for agents who actually work and provide a high level of service.

I'd have to agree. I find it shocking that people actually sign an agreement with someone without knowing what they will receive for services...AND, that they don't expect more from their agent than they do. When I go on a listing appointment, I share my four page checklist of what I do from beginning to end...including the marketing...but sometimes, Sellers just don't seem to care and are more focused on hearing what the commission is rather than knowing what I will charge WHEN I sell their house...

Seems to me that either the Seller doesn't know any better or the Agent is taking advantage of their position and using commission as their only negotiating tool...Either way, the entire RE agent population is impacted.

Why don't you just send a mailing to the entire community that provides ALL owners/potential sellers with a list of services that you provide? Since you're not targeting only one home (which happens to be listed) there is no ethics violation.

Good luck!

You are right on - how much money does it cost to take a few pictures and upload them to the listing service - Surely, the agent has a digital camera.  The more pictures (updated for the seasons) the more people will look.  When we represent a Seller or a Buyer - we need to ask ourselves, Would this marketing/service be acceptable to me?  Would I hire myself to buy or sell real estate?  Discounter or not, that agent is just plain lazy if you ask me.

I feel that most agents in my area do not market their listings properly and the homeowner along with the public do not know the difference. Some agents are lazy and others just are not progressive enough to know what marketing tools are out there! I deal with this within me all the time! It is very difficult educating the public to realize a good and knowledgable agent versus a not so good agent! And then again, maybe the public doesn't care

I'm with you Lane. Bad agents taint us all. Let's hpoe the good ones shine through.

Great post Lane, you're right on the money! How much does it really cost to take new photos and input comments that will create excitement?

If I am talking to an expired listing I often take the old data sheet with me. Seller's are usually amazed at the presentation from their "old" Realtor. My big pet peeve - when an agent takes photo with a Christmas tree front and center - and you're still looking at that photo in the MLS six months later.

Maria - Full service broker.  And you are right.  I'm wondering why there aren't pics of the inside.

Kimberly - I will never understand agents that can't call back...

Mara - Not this time.

Craig - If it wasn't for many people thinking we all act like the worst of us, you might be right.

LaShawn - Maybe if I hadn't made this public blog post about crappy agents...

Mary - I'd add stupid to lazy...

Jean - I am always looking for a better way, but even the REALTORsauruses that haven't changed their marketing plan since the 1970s are doing more than this person was doing. 

Wayne - I hope we can. 

Debbie  - I got in trouble for that.  Took a listing sheet and the "seller" was related to the agent and the agent wanted to see what others were offering.  She called up and told me I made her look bad...  hhmm?  I did it, huh?

I had an owner today ask me why REA weren't doing thier jobs anymore?  I really didn't know what to tell her.

Lane: Agents like that give ALL of us a bad name, and lead to commission erosion.  Why WOULD people want to pay big bucks for our "service" if this is all they are getting out of it?

That said, I firmly believe that agents like that won't be able to last in today's market.  So many are dropping by the wayside...which is good news for those of us who strive to deliver the best service possible to our clients and customers.

When that listing expires I am sure you will be the first person knocking on their door.  Good luck hope you get that listing soon.

Lane - It happens here all the time. When sho a list of available properties to a buyer, they always throw out the ones with no pictures.

Cindy - We both know that a lot of us ARE doing our jobs.  But the agents that weren't doing their jobs three years ago (and still selling) are not doing their jobs now... and not selling.  

Kim - I know that there are some agents playing a numbers game.  Take as many listings as possible... over-priced, whatever, and then hope a few sell.  

Brad - That house isn't really in my niche.  I might keep an eye on it though.  

Larry - Amen. 

Now let me recap nothing is selling so I will draw back my marketing? My Guess is that homes are selling and the ones that sell are marketed correctly. Self fulfilling prophecy if I stop marketing my expense is going down but my guess is the income goes down more dramatically. Too Bad for the seller.

That type of thing really ticks me off too.  I have been working expireds since the market shifted and I just came across a $1,895,000 listing last week that had been on the market for 184 days.  184 days WITHOUT a SINGLE PHOTO!  

Pardon my French, but WTF!!!!

Hi Lane, I have seen the same things as well, I put out a post about a house that expired. Is it the economics or is this just a reason to not get the job done? Either way its not fair to the owners.

Terry - I'm right there with you.  But, a few years ago the agents didn't have to do anything... so now, it must be the market.  If you get enough listings, the lightning strikes will cover your costs.  

Sandra - I don't understand either... and I wonder if the seller knows what kind of "representation" they have. 

Bart - For a Doctor, it would be malpractice.  

I'm getting a new listing in about three weeks.  When I got to the house I was astonished.  Astonished that it looked so good.  The current listing shows only a long shot of a blacktop parking area, a garage, and a smidge of house.

Taking about fifteen paces to the right and walking down a grassy slope, you see a large, attractive, and interesting contemporary house (not a cape as is listed in the MLS).

6 pictures on the current listing.  I could easily take 5 pictures of JUST the outside. The inside does need some help - but it's not a bad fixer by any means and has several unique features - are any of these noted on the MLS?

No.

I am ashamed, and annoyed at teh same time.  Annoyed because these agents keep staying in business year after year after year.

I just sold a house that had been listed 2x before me.  Other agents not only had inaccurate info, but also had only a couple of shots of a very interesting and unique house...grand total of 8 pictures all together.  Our MLS is UNLIMITED.  I put up  25 pictures.  I had it under contract and sold in less than 6 months (our average DOM can be up to 18 mos, so 6 mos. is pretty good, considering I listed it just when things were slowing down for the year (November).  Had it under contract in March, closed last week.

Is it cause I'm so awesome?

Partly...lol I think it has more to do with the fact that I took the time to take good pictures of the place.

Maybe the one pic is a sign to you that it is a good listing.  Some agents here put in bad info and pics when they have  good one.  That can mean it is a good buy.  Of course yo have to convince them to let you show it , but that is another blog topic.

Many people are unmotivated or depressed right now and it shows (your example is perfect),

Ican't stand when I see just one picture, especially since you say this one was so bad. I know what winter pictures here in GA look like. It is so frustrating when you see this because there are agents who would market the home correctly and get it sold!!!

Any time there's a discussion on AR about photos, I seem to be playing devil's advocate.  I don't relish that role.  I DO like lots of photos.  And I AGREE it's probably lazy agents, in most cases. 

However, one photo is sometimes the best option.  I'd rather have prospective buyers come see the house before they know the kitchen and baths are outdated, the back yard has been destroyed by pets, the fence is falling down, there's a junk car on the side of the house, and the house is so cluttered you can barelly walk through.  Maybe buyers who actually go look at it will see the potential, the location, the floorplan... if so, maybe they'll buy a house they never would have considered if they'd seen the photos I described.

Sigh lazy agents make it tough for those of us who try to do everything we can to make our listings appealing on the MLS.  I don't care about the brochure box because my experience with them is they are more of a pain then they are worth but do think a little effort in the MLS description just isn't that hard to do.  Pictures should least be of this season. 

I call agents like the one you describe as "hope-givers." Why?  Because if they can do a crappy job and still get listings, I'm going to do just fine.....

I kind of agree that a lot of real estate agents are depressed.  Many are having to look at going back to other jobs and making a lot of financial adjustments.

I see a lot of "full service" agents doing exactly what you are talking about here.

There are always bad apples that make the rest of us shine. It does hurt though, to have people like that representing the industry. I can only say I wish there was a way to call these people out. 

Lane,

There could be a million reasons why the house has ended up on the MLS the way it did, none of them good. Some sellers aren't savvy enough to ask to see the MLS sheet, or flyers, or any advertising that's out for their property. Those are the ones who will be wondering why their listing hasn't sold in 3 to 6 months.

Oops!  Thats my comment above!  I wasn't responsible to log in first!  But I did follow up! :)

Now this is what a featured post is supposed to look like.  Nice job, Lane. 

I agree wholeheartedly.  I see agents here every day that don't utilize even the basic tools at their disposal to the sellers maximum benefit.  I would like to be able to chalk it up to something other than them being lazy, but so far I havne't found a better excuse. 

It ticks me off that I get colored with the same crayon that they do.   Right on.

Isn't it amazing what some agents get away with?  How do they keep getting business?  I wonder that all the time.  I often have clients who say "I saw my listing here, or there, or wherever".  Don't the sellers look at the way they are being advertised?  

Lane, when you see "stuff" like this do you ever get curious and check to see how long the agent has been licensed. And, which is better the one picture you found or several pictures that were taken OF pictures on a computer monitor? I saw this in the MLS and almost fell of my chair after I figured out why "Yahoo!" was at the top of the photos.

The ONLY good thing about an agent like that is when the seller is fed up with them for not doing their job,  and they call someone who does do their job and represent the seller to the best of their ability- Makes us look like Superman/woman.  Shame on agents like that.

Jim (and Lane), while I haven't pursued any listings yet I took a Listing Coordination class as part of virtual assistant training from Carolyn Nelson before realizing I was destined to be an agent. I am not sure if she still teaches these classes but similar courses would be great for all new, and not so new, agents. If I ever decided to pursue listings I am sure I would give competing agents a run for their money. I will teach my hubby/partner everything I know when he's ready. However, some things should be common sense. Right?

Anon - I'm in a situation right now with a listing that I was called by the seller of.  Wrong and missing info, and sitting on the market too long.  If I get the opportunity, I'm going to fix it.  

Heath - Still not a good excuse... "hiding" a good listing to try to double it is just ethically wrong.  

Joseph - Not an excuse for a professional.

Rob - Not as extreme as the snow, but you know how crappy lawns look in the winter, and how the azaleas are popping right now... pitiful. 

Margaret - I know where you are coming from, but outside was nice, neat and well kept.  I don't expect that the inside would have been that different...  May be outdated, but still probably well kept.

Cindy - I have a split opinion about the brochure box... and flyers in general, but since this place had NO other marketing, I was hoping for something.

Greg - I'd call this agent a hope giver because they are giving the seller hope that they can sell the house... and nothing else.  

Melina - Then you'd think they would be doing something to get it sold and get the check... That represents a lot of happy meals...

Anon - Amen to you, too.  I know that here I am speaking to the choir... but at least I also know some consumers are sitting in the pews and will know better than to accept this. 

Alan - But they don't make us shine, they make people think that unacceptable behavior is the norm... and for this consumer, it is 100% of their experience right now. 

Andrew - I had a conversation several years ago with an agent that had a listing out that was like this.  She said that they really didn't want to sell anymore, but didn't want to pay the $50 to withdraw... so they were going to let it sit there for 5 months.  Do you think that affects the real inventory?

Janice - I agree that the home seller needs to take responsibility, but at least there is a chance that they don't know they are being railroaded.

Jesse - Thanks.  I'm 2 for 2... maybe I can write another good one tonight...  But yes, I hate being lumped in with the lazy and inept.

Ida - I think that some don't know what they aren't getting. 

Toni - I have seen one that looked like it might have been... but I don't know.  I have seen a LOT of pics that the listing image (160x120 or whatever) was bigger than the original.

Audrey - But wouldn't it be nice if consumers knew that they stood a good chance of getting a great agent first time out?

Jim - I'm seeing a lot of agents that were power listers during the easy times a few years ago that are still power listers... and are just rolling the dice with numbers.  

Toni - I have never been a big lister... but i have a plan, and it is going to sting some big listers out there when I get it implemented. 

I totally agree with you Lane. Its too bad that most sellers dont ask to see their listing agents marketing efforts. If they did they would be astonished unless that is what they wanted and asked for? to me a one pic listing is evidence of both an unmotivated seller and listing agent and I would pass it by like most others!

Cape Cod Realtor

Just wait patiently....and be the agent who gets the listing when it expires.

Ditto to the above.  There are so many great agents out there - it does make you wonder how something like this happens. . .

Hi Lane - You made a very good point and I was getting ready to post about this same thing based on an incident I recently experienced.  I hope you don't mind, I linked to your post in my post. (confused yet? LOL)

Lane...I find it absolutely amazing a listing agent cannot do the job they are asked to do.  My husband and I get frustrated with how inept individuals can be in this market.  Your tag line was right on...UNACCEPTABLE!

C. Lange

Hi Lane, unfortunately i run across listing like the one you described all too many times. It's a shame anyone can get a license...

Lane, I absolutely agree.  However, it is amazing how everyone makes the assumption that "it must be a discounter?"  How do you discount something that is 100% negotiable?  I think it comes down to standards.  This agent has obvious low or non-existant standards.  The broker or manager is also to blame in the fact that the company or office has set very low unacceptable standards.  There has to be some quality control and communication from the manager/broker for standards. 

Hey Lane~Keep plugging away. As long as most of us keep doing what is right for the client maybe the rest will fade away.

That is just pathetic and agree, unacceptable. Seems there are more of these in this market however, unfortunately.

Lane,

Ditto.

We were referred to this young couple by a Realtor friend in another state with whom I've done millions of dollars of business and she's friends with the wife's parents. They told us they'd already interviewed an agent from another agency who was going to give them a break on commissions if he did the buy/sell for them, so they were strongly leaning that way, but they wanted to talk to us since we came to highly recommended. We made an appt. that evening for the next evening, but of course, my computer died that night, so we had to spend time the next day getting it repaired and couldn't make the appt. I texted her, called her at work, e-mailed her (from Blackberry) and called her when she got home from work. She'd already told me it would be ok if we had to re-schedule for a little later in the week because it was such short notice. We got the pre-listing packet all together, took a color picture of the exterior of her home, set up a talking house demo for her, everything. We were smokin'! I hadn't heard back from her all day, but she has an infant and had been working, so I chalked it up to her being busy.

We went by that evening to drop off a copy of the pre-listing packet for both of them at their home whereupon we found that agent's sign in their yard and lockbox on their door. We didn't even get the courtesy of letting us know they'd chosen someone else before meeting with us.

So, we looked at the MLS listing the next day. It's listed with no virtual tour, 5 photos, abbreviations like you list above, doesn't list any features of the home (just close to schools, shopping, freeways, etc.), no private remarks, directions say see mapsco, and the commission break he promised them? He's offering 2.5% BAC and 3% SAC. So, whose best interests are being served here? That's so frustrating to me on so many levels. I just sent them a nice note and said we hope you get what you want for your home, hope everything works out and if not, please give us a call.

Terri Hayley, Real Estate Consultant

It would be interesting to preview the house for yourself.  Perhaps there is more there than meets the eye.

I liked your comment about being colored with the same crayon

When agents say they are not going to put time and money into marketing when business is slow they show that they do not understand the concept of marketing - when business is slow you should put more resources into marketing, in any business!  It doesn't take that much effort to take pictures and type in appropriate information - seriously, how lazy is that?

Last time I checked, our area in Long Island had multiple photos with only 25% of the listings shown on Realtor.com. SEVENTY FIVE PERCENT had only one photo. Unbelievable.

Lane, very true. I'm going on a listing appointment Tues. IT is a home listed at 685,000. She was mad at her agent because there are 3 homes in her sub for sale and they keep driving by her house and looking at the others. She thought it was the sign in her yard, which didn't look professional. 

I went to the MLS and ONLY ONE PHOTO,  the others had 10. He also had it in the wrong area. I don't list out  of my board, I can't service the clients like I am accustomed too.  

Gee it sounds like this is happening all across the country. Its got to make you wonder about real estate agents and the public that they serve or dont serve! But please dont color all with the same crayon!

Cape Cod Realtor

Stephen - So many sellers just see that an agent has a reputation (possibly earned when sales were easy) and lists a lot of property... they could be motivated and underserved. 

Tamara - I might have to open a division outside my niche to deal with these situations...

Nyles - It happens because some people have low expectations... and this is why.

Tiffany - I don't mind getting linked a bit.  

Anon - I think that there are too many agents that got lazy when sales were easy... and I hope many of them straighten up or find different work. 

Cheron - We are right there on that soapbox together. 

Klarque - I wish that these situations were rare... but they aren't.

David - In this case it isn't a "non-traditional model" (I avoided saying discounter this time).  And in the days of the mega broker with 300 agents, I can see how the broker doesn't know what is going on... especially with a "seasoned" agent.  Still wrong, though.

Doug - We can hope.

B & C - Hoping for the cleansing. 

Terri - It will be interesting to see if you end up with it.  I have seen a lot of instances where a seller was embarrassed that they didn't choose a certain agent the first time around, and they are afraid to pick them for round two.

Allison - I know what you are saying, but let's just assume the inside looks like a bad movie set.  Wouldn't it be better to let potential buyers know that up front?

Shannon - I disagree a little.  If we wait until it is slow to turn up the marketing, then it will get slow...  If we consistently market, business will be consistent. 

Laurie - That is truly pathetic.  

Missy - I did a re-list on a home a while back that was mis-mapped, in the wrong MLS area, and had the wrong number of bathrooms and bedrooms.   It was on a cul-de-sac and was going to have NO drive-by traffic.  They had one showing in six months.  In the 6 months I had it (list to close), I had 70 showings... no price reductions (they couldn't afford to drop the price, but I felt it could sell... they knew the risk)... and we sold it for full price...

I send everything to my clients to look over (in case they see errors) so they know what they are getting.  It's a pity that the home wasn't shown in the best light :(

Lane,

This will make you chuckle:)  I held an open house on Sunday afternoon, many years ago, prior to digital cameras and the internet.  I had hired our board photographer to shoot some photos of the property.  Three of the customers who came to my open house, exclaimed that the photos looked so much better than the house they were then, standing in.  I just didn't say a thing!

It is becoming a true professional's market.  I see changes, too.  The strong will survive and continue doing the good stuff:)

It's a Good Life!

Fran

Lane, I completely and totally agree. This is the reason why I offer to make flyers for my real estate agents to dress things up a little bit, including new pictures with my camera. I don't think broker supplied pictures or no virtual tours are acceptable. I don't care what my commission was on the home either. Although I am a loan officer, I do see both sides of the coin!

Lane, this is an excellent post.  It really says it all.  Lazy and or money hungry agents are what gives this business a bad name.  Since you took time out of your day to research this house tells me that it more than likely has great curb appeal...big selling point.  Such a shame the agent isn't doing what they promised the seller they would do. 

Lane,   Lots of that going around.  As the market heats up they will also rise with the tide.  Just keep your high standards and be known for what you do best !

If you cut back, you most definitely should tell the clients you are representing. No one wants to pay for a yacht and get a dingy....

Lane - You said it all!  Photos are #1, then accurate and descriptive remarks about the property, and finally a virtual tour!  A virtual assistant can be a great resource for those "techno-challenged" agents who don't know how to post photos, create tours, locate the popular websites, create flyers, etc. (...shameless plug, couldn't help myself!)

Patty Keller, AnotherME

Renee - I have to admit that I don't send everything to my clients.  They get a representative sample.  I will tweak things like Craigslist ads as I see something getting more traction.  I always think it is a little funny when a client does a Google search and sees more that they expected.

Fran - Is that good or bad?

Jennifer - And there are still probably people too lazy to get it done.  

Bob - I always wonder how someone can be money hungry and not deliver.

Bill - Can't we poke some holes in them?

Christy - We know that they won't say "Hey, BTW, I'm not really marketing property anymore, 'cuz nobody is buying."

Patty - I swear to God when I get busy I'll be hiring you... but for now I LIKE staying up late.

I'm just catching up on some posts I didn't read and this one really got my attention. To me there's nothing that can be more frustrating than to do a full-court press for a listing presentation and then find that it was given to the nice neighbor lady from church who doesn't do a dang thing for the seller. Let's face it, there are some lazy agents out there but what gets me is the fact that it takes almost no more time to take and upload multiple good pictures than it does to take and upload one crummy one. With the overwhelming number of buyers finding something they want to see on the internet, it seems obvious to me that any good agent should be doing everything in their power to grab their attention. To sellers everywhere: Check your listing. You can bet if you have a half-baked job on your pictures and description, you have a half-baked job on everything else. If your property sells it will be pure luck. Be pro-active.

Chris - Thanks for dropping in.  There is another listing I lost out on to the nice lady from church.. two and a half years later it is still on the market...