I’m a big fan of honesty in advertising. But I was also trained to take the best picture possible when marketing a house. That doesn’t mean doing any kind of digital fakery, it just means taking a good picture. Clearing clutter off counters, maximizing available light, getting multiple angles and choosing the best one.
When the house for sale is a major renovation project, as are a couple of houses I’ve got listed right now, it’s important to show them as they are. Online shoppers should know what they’re getting into before making an appointment to see them.
But no matter how I try, one of those houses I’ve listed manages to put its best foot forward in most pictures.
The kitchen, which definitely has some vintage charm, also has obvious issues. The pictures I took are heavy on the charm and light on the issues. Every single picture. I tried. It just can’t help looking cute.
Other rooms are equally tricky. And an apartment that comes with the property, also in need to total renovation, looks like you could move in tomorrow. You couldn’t.
I’m having to hope my descriptions keep buyers’ expectations realistic. Yesterday’s potential buyers clearly weren’t. They had stars in their eyes and all they saw was a dream, not the work that is the harsh reality.
If a realtor tells you a place is in need of total renovation, please believe them. We don’t want you to discourage you, but we also don’t want you to be disappointed.