CATFISH HOUSES

Are you familiar with the MTV show “Catfish”? You know the show where people get in relationships online and then the host of Catfish brings them together to meet in person for the first time. If you have ever watched an episode you can probably 

predict how the majority of the first-encounters turn out, one person is honest and has posted real life pictures and the other....well doesn't show up the way they portrayed themselves. The relationship may have had a chance if both sides were 

honest but unfortunately, false advertising signals dishonesty therefore the relationship often ends on the spot. 

As Realtors, we are all too familiar with our clients falling in love with pictures of their dream homes online only to find that when they actually step foot inside the thresholds, their dreams unveil themselves to reveal the nightmares they really are. The real estate market is flooded with skewed pictures of houses with poor lighting, overshot angles that double kitchen sizes, pictures that conceal flaws or blot out blemishes just to name a few. The moral of the story is that while pictures often give a good idea of what to expect, you should not rely on them to show the whole truth. The same goes for the other side of the story. Some houses are skipped over and never given a chance due to bad pictures. 

The Regal Homes team uses professional cameras to ensure our listings have quality photos of the important features that clients want to see. We also prep our clients on how to stage their homes such as decluttering, professional cleaning or keeping the yard landscaped. Internet shopping is popular these days so it's important that we give the best representation possible. Recent studies have actually shown that buyers spend over 60% of their time looking at houses online but only 20% take tours in person. Unfortunately, there is no way to know if you are getting “Catfished” until you go preview the home for yourself. On the flip side, keep in mind that if your Realtor sends you a listing to look at that may look like a nightmare in the pictures that it just may be the home of your dreams! 

Here are some examples of great pictures and some that are less desirable: 

 

This picture is too blurry to even get a concept of the space.

 

The bad curb appeal distracts from the house and is an immediate deterrent.

 

Can you see the house? This picture is too dark. 

 

This is not only bad curb appeal, but the cars in yard are overly distracting.

There is actually a dog in this picture, you just can't see it behind the clutter (...not really).

 

Not as much clutter here, but still needs to be cleared for the best picture possible. 

 

This kitchen is organized and de-cluttered.

This family room is bright and staged well. 

 

The landscaping and lighting make for great curb appeal.

This picture gives a good representation of what the house looks like, bright and beautiful.