We’ve all experienced it, right? We’re searching through the MLS (or wherever you search to find listings – like maybe www.klaussenrealestate.com? ), and “AH-HA!” a new listing in the EXACT location in the EXACT price range you’ve been searching for right? We excitedly click on the listing to see it and… WHAT??? NO PICTURES??? What Gives? Don’t you hate it? What’s the first thought that goes through your mind? “What’s wrong with this property?” right?
As agents, my colleagues and I have discussed this many times. I believe that with no photos, it almost seems that there is something to hide. What? No pictures of the kitchen? It must be hideous! What? Rather than a picture of the front of the property, you get a glorious photo of the view taken off of the balcony? Must be a dog-ugly building, right? We are so quick to form opinions EVEN in the absence of information.
So what’s better? Doing a photo essay showing the good, the bad and the ugly and facing it head on? Or is it better to just omit all images at all and hope that it won’t deter a potentially interested buyer?
One particular challenge we face is the dreaded vacant property syndrome. It’s dreadful to see photo after photo of the corners of empty bedrooms! I have a vacant listing right now – but in my photos I have tried to include angles that would show off some of the features of the house – the open, new, updated kitchen – the openness of the first floor from the living room through the kitchen – bay window in the eating area, luxury soaking tub, etc… But the point is I still have a few pictures out there showing the property.
My conclusion is that photos are better attractors and lack thereof may quickly deter a prospect. In this market, I don’t think we can afford to deter ANYONE.
Happy Monday
Jennifer
PS Did you notice that my blog contains no photos today? Curious, huh?
Good points Jennifer. Our MLS requires one exterior front photo at a minimum to be uploaded within 10 days of posting the listing. But what about all the automated e-mails and early interest in the new listing? It does a seller a disservice in my opinion, to not have at least one good image available when first posted to the MLS. And there really is no excuse for not doing so.
I think the No Photos on the MLS isn’t Realtor strategy, but Realtor laziness. Any listing that doesn’t have the maximum 20 photos is harming their client. The amazing thing is it only costs $12 to post 20 photos!
Actually buyers should check out listings with no photos. Why? Homes that are marketed poorly will attract fewer buyers. Fewer buyers means fewer showing and a lower selling price.
So maybe you can get a better deal on those no photo listings.
Frank