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Susan Haughton, Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results. (Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545)

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Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Susan Haughton ...if they will allow it, I will do it or work around it but not until they heard from me on the subject in detail and what it means to them

Mar 13, 2016 12:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Susan, I refuse to list these types of properties let alone take pictures. 

Mar 13, 2016 12:02 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I believe my job is to teach Buyers how to look past things that don't stay with the home and look strictly at the bones of the place and nothing else.  Dirt is temporary

Mar 13, 2016 12:01 AM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

I move the furniture myself for the photos, but return it the way the owner wants it. More times than not, they like the changes and keep them.

Mar 13, 2016 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

House cleaning is not the responsibility of the listing agent.

Mar 13, 2016 12:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,761
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

We have moved furnitue and will clear cluttered countertops and sinks for photos. Then, we return everything to how it was. But, we tell the homeowner it will not sell if it is left like that during showings...

Mar 13, 2016 12:38 AM
Rainmaker
140,768
Joan Dickie
Keller Williams Premier Realty - La Crosse, WI
Keller Williams Premier Realty

I have moved things around for pictures.  I explain that they are leaving money on the table.

Mar 13, 2016 12:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I would certainly try to tighten up the presentation myself a little bit. Some of the stuff we see where nobody's made any effort whatsoever is pretty awful. I hope you gals can find something nice for them to buy.

Mar 12, 2016 11:42 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Susan,

I like Susan Emo answer, I can overlook all that when looking at a home.  I know bones, and like her I can show bones.  Now for your client, their refusal to do that may mean as you no doubt told them leaving $$$ on the table.  A

Mar 13, 2016 12:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Debbie and I have actually moved things ourselves to get a decent shot.

Mar 12, 2016 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

What is clean to you or your client may not be the same as a potential client.  It's all in perception 

Mar 12, 2016 11:37 PM
Rainer
223,831
LUXURYSOCALREALTY COMPASS La Jolla
Compass - La Jolla, CA
San Diego Partner - The Private Client Network

Hi Susan I've cleaned and moved myself especially when property is tenant occupied. 

Mar 13, 2016 12:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

What can help? Forcing them to watch staging videos?

I bet what would really help is if they could truly hear what the buyers think. It might embarrass them into doing it.

I have straightened up for pictures & have been mad as hell about it. I've noticed that when I put things away or in a certain position, they stay there. (Like Lyn knows best).

Maybe they are just struck by fear of what to do? Overwhelmed on what needs to be done?

I will not be Annette Benning in that movie!

Mar 13, 2016 12:18 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I can not make it more important to me than it is to the client.

I will do what is reasonable to get a good shot. At the very least, roll up my sleeves to get 'the' money shot.

HOWEVER, the seller may have things going on in their life that prevents them from doing what they truly want to do, (meaning it IS important to them) and I will go the extra mile and give my cloak also. Very often a sale is caused by declining health. For these souls I will do what ever is needed.

I will not get trapped onto being house keeper or cleaning agent for the seller who is oblivious to the situation.

Mar 13, 2016 12:07 AM
Rainer
392,768
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Sometimes I will photograph it and then share the photos with the seller and ask which ones they think will bring the most buyers.  Sometimes just moving a trash can for the photo will inspire the seller.  If they just like it the way it is, then I just post what it is the way it is.  After all, this is what buyers will see when they get there.

Mar 13, 2016 12:05 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I always show a seller what their competition is, and if they want the top dollar, they need to have it pristine or price it accordingly! 

Mar 15, 2016 11:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

Leave it as is.

Mar 13, 2016 07:47 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Susan. I would never walk away from a listing and would work around any issues, as long as the price is correct. I would certainly let any prospective buyers or selling agents know in advance.

Mar 13, 2016 06:37 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

My assistant and I frequently rearrange and tidy a listing before photoshooting. Some people think they are clean and ready and are not close.

Mar 13, 2016 01:30 PM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

I have never had a client not have their home ready for photos - they are always excited to see it after they finish following the staging report that I provided them...which includes the before photos.  As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words"!

Mar 13, 2016 01:19 PM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential
​Susan,
Unless it is an as is sale, it meets our specs or we don't list it.
Mar 13, 2016 12:44 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Photo as is, only move things when required.

Mar 13, 2016 12:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,237
Ritu Desai 703-625-4949
Samson Properties - Chantilly, VA
Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor

I have cleaned and picked up things lying around the home so that we can get the best picture shot. I educated the sellers but some just don't get it. It is my job to represent them to the finest. If the home has deferred maintenance I will skip pictures all together and just take the exterior if that shows well.

Mar 13, 2016 11:25 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Sometimes you just have to take the photos if you can't get a seller to cooperate or understand.

Mar 13, 2016 11:10 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Is this a listing that is worth your time? If so then photograph it and put it out there. Price cures all failures 

Mar 13, 2016 10:25 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Many times I have done best and then I will also have an agent frined tour it and write the issues...that helps

Mar 13, 2016 09:15 AM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Sometimes you have to ask yourself if it is worth it to have this client.

If they cannot clean up for photo day, will they clean up for showings?

Mar 13, 2016 09:12 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Yes and you can't ever win the situation 

Mar 13, 2016 08:47 AM
Rainmaker
785,464
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

Susan Haughton I have moved items before in order to take pictures, specially in the kitchen and baths.

Mar 13, 2016 08:30 AM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I don't list it if they won't clean it up

Mar 13, 2016 07:14 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I walk a house with my client several hours before photography. If it's not right, I cancel the photo session. At some point you really need to determine if that is a truly motivated seller. At the very least, if condition is not prime, asking price needs to be adjusted for that. At some point, I can't be caring more about the sale than my client.

Mar 13, 2016 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I've moved items and did the best I could with some folks.  I've also given back the listing in one occasion.

Mar 13, 2016 05:58 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

another reason I was thankful that new construction was my niche!!!! I gave the resales to others....

Mar 13, 2016 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I have often moved items.  Sometimes I take selective photos of the house.

Mar 13, 2016 05:06 AM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

I have a stager come in and we give the sellers a to-do list.  I would reconsider the listing, if the seller wasn't willing to stage the house and keep it in good order.  That said, I have often moved stuff around to get the best photo, and then moved it back.

Mar 13, 2016 04:26 AM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

Many times are the clients want to watch me take pictures, so I will direct them to move trash cans, toilet brushes, dirty towels, clothes, toiletries, coffee makers, etc for the shot and they are more than happy to do so. If it's just me, I will do it, but put everything back where I found it.

Mar 13, 2016 04:08 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

If the seller is home I get permission to move things.  If not, I move things. I've moved piles of laundry on top of the bed ... and all sorts of things to get the photos looking the very best. 

Mar 13, 2016 04:03 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I've been known to move some clutter from room to room for a shoot.  But most of my sellers are pretty obedient when it comes to the prep work.

Mar 13, 2016 04:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

If no cooperation from the seller in proper listing preparation, then we will not list the home as it may not sell immediately and that results in us spending more of our marketing dollars.

Mar 13, 2016 03:39 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I move stuff around all the time; do not take photo's of what doesn't "measure up".

Mar 13, 2016 03:26 AM
Ambassador
2,293,897
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

We are listing a home filled with stuff - it's not dirty but cluttered. The elderly sellers are doing their best. We will be helping move items out of the way, temporarily for photos - I will also make a note in the agent remarks. Fortunately, the views are so stunning - the house takes a subservient role. 

Mar 13, 2016 03:19 AM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

If allowed I have moved a few things. I have been fortunate with listings but I have seen a few that make me cringe. I talk with buyers about looking beyond what does not stay with the house. The deferred maintenance is another matter!

Mar 13, 2016 01:14 AM