90 of homebuyers used the Internet as an information source, 77 percent of Internet homebuyers drove by or viewed a home they saw online and 36 percent of buyers first found their home on the Internet...

JM data

I am a Real Estate Investor, and this has always been one of my pet peeves! Bottom line most Real Estate Agents are Agents, cause they are too lazy to clock in every day. It shows in their listings! This is why I plan on starting my own Brokerage also for the some of the same reasons you have in your posts! I like your standards
My recent post First time home buyers Bossier City

I could not agree more with your comments. House selling is all about presentation and that's where a Realtor can help you. Your site is very useful and highlights some wonderful points all very thought provoking.
My recent post How to sell your house privately

It staggers me still that some agents (commercial and residential) do the bare minimum to market their clients listing. The times are changing very rapidly and some agents aren't staying up to date.

Nice read!

I've just been experiencing a similar thing, having spent the last month or so looking for a new car, the amount of listings with 0-3 photos is ridiculous! You're right in saying it frustrates potential buyers, some of those cars might have been exactly what I was looking for, but I won't entertain any adverts with no photos. Why should I? To me it shows laziness on the sellers part, and if they are lazy with a 5 minute job such as uploading pictures, what else have they been lazy with?

The fact that there is the same issue with selling homes online baffles me!

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.Bettyhttp://mortgagecalculato-r.com

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.Bettyhttp://mortgagecalculato-r.com

I couldnt agree more. If im going to take the time to go look at a property, I want a good idea I know it's worth my time.

Great post... we are in a visual age. It's amazing how many people can't do the minimum and it's a common occurance in the Denver MLS system as well.

RE Agents- do you want to sell that listing faster & for more? Hire a pro home photog. http://tinyurl.com/ach4my http://tinyurl.com/caf9m8

RE Agents- do you want to sell that listing faster & for more? Hire a pro home photog. http://tinyurl.com/ach4my http://tinyurl.com/caf9m8

RE Agents- do you want to sell that listing faster & for more? Hire a pro home photog. http://tinyurl.com/ach4my http://tinyurl.com/caf9m8

RE Agents- do you want to sell that listing faster & for more? Hire a pro home photog. http://tinyurl.com/ach4my http://tinyurl.com/caf9m8

<a rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/nyproperty4sale"&g... It's a national issue- <a rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/PhxREguy">@PhxR... posted this last month, and it really struck a chord with me: http://tinyurl.com/caf9m8

http://tinyurl.com/caf9m8

In such a buyer's market, I'm shocked so little is being done to help sell homes. It's understandable that people might be trying to save money and time by not posting pictures and/or hiring an agent, but people DO want their homes sold, right?

Professionalism wins the day.

Wonderful rant, I agree 100%. I really have to wonder about the home sellers that allow their real estate agent to be so slack too; they need to step up and demand a very basic part of the service they deserve-pictures of their house!

**MaryAnn Knell-Peoria Real Estate´s last blog post..10 Steps to Achieving the American Dream of Home Ownership!</abbr></abbr>

Photos are so important, not only to the potential buyers but to realtors. I count on the photos to help me help my clients. Lots of photos are important and they should be flattering!

You actually have given me the Idea to search for properties without photos. Maybe since people aren't getting offers, you can get a better deal. Let their mistake of not putting up good photos be your gain.

LOVE! Much love for this post Jay. Anyone that proves the value of a good photograph (or any photograph in this case) Is a friend of mine. :)

**tysoncrosbie´s last blog post..</abbr></abbr>

Jay, you would be amazed how many Realtors in the Raleigh area don't post more than a couple of pictures for their listings; it just blows my mind.

**Linda Craft-Raleigh Real Estate´s last blog post..Staging Your House to Sell</abbr></abbr>

There is that and there are other things like improper showing remarks. I am starting to go along with the belief that it is to easy to get and keep your real estate license. Lazy Realtors just drive me crazy.

**Dean Ouellette´s last blog post..Zillow, great source but buyer beware</abbr></abbr>

I just did a quick look on our MLS and compared two areas (active listings). One area had over 62% with 10 photos (max allowed) and the other approx. 40% with 10 photos. One thing became obvious - which I already knew - bank owned and short sales 90%+ had either 1 or 2 photos. And they were not good ones either.

**Rita Burke´s last blog post..Free Events in Denver - Denver Art Museum Free Days</abbr></abbr>

I need to take a look at the Houston Market and see if we have similar results; that really kills me when agents are basically too lazy to upload (or take) some pictures and don't give their clients home a fair chance to show and sell. How very sad for those home sellers to get short changed on service. So if any of you are in Houston and unhappy with your Realtor.....lol.

**Meg Zoller-Houston Realtor´s last blog post..Houston Real Estate Reaps Benefits of Statewide Population Growth</abbr></abbr>

Photos are only part of the problem - Sellers never list your house for more then 30 days - If the listing agent is doing their job then relist, if not - NEXT agent! This keeps agents VERY MOTIVATED. Sellers, it is your job to prepare the house for showing and PRICE IT COMPETITIVELY! In this market an over priced property WILL NOT EVEN GET SHOWINGS! Yes you must compete with foreclosures.

On a listing presentation to an expired listing, I often contrast the old photos to photos from my listings to make a point. The last one I got was $1.9 million. With that kind of money you can afford a really good camera and take classes, too! Last week a Canadian cash buyer requested interior photos of a listing I sent her. I couldn't even get a showing to take the photos myself. Needless to say, that house won't be on my buyer's list to see.

**Claudia Jordan´s last blog post..Rio Verde Foothills Open House Tours</abbr></abbr>

Jay, Thanks for this post. I couldn't agree more, and I'm baffled by how many agents don't take the few minutes required to do this job correctly.

A client told me this week that another Realtor (who did not get the listing, mind you) said she didn't like to upload many photos because she didn't want to "give it all away," thinking that this would force people to visit the house to see what it looked like inside. I can only wonder how many potential showings she has missed out on with this attitude.

There are few other products I can imagine someone trying to market without putting any effort into packaging and promotion. Imagine: "Just buy this product; you'll love the surprise you find inside!"

**Sara Mariani Abbas´s last blog post..Cedar Park: Silverado Ranch - 4 BR 2.5 BA Home for Sale - $227,500</abbr></abbr>

Our MLS is about to implement a requirement to have at least one photo after X days or there will be a fine.

I have heard that some sellers of the ultra expensive homes don't want interior photos if there is artwork or other possessions that a thief might watch for. Thieves shop online as well.

**Elaine Reese´s last blog post..Bad MLS Photos … Pitiful or Fun.</abbr></abbr>

You know, it doesn't surprise me that agents that read (and write) real estate blogs find this practice as pathetic as I do. That says a lot about the caliber of agent that puts in the time to do this blogging thing.

But what I'd really like to hear from is one, just one agent that doesn't put photos in a listing. Obviously they are out there, in droves. If there is a logical explanation, I'd love to hear it! ('m not holding my breath)

Michael - Yes, you inspired example #2, but it's the listing agent, not you, that got me all fired up! (that screaming hand is a bit disturbing...)

Oh oh - me thinks I may have poked the Jay monster with my request. I appear to be example #2.

I love you guys - now if I could just sell one of mine, I'd buy one of those sweet homes in 85207.

THOMPSON's REALTY ROCKS !

I have to admit the screaming hand bothered me a twitter...lol

Jay, I found your blog last week and I think it is one of the best real estate blogs on the net. You're not afraid to tell it like it is and in a way that people understand.

**Dani D´s last blog post..First Time Buyer Assistance is BACK!!</abbr></abbr>

This is the same exact behavior we see in Tucson. I think a lot of agents are just brain-dead. Also I think their clients aren't much ahead of it because how could you justify your agent taking one picture of your 5+ million dollar home. It's just ridiculous.

I am a client and I am going to buy a home in the Phoenix area as soon as I sell my residence in Idaho. I use MLS or Jay's site at least 3 or 4 times a week developing and culling a list of homes I will consider buying once Idaho is complete. I am appalled at the number of homes with no pic, 1 pic (wow could they spare the effort) and generally less than 5 pics. I do eliminate homes for purchase consideration that have few or no pics. In the range I'm looking at it appears to me to be 30% have no or less than 3 pics. Why wouldn't MLS drive this process and force more and better pics. Thanks for your time.

Another thought on pictures, especially here in Minnesota....keep them updated! I am always amazed at how many listings in February still have nice green grass exterior photos! We have been buried under the white stuff since at least early Dec so that is over 60 days at a minimum that some agents haven't updated their photos for their clients.

**Nate´s last blog post..End unit townhouse in Eden Prairie</abbr></abbr>

Sometimes I wish we could compete and go after another Realtor's clients when you see this going on as the Realtor is really not serving the client well and probably not doing their Fiduciary. Makes me wonder if it would make the industry operate at a higher plateau or not if Realtors who are doing this knew that other Realtors would call it out to their clients in the hopes of getting their business. I can only hope that the business is moving to a more professional level gradually and that this is fading way overall.

**Chandler Real Estate´s last blog post..A Chandler Home with Great Curb Appeal</abbr></abbr>

Right on - Amen - One of the most astounding comments I heard when our MLS stopped taking drive by photos of listings was this guy who had no clue then of how a photo was going to get on his listing. Several people in the training class turned to him and said "try getting a camera and uploading more than one" Duh

If you don't know how to upload a photo on your listing, and can't find someone to help you it is time to find a new profession.... my thoughts of course

**Irene Hammond´s last blog post..Hong Kong Orchid in bloom</abbr></abbr>

I've said it before but I feel compelled to say it again. 'DO YOUR JOB!' You said with that line it in a nutshell. To fail to do such a bare minimum is a breach in your duty. Our California contract states 'Diligent exercise of reasonable skill and care in performance of duties.' If that isn't an example of a failing in that one clause, I don't know what is, yet we see the same pathetic performance in Orange County. I'm at a loss. I just don't get it.

**Linsey´s last blog post..The Numbers Are Telling You a Story</abbr></abbr>

Jay, my last agent hired a professional photographer - what a difference - house sold in 2 weeks! Most foreclosures have such poor photos - no wonder they sell for such huge discounts - poor marketing efforts by their agents! Sellers should educate themselves on marketing real estate and demand listing agents earn that commision. Tim

Jay - I couldn't agree more!

I once took over an expired listing. Didn't change the price at all. Just put more than 10 minutes into writing a description, and replaced the prior agent's single crappy photo (that must have been taken at high noon) with about a dozen other ones. I didn't even take the majority of the photos! I asked my client for pictures he had taken over the years. The best of his bunch was a picture of his home with an amazing double-rainbow behind it.

Showings per week tripled, and we got an offer within 3 weeks (without a price reduction.)

**Joel McDonald´s last blog post..How will people find my real estate blog?</abbr></abbr>

OK Jay, this one got me thinking that I should look closer at the Tallahassee housing market. I copied your theme but applied my graphing to see our results were similar to yours - > http://blog.manausa.com/04/home-sale-pictures/

This is just unreal to me. It sounds like in Phoenix you still need to get rid of at least 36% based on every agent having the same percentage of the listings. Which we know isn't true.

Jay,

Another timely post. I lost out on a listing two weeks ago, because I take my own photos, rather than hiring a professional photographer. (I used to hire a photographer, but stopped when I realized that I was using my photographs, rather than the ones I was paying for, and was also getting feedback from others that I should be using my own photos.)

Yesterday, I was curious to see who actually got the listing, so I visited the MLS to discover that the home is listed with agent who left behind the big glossy company marketing book, and has posted exactly one photo of the front of the house, with the her car in the driveway. This house has been on the market 13 days.

And, I can also tell you that recently I got one of those lecturing emails from a prospective buyer, telling me to stop sending her listings without adequate photos, and didn't those listing agents know that relocating buyers needed to see the house photographically, since they couldn't be there in person. Now her home search discards any listing that has fewer than 4 photos.

You got it right. Lessons for us all.

**Dru Bloomfield´s last blog post..Scottsdale Market Update: Condos vs. Single Family Homes</abbr></abbr>

Sometime I wonder if we want to sell OUR own home. We've had it listed for several months and have no intention of lowering the price. We're guilty of not marketing our home properly as well. The saying goes something like, "Th cobbler's kids have no shoes to wear!"

**Colleen´s last blog post..I Love Jesus But I Drink A Little</abbr></abbr>

Hey Jay, great post. When I read the headline, I thought it was going to be about overpriced listings... I too am amazed at the effort displayed by some agents when marketing a home. Just copying the old MLS listing (that failed to sell) seems to become somewhat the standard. Your article inspired me to check the MLS stats for my market.

**Joe Manausa - Tallahassee Real Estate´s last blog post..<a href="http://blog.manausa.com/feeder/?FeederAction=click... Happening In Ox Bottom Manor Is Happening In Tallahassee Real Estate</abbr></abbr>

Add that listing to your listing presentation... "With me, your home will be marketed far better than this and many other Paradise Valley mansions."

By the way, there are three $5.5 million dollar listings in Paradise Valley and 2 of the 3 only have 1 photo.

(Owners of luxury homes with a lot of valuable artwork are often concerned about publishing certain interior photos for security reasons, however, that doesn't apply here since that home is vacant.)

(Also, Jay, I think you may underestimate the skills you have. For most Realtors, for example, creating the simplest hosted blog would be impossible. Professional quality cameras with wide-angle lens? Nope. Process photos in Photoshop? No way. Syndicate listings? Of course, not.)

**John Wake´s last blog post..Phoenix housing affordability near pre-boom levels</abbr></abbr>

It boggles my mind when people don't "invest" in marketing. It truly is a case of tripping over the dollar bills to collect nickles.

Our MLS recently implemented a $25 fine if the agent has not posted a photo within 10 days .

**Tina Fountain´s last blog post..1513 Jones Road - Roswell Luxury Home</abbr></abbr>

This problem isn't unique to real estate. I provide internet marketing services. What I see companies pass off as SEO is appalling. It isn't that they don't know what do to, they just don't finish things completely. It makes my blood biol because the client is not getting what they pay for.

A house like you mentioned will not sell as you described... What are they thinking?

**gwen- Tucson SEO´s last blog post..The 109 Day Link Building Explosion - Day 34</abbr></abbr>

Very soon even 3 or 4 still photos won't cut it. We are looking at providing a service to forward looking realtors whereby we film guided video tours of houses. Video posted on a blog - that will be the new marketing paradigm for 2009! Guess which one house buyers will go to!

But it is good for realtors as well - they will get better qualified prospects and house buyers won't waste valuable time looking at houses they wouldn't have touched with a barge-pole if they'd seen better pictures!

**Jasper Blake´s last blog post..The Power of Blogs on Your Reputation</abbr></abbr>

I agree with the photo issue in that if i was purchasing a house and the listing didn't have an image I wouldn't pay it any attention. Why dont on-line estate agents force listings to have more images if its so important. If someone wants their property listed then they either have to provide more photos, or the company adding the listing needs to upload more images. Human nature people are lazy, give them and easy option and they will take it.