March 9th, 2008
“Stunning Architectural Features (and clutter)”
This is probably a very nice home, and the kitchen looks large enough that good pictures could be taken even without a wide-angle lens. This is just laziness. Always clean your home and remove clutter before your REALTOR® comes by to take the photos. And if they aren’t good enough, then tell him or her to do them over or hire a professional. You are after all, paying for it.
See all the usual suspects here.
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I couldn’t agree with you more. That’s a really horrible photo. Bad composition, poor lighting, and the list goes on. Not to mention that the owner left everything out and about as you mentioned. If that were my house I would be furious!
Hi Tim!
I’ve been enjoying your bad MLS photos, and I totally agree, some of them are dreadful!
I wonder, do you think people selling feel so cocky in such a strong market that they feel like they don’t have to try? And buyers are so desperate feeling to “get into the market” that they don’t care as much about the pictures as they used to??
I’m also curious (as someone who – gasp – hasn’t gotten into the market yet) if you think the B.C. bubble will ever burst? I don’t want my friends to get screwed over, but yeah, I think the only way we’ll ever be able to afford a house with a yard and all that good stuff is if the prices drop out drastically.
Thanks for the message Christina,
I think your comment raises some interesting points. I think that we’re already in a market (at least here in Victoria), where visual presentation, including photography is becoming increasingly important. The homes that are selling quickly and for top dollar are presented and marketed better, which is where the right agent can make all the difference. It’s no longer sufficient to stick a sign in the lawn and hope it sells. There are lots of places for buyers to look at now, and they’re going to seek out the ones that look nice.
As far as the “bubble” bursting, I can’t see any reason to expect a major downturn in the market in the near future. The increase in prices in recent years has been fueled by an influx in population from all over, moving to a milder climate and a beautiful location, among other things like low interest rates, etc.
That being said, the downward pressure on our economy from the impending recession in the U.S. (although we are certainly less affected in the west) can’t be ignored. Prices are likely going to level off and increase in the single-digit numbers this year and perhaps for a few years. We’ll probably see month-to-month ups and downs of average and median prices.
Thanks for the answers, that makes a lot of sense … especially regarding the better marketing, I suppose even in a strong market, a more desirable looking home is going to sell faster and for more.
Man, you really know your stuff. I wish we could hire you over here when we do finally decide it’s time to make the leap!!