Special offer
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS, Selling Your Home as if it were My Own! (Panorama R.E. Limited)

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Rainmaker
1,543,662
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I will include interior photos where possible. If they are unavailable or ridiculously bad, I'll make a comment in the MLS. I tell it like it is, "tenants are not neat freaks-no photos". I don't want to end up on the wall of shame in the Q&A by you know who  I do like Sybil Campbell does. I take a lot of investment properties, so it's a common issue I work around.

Apr 13, 2016 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

If the interior is really trashed I take a lot of outside photos and maybe even photos of the neighborhood amenities.

Apr 13, 2016 11:47 PM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I'm afraid I would pass on this listing as others have shared. A messy interior is a red flag to the entire transaction becoming messy!

Apr 13, 2016 11:41 PM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

I would only use pictures that help "sell" the property. So unless the one is selling at a discount at which point one could turn the messy inside into a selling point, like - just move the tenants out and clean the place up and make an instant _$__________.  I would include messy interior photos if I was using the mess to "sell" the home. If the seller is not selling at a discount for the mess, I may pass on the listing altogether, as whether you use interior photos or not it will be a challenge to get sold.

Apr 13, 2016 11:26 PM
Rainer
56,684
LeAnn Sink - Realtor Knoxville, TN
United Real Estate Solutions - Knoxville, TN
#ThinkSink when you need an agent.

Tough question.....I have seen pictures of complete messes on the MLS and frankly it's embarrassing to show or send to clients! Clients look at you like, "what are you sending me?"  On the other hand, if it's priced right for the condition then the messy pics aren't an issue; it's almost expected.   If the home is going to be priced at market value or above, then a sh**hole is not acceptable and I personally would demand that it be tidied prior to listing or I'd move on. NEXT!

Apr 13, 2016 11:16 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not include interior photos if the home is in disrepair or otherwise just a mess. Some of the probate properties I've listed only had exterior photos and the marketing reflected "fixer" to set the correct expectations with buyers. 

Apr 14, 2016 01:58 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'm going to photograph EVERYTHING - FOR MY FILE.
Any decent photos will go into marketing. Explanation in MLS that this is a damn mess and the price reflects that, and ping me for additional photos prior to showing--then provide the additional photos directly to a buyer's agent with intent to show so they are duly prepared for what lies ahead.
Whether I take or refuse a listing depends on a multitude of factors -- there is no blanket denial for condition necessarily. One real estate guru says "If it smells, it smells like money [for an investor]", and there is a butt for every saddle.
If the prospective client is an a-hole, PITA or blitheing idiot . . . then request is denied, regardless of the property. YMMV

Apr 14, 2016 01:19 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Typically, I would think the lack of interior photos is speaking volumes about the property.  If available and noted as such in the mls only remarks to allow selling agents to properly inform their clients upfront -- I may include "before tenant" photos.  I would also suggest having a floor plan of the property as part of the marketing strategy.   

Apr 13, 2016 11:55 PM
Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

Failure to take (and include in the MLS listing) interior photos could be considered an unacceptable standard of practice in some Associations. Check with the folks at your Board.

Apr 13, 2016 11:31 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

No I do not always take interior pictures for homes for sale (I rarely engage in rent/least transactions)

Why would you want to 'unsell/unrent' a property?

Knowledgeable buyer/renter knows the community and places a high value on what they already know. 

If needed include 'currently occupied, no interior images, call LA.' 

 

Apr 13, 2016 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
316,098
Robert Smith
Preview Properties, PC - http://www.RealEstateMich.com - Brighton, MI
SRES, Search for Homes Brighton-Howell-SE Michigan

I agree with Anthony Acosta.  Enlist the seller to help get the interior presentable. 

Apr 13, 2016 11:13 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I make sure the property is in good shape before taking pictures.  I arrange a day with the seller to insure that the property shows well for  picture day otherwise, the listing gets pushed back until the property is ready for the camera.

Apr 13, 2016 11:06 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Depends on what the inside looks like .

Apr 13, 2016 11:02 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,488
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Yes, even if the interior is less than attractive.  The buyer will know what to expect.

Apr 17, 2016 12:58 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,636
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

My listings are always shot by a professional photographer and are only taken when the house is ready!

Apr 15, 2016 11:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

We always take both interior and exterior photos.

Apr 14, 2016 01:24 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Yes unless it is a tear down or a piece of land.

Apr 14, 2016 01:24 PM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

I always have interior photos taken, but they might not be used in the listing.  Depending on why they aren't used there would be a comment in the listing to address that.

Apr 14, 2016 01:02 PM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Include the pics from before the tenant moved in, they are looking to buy the house, not the tenants stuff.

Apr 14, 2016 12:52 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Many listing agents use previous photos. from when the house was vacant.  Does this constitute misleading advertising? 

Apr 14, 2016 12:28 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yes, IF>>>FI they will turn out good.  Not dirty or cluttered and as long as the seller gives permission

Apr 14, 2016 11:48 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I have an excellent videographer that works with me no matter how bad the home looks.  We rearrange the home to get the right shot.  Inside, backyard, front of home, street view, schools, mall, parks, schools, HOA amenities.  All of these and more have been used on my listings.

Apr 14, 2016 06:46 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

If the house in not in a condition to take interiors and not willing to clean I won't list.  Tenants however are a different story.  I have had a few tenant occupied listings over the years where I could only use the interior shots they approved of me using.  I don't like that situation, but I do understand it.

Apr 14, 2016 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

It depends upon the situation.  For example, a property advertised as a tear-down may not need interior photos.

Apr 14, 2016 05:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

If the inside isn't photo worthy, I don't take photos.  Just the outside.  Not having inside photos tells the agents it's a dump or pigsty inside, no need to explain further.  If I have photos of the house before people moved in, I'll use those.  I did this twice in the last month with rentals I listed.  I don't like to have people's personal property on display when avoidable.

Apr 14, 2016 05:23 AM
Rainer
2,615
Nadia Aidi
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
Your realtor in Tucson. Hablo español.

I always take interior pictures, as detailed as I can. The only alternative to pictures are videos, because it gives a more real feel to it.

Apr 14, 2016 05:10 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

It's good to have interior photo's. Understand that some buyers/renters will not even focus on a property without photo's. I would try to get several with the permission of the tenant, especially if I had to move things around (read pick up?) temporarily, just for the shots. If it's messy, would not take that photo, would tidy up a few areas. 

Apr 14, 2016 03:21 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Yes, we always take interior and exterior pictures.  Our niche is an age-restricted community, so some homes are vacant and some are occupied.  Have only had one case of a hoarder, and did not do any inside pictures until the house was emptied out.  This took time, and that was fine - it was an older couple using walkers and not in the best of health - they saved everything.  For your average buyer, meaning not a flipper, I would think it would not be an advantage to show the house as a true mess.  Though for some, if the 'price is right' the mess will be doable (not for everyone, obviously) Richard Robibero, ABR, SRS.  Because of our HOA, there are no obvious signs of property in disrepair from the outside, so in this situation, that is not an issue.  Regarding the inside, some folks have done nothing in the 8 or 12 years they lived in that house - when light bulbs burned out, they never replaced them - just didn't use those lights (ok, he was '80', but still?)!   

Apr 14, 2016 02:41 AM
Rainer
32,857
Leanne Carpenter
RE/MAX Realty Professionals - Mobile, AL

I would make a disclosure on the mls that there is a tenant unwilling to make the home show ready. I would take pictures of the interior showing the mess and then say that interior photos can be shown upon request. If it were my client and the tenant is not the owner I would tell the owner that the tenant is not getting the home show ready and he/she needs to address them immediately if he wants the home to sell as quickly as possible

Apr 14, 2016 02:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Richard Robibero, ABR, SRS I don't think I would take interior photos. First impression will limit probably chances of selling.

Apr 14, 2016 01:42 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

Yes, I will do the best I can.  Since prospective buyers should understand what they may be getting into.

Apr 14, 2016 01:23 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Once a property is "Ready for Showtime" we call in the professional photographer.

Apr 14, 2016 12:10 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Whatever is in the property description should have a photo is a good rule...To be honest, all standard bedrooms are the same. A pic saying this is similar will do until the buyer to be actually sees it are my thoughts

Apr 14, 2016 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

I won't list a home with that situation.  It sounds like an impossible sale with an unwilling tenant.  

I do think including pictures of a home that is a mess will deter buyers from wanting to see it, and it also invites lowball offers.

My two cents and only because you asked. 

Apr 13, 2016 11:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We will not take a listing under these circumstances, so never a problem.

Apr 13, 2016 11:15 PM