Brooke Wolford
By Brooke Wolford
It could just be me, but are you questioning why we still run into bad photos and poor property descriptions? It seems like a slight epidemic in my world lately. Every single time I run into this I always get a little frustrated and wonder how this happens.
A few examples:
1. A listing description that said, “Great starter home, just needs a little loving care.” When I arrived at the property, there was extensive fire damage and I would assume it was unlivable. The pictures shown were obviously taken prior to the fire, but when I spoke to the agent to schedule the showing, there was absolutely no mention of it.
2. A showing note: “Small/friendly dog (Tinkerbell) on the property.” When my clients and I walked in, the dog was not even close to small, it was a large Rottweiler and we were not able to view the property at all because the dog was in attack mode.
3. I once saw an agent do a drive-by to take a photo in my neighborhood. Get out of your car, people!
4. Some really great listing photos…
This was the main photo on the MLS. Not positive what this is.
Note to self…remember to turn the TV off prior to taking photos.
This needs some TLC…minor issues…notice the Febreze?
It’s frustrating to me that this still happens. How does this serve your seller? Nonetheless, how does any of this help the listing sell and get you paid? I provide the same basic services to all of my sellers regardless of price or condition. How does this help you get buyers? I just don’t get it! Take some time and do some work. It really shouldn’t be this difficult.
Brooke Wolford is a real estate practitioner with Coldwell Banker Burnet in Woodbury, Minn. Follow her blog at adventuresinrookierealestate.com.
Comments 10
Actually the mold photo is great. You actually know what you are getting into! If the description said “needs TLC” then I am LOL but otherwise kudos to that agent!
I’m with you; continually amazed at the lazy, inept attitude of so many listing agents. I would think that having just come through one of the toughest real estate markets in history would have forced all agents to at least raise the marketing bar a little bit. For God’s sake, at minimum, buy a $100 digital camera, get out of your car, and take 10-15 decent shots. Is the goal to “get listings” or to sell those listings? How are these jokers even still in business?
Couldn’t agree more! I also love when a listing has been on the market for 5+ days and there isn’t a single picture or only 1 exterior shot. It’s no wonder clients want us to cut our commission when we don’t offer professional services. Hire a photographer and put effort into your listings!
These are likely things done by part time agents with other full time jobs. They swing by on a Saturday morning on their way to their kid’s t-ball game and snap a few photos with their iPhone then put the listing up with their phone too. It takes a lot of effort to type all those important words on a touch pad! It is a shame because these agents, in the end, just make the rest of us look bad.
I love this article and it really hits home. I cannot describe how frustrating it is to read some descriptions on the proerties! Wow. Not to mention, it is summer people…get the snowy pics off the internet!
Great article. Kind of sad that our industry has historically had low standards of work ethic. Just do the work and all of your work well and it will show later. Thanks for the info.
Also, I think the part-time agents are not the source of the poorly taken pictures. They have to work twice as hard to get more done in a day. Either way, we need more professionalism for this career. Give respect, then receive respect.
All Good points. You would think that the tips that you make are obvious but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Photos are one of the most important things in and online real estate ad listing. Your commentary made laugh too. 🙂
Great article….LOVE the Febreze in the photo! Nice touch, I’m sure it did a lot to cover up the smell.
Do be that gal… 🙂 Good post Brooke, spot on!
I started working with a Realtor about three weeks ago; I am a first-time homebuyer and extremely cautious (read: critical) about every property I view. I can’t tell you how surprised I am to come across property photos that are CLEARLY Photoshopped (clone stamp, anyone?), meant to cover up poor paint jobs and shoddy craftsmanship.
I honestly don’t care what colors your walls are, or that your trim isn’t anything spectacular, but please don’t Photoshop. It makes you look desperate and details like that don’t matter that much to the buyer. It just seems like a waste of time spent on Photoshopping for no reason!