Recently we offered up our Top 4 Listing Photo Turn-Offs and a ton of you commented to add your wisdom to the list. Check out four MORE listing photo mistakes to watch out for and find out if your photo pet peeve made the extended list.

Whether you’re taking your own listing photos or responsible for choosing the best shots, here are a few additional homebuyer turn-offs to watch out for in your listing photos:

1. Saluting Toilets

One amateur mistake an overwhelming number of agents mentioned as a pet peeve and big buyer turn-off was the open toilet lid.

Nancy Ward, Agent with Hometown Realty Services in Hanover, Virginia said it best, “Why else would there be a lid on the toilet seat?” Close the lid and let the toilet relax. Otherwise, buyers might not want to see the rest of the home.

Special thanks to Debra L. Evans, Broker at Intero Real Estate Services in Gardnerville, Nevada for adding this great tip which received the most likes of any comment.

2. Off-Kilter Cameras

Another big buyer turn-off many agents reported is photos that are a result of bad camera work. Here are a few tips suggested by commenters to help you get a great shot:

 Focus
“Make sure that the area that you want to highlight is in focus,” says Barbie VanHorn of Seattle, Washington  – https://www.facebook.com/barbie.vanhorn

Stabilize the shot
“Hold the camera steady…or use a tripod,” says Joseph Bridges of Canton Ohio. Following Joseph’s advice can go along way toward eliminating blurry photos.

Angle for Success
“Make sure listing photos aren’t crooked! It’s worth the time to edit your photos. Cropping and straightening photos makes a big difference. Also, photos taken from the corner of a room makes it look bigger (without the wide angle distorted look) and shows more detail than straight-on shots,” says Laurie Stephens Partner, Realtor at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate III.

3. Out of Season Photos

According to more than a few of you, great photos aren’t just about what you show but also “when” you take your photos. “Keep the outside shots in the right season,” says M. Fountaine Lucier, Agent with Century 21 in Franklin, Massachusetts.

If you’re not careful, featuring unseasonal photos can make your listing seem outdated and turn a hot buyer prospect cold.


4. Mystery Rooms

“It’s pretty hard for consumers to know what they’re looking at when rooms are vacant,” says Barb Mihalik, Agent with RE/MAX Elite in Melbourne, Florida. “My pet peeve is when the rooms aren’t identified. Most vacant rooms look the same. Staging helps [your buyers].”

In addition, blank listing photos can also serve as a security hazard. Tom Molina with Molina Properties in Hilliard, Ohio offered this great advice: “If your listing is vacant, don’t show the world. Photos of a vacant home are like sending an engraved invitation to thieves.”

 

We could go on for pages and posts discussing mistakes we’ve all encountered, but for now we’ll leave you with this great advice from Terri Vellios, Associate Broker with Keller Williams Realty in San Jose, California, on how to make the best impression with photos: “If the photo doesn’t make the house look better don’t use it.”

Thanks for all of your comments, shares and likes so far. Don’t be afraid to keep the conversation going by adding more of your favorite photo tips below.