House Pictures for the MLS

House Pictures for the MLS

Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2013 · 14 posts · 4 votes

Hi! 

I've been flipping houses with a colleague for the last 2 years. My colleague takes pride on the interior design and renovations that are done to the properties. However, when the house is done the agent takes the worst pictures known to mankind. As the project manager and investor, I'd mentioned numerous times that the agent could do better with the pictures, to what my colleague responds with "the houses are showing...". Now, I don't have an UG in Marketing but, if we want to build a professional REI company I'm pretty sure that the picture issue needs to get fixed. Everytime I see the agent in one of the projects, he seems to be in a rush. I take that as a sign of poor time management, my colleague calls it hustling. Now, I don't want to be perceived as an arrogant fool but, I think we could do better. Also, I'm not a professional photographer.

Now, I few things you guys might need to know.

1- The agent and my colleague have known each other before I joined the business.

2- I believe my colleague does not want to upset him in fear of straining the relationship. 

Finally, I don't know if I'm thinking too much into it or, it's something that it should be considered when uploading pictures in the MLS. I've attached two pictures. The first one is mine and the second one is the one on the MLS.

Please advise. 

Cheers! 

-A 

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Russell BrazilBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
10y

Professional photography is a must. Everything I see non professional pictures on the mls I wonder who is hiring these hack agents.

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21 Replies

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  • Flipper/Rehabber · Montgomery, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    I have had people argue with me that the photographs don't matter...

    With that said I couldn't disagree more. I think the photos are one of the initial draws that show the quality of the renovation. Making something shine in all of your hard work and then snapping a terrible photo is not doing any justice.

    The photos above show your picture, which is nice, but as you seem to know, nothing special. The Ad photo you posted is terrible. To me your photo would lead me to believe it was a nice clean flip. The second photo I would pass right by and not catch the work that was done.

    On my latest ad I used a photo editing software to get presentable photos. Maybe you can try taking yours like above, edit them some and offer them to the realtor. It will take you time and energy, but I honestly feel your realtors photos are hurting your showings!

  • Investor · BARRIE, Ontario · Member since 2014 · 52 posts · 15 votes
    10y

    i don't see why having a proper/enthusiast photographer take quality pictures of your units would put a strain on your partners relationship with his realtor... ?

    If I was a realtor ID be thankful that someone was willing to take that on for me, especially if the pictures I took were as poor as the example you showed.

    Seems logical to want to have a professional product be displayed in a professional way.

  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    10y

    Professional photography is a must. Everything I see non professional pictures on the mls I wonder who is hiring these hack agents.

  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Russell Brazil:

    Professional photography is a must. Ever time I see non professional pictures on the mls I wonder who is hiring these hack agents.

  • Brandon MoffittPro Member
    Real Estate Broker · Arkansas - Texas · Member since 2016 · 42 posts · 20 votes
    10y
    I agree that using a professional photographer is a must. I hire one on every house I list and the cost is nominal (under $80). By hiring a professional, I have quality photographs delivered to my inbox and do not have to ask myself if the home is adequately photographed or make subsequent trips to the home to take additional photos. If you are an experienced photographer that others ask to take their photos, then you can do it yourself. If not, you must hire someone.
  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 7 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    In my area there are inexpensive freelance photographers on CL. They have pro equipment and know how "make it pop". Try a pro without spending the pro bucks by hitting CL. 

    Your pic (assuming it was taken on a cell phone) should not look better then the pic on the MLS... but it does.

    If the photos make a difference,  I'm sure all parties involved will be happy. 

    Much Success 

  • Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2013 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    Gentleman, thank you all for the suggestions and comments. This site is truly a magnificent place to seek advice from professionals. 

    Cheers! 

    -A 

  • Investor · Schaumburg, IL · Member since 2015 · 44 posts · 16 votes
    10y

    The only reason you hire an agent is for them to market your property effectively. If your realtor doesn't understand the importance of that first touch of how everyone shops for houses at this age, you might want to consider getting another realtor. If they can't take proper pix themselves, the least they should do is work with a professional photographer and give you the option. 

  • Investor · Schaumburg, IL · Member since 2015 · 44 posts · 16 votes
    10y

    BTW, shoes at the corner...that's just hilarious...lol

  • Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2013 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    @Jimmy Chou, right, I hope the buyer doesn't think that those shoes are for sale too.. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2016 · 58 posts · 13 votes
    10y

    @Alejandro Sosa pictures definitely matters!! your pic actually look much more professional than the one taken by " a professional photographer", is he getting paid? and those shoes on the floor though, really? lol. well since its a partnership between you and your friend and he does not want to hurt the relationship he has with the photographer, how about you do the talking? I take my business very serious so that means everyone on my team including photographers must perform. and good luck

  • Flipper/Rehabber · Montgomery, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    I will say that when shopping for photographers, I found no one would touch it for under $300 and a couple even wanted $500-1000... I would love to find someone who takes very nice photos for $80!

  • Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2013 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    @Comfort S.- I'm sorry if I didn't clarified it earlier. The person who took the not so good pictures was the agent, not a professional photographer. There's no way I'll be paying a photographer for such product- Thx for your comment! 

  • Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 710 posts · 200 votes
    10y

    Pro RE pictures are cheap - less than $200. The agent should cover it.

    They make a huge difference in how the property is presented on the MLS.

  • Investor · Hortonville, WI · Member since 2016 · 52 posts · 25 votes
    10y
    Can you get good semi pro pics taken and just hand them to your realtor on a cd when he walks in the door? Slightly off topic. Are those handles in the center of your kitchen doors? Is that a new trend I have never seen before?
  • Real Estate Agent · Rocklin, CA · Member since 2016 · 79 posts · 50 votes
    10y

    I pay $400 to have every listing professionally photographed, they come out phenomenal. My sellers are happy, buyers always compliment. It even drives in business through more buyer leads. An added perk is I can track how many people click through to the virtual tour.

    Agents or sellers who don't pay for professional photography are stepping over dollars to pick up dimes IMO.

  • Rental Property Investor · Knoxville, TN · Member since 2011 · 701 posts · 531 votes
    10y

    I've used a guy locally that charges based on sale price. Not sure why that matters but he generally charges $60-$120, which I think is reasonable, my agent not so much. But I'm not having having crappy photos of a house I have $100k+ in so the agent can save $100, not happening. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Knoxville, TN · Member since 2011 · 701 posts · 531 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Christopher B.:

    I've used a guy that charges based on sale price. Not sure why that matters but he generally charges $60-$120, which I think is reasonable, my agent not so much. But I'm not having having crappy photos of a house I have $100-200k+ in so the agent can save $100, not happening. 

  • Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2013 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    @Erin Margaret- Good Eye Erin! Yes the handles are in the center. Thx for your input! 

    Cheers! 

    -A 

  • Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2013 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    @Chris Isaacson That makes a lot of sense to me. I have the same idea as far as professional photography goes, that's why I asked about it. It seems to me that only the best pictures should be on the MLS.

  • Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2013 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    @Christopher B. That's awesome! I like his concept of pricing, I really think is quite fair and professional. Thanks for your input!

    Cheers!

    -A  

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