Special offer
Andrzej Niemyjski (Realty One Group)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

Yes, as long as it's disclosed.  

I had a listing that had bold green walls in every room.  Most people couldn't see past it.  

I had someone photoshop the walls a neutral color.  I loaded the photos side by side, fully disclosing that the neutral color walls were for demonstration purposes only.

Sep 21, 2015 04:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,544
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I know my photography company had virtual staging for vacant homes, but not many buy on-line without seeing it.   True staging is the only way to go.

Sep 21, 2015 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I get enough pushback from buyers who think my photos already make the home look better than it is in person, when I have done nothing special to the photo, that I don't think I would do it. Not unless it was just for a before and after comparison shot like Jill suggests.

Sep 21, 2015 06:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I've never done that.

Yet, I hear often complains of disappointment that the house looks not as good as online pictures. It is like dating: you see a beautiful photoshopped face and when you meet face to face.......you want to run....fast, and never look back.

Sep 21, 2015 06:05 AM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA 's idea as great provided, again, that you disclose.

However, I have never done that.

Scratch that. I once photoshopped myself out of a bathroom mirror because it was impossible to take the picture without being in it.

Sep 21, 2015 08:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Andrzej Niemyjski Cathy Perry has the right answer with virtual staging. I think PhotoShopping a photo and making it look better is misrepresenting the property. However, I don't see a problem with correcting exposure.

Sep 21, 2015 06:14 AM
Rainer
428,933
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

I showed a property that had photoshopped EVERYTHING.  The buyer was so disgusted that she wouldn't continue the tour past the front door.  They even photoshopped the a/c unit off of the roof. 

I think for the purpose of comparison that it is a great use of technology and extremely helpful if disclosed.

 

Sep 21, 2015 06:01 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Andrzej Niemyjski this is a great idea. However, make sure you share that the photos are 'staged'.

You do not want to disappoint the buyers when they visit the home in person.

Sep 24, 2015 12:30 AM
Rainmaker
1,432,649
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I think removing junk and maybe adding furniture might be OK.  But do not change or edit the real property.  (take a stain out of the carpet, cover a hole in the wall, and so forth).  

Sep 23, 2015 03:06 AM
Rainer
16,311
Chip Morgan
Long Realty - Dove Mountain, Marana AZ - Tucson, AZ
LSS, LSE, LMS

I will never do this dishonestly...

Is there a semi parked outside that's blocking the view?  Only there because the neighbors are getting something delivered?  Photoshop it out!

Is there a telephone pole directly in front of the view of the mountain?  That's not going to move... leave it like it is!

Sep 22, 2015 05:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,084,061
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

No..that would be misleading.

Sep 22, 2015 01:50 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Andrzej - I think there are certain instances where wirtual staging would be okay, such as when showing what a home could look like with different colored walls, as Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA suggested (with full disclosure). I would also include photos of the actual green walls in the home as well, so any potential buyer knows what the walls really look like, and are not shocked when they arrive to preview the home. Also, to eliminate some personal items from the photo, as long as it had no impact on the true look of the home.

Sep 21, 2015 01:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I have seen virtual staging that is great however you have to disclose that in our MLS.

Sep 21, 2015 11:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I've seen it, looked into it & it looked hokey. Same plastic looking furniture thruout a staged house. We must disclose this now in our MLS.

Sep 21, 2015 07:04 AM
Rainer
149,298
Theresa Akin
CORPUS CHRISTI REALTY GROUP - Corpus Christi, TX

I have done it. Or pushing this or that out of the way. I've moved trash behind a base cupboard door to hide it so I could get a decent photo. You do what you have to. I had some curtains I was going to get rid of and took them to the house. They were actually a little long but covered some stains in the carpet and wall below. Pulled some outdoor furniture (resin chairs) inside. Only photo I took but sold/closed in 45 days. Buyers agent was impressed with the curtains and wanted to know if they conveyed. If they want them they can have them.

Sep 21, 2015 06:51 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Make the pictures show the most positive view possible.

Sep 21, 2015 05:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I've seen this done, it can be a good way to show the potential for an empty room.  I would consider this as a legitimate possibility as long as we don't change anything that is not changeable in the home.

Sep 21, 2015 04:44 AM
Rainmaker
784,786
The Woodland Team of Texas
The Woodland Companies - Austin, TX
Land Specialists

Maybe.

Feb 24, 2019 03:04 AM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Have used this for planning my office, but not for selling properties.

Sep 04, 2018 10:40 PM
Rainer
392,768
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

I don't usually add much, other than a table or or small furniture to a space that is hard to to visualize the way to use.  I have been know to take out the trash, move the dishes into the dishwasher and install a bright light bulb or two.  

Sep 25, 2015 10:25 PM
Rainer
438,118
Doyle Davison
Hawaiian Beaches Hawaii - 714-968-6767 - Huntington Beach, CA
30 years as your Concierge services listing broker

sure.. that does not affect the property in any way... may help you show another side of the property. I showed a property one time and pushed them to buy and not pay attention to the trash. well I showed them the property after it was cleaned and they wanted it... sorry... it sold before it hit the market. if only I was able to show after it was cleaned I would have had a great sale.

Sep 24, 2015 05:12 AM
Rainmaker
90,543
Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

I wouldn't consider staging a photo instead of the house. When it comes to editing photos you have to be careful that you are not misrepresenting the public. There's nothing worse than going to see a home that looks presentable from the photo, and when you get there, the home looks nothing like the picture. The clutter should be physically removed prior to photos or avoid the taking the photo altogether.

Sep 23, 2015 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,642
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I do not think it is a good idea unless like Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA commented a side by side comparison with a disclosure. Buyers don't like to be tricked!

Sep 23, 2015 09:42 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

When I was a virtual tour photograher(PT) I was asked by the owner why I did not shoot the photo the time they wanted it so I painted it clouds and sky blue. 

Sep 23, 2015 10:08 AM
Rainer
12,067
Anne-Laure Touchard
Charles Rutenberg, LLC - Manhattan, NY
Agent immobilier à New York - USA

I did in the past. The apartment was empty and I virtually staged the pictures. However I put both pictures online (empty and staged) so that there's no surprise when a potential visit the apartment.

Sep 23, 2015 07:04 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I rearrange the home and furniture, sometimes add decorations and take photo's at different times of day to get the best lighting, especially outside. Do not "stage" photo's. 

Sep 22, 2015 10:31 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I am looking into virtual staging for vacant houses - it is less than real staging and no different than photographing a house before the furniture is moved out.

Sep 22, 2015 01:58 PM
Rainmaker
1,577,943
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Yep. All the time. We want the pictures to represent the best aspects of a home not the junk on the table. 

Sep 22, 2015 10:52 AM
Ambassador
734,952
John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Good ole photoshop always works in a pinch.

Sep 22, 2015 05:36 AM
Rainer
17,435
Lisa Hassler
Kinlin Grover - Yarmouth Port, MA
Specializing in historic homes

If actual staging were not in the budget, I would definitely consider virtually staging an empty house.  It is difficult to gage the scale of a room in a photo if there is no furniture.  Plus, if it isn't the kitchen or bathroom, it can be challenging to even discern which room it is without furniture.  (Is this another bedroom or the same one?)   When the buyer is actually inside the home, they will have a better sense, even without the furniture, of the size and purpose of the rooms.  

Sep 22, 2015 03:51 AM
Rainer
32,619
Amanda Brown
Exit Realty Ascendancy - Stansbury Park, UT
I treat all my clients like million dollar clients

When we were selling one of our houses, the agent staged all the pictures to how she wanted them to look.

 

I think the bigger benefit, in my opionion, would have the house look as close to the pictures as possible, so if you stage them, keep the house staged.

Sep 22, 2015 12:30 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

With sales photos, I try for the best angles, but I don't photoshop except maybe crank the colors. It feels dishonest.

Sep 21, 2015 03:14 PM
Rainer
35,902
Joan Beduze
Keller Williams Realty Acadiana - Lafayette, LA

I always make sure the room or area is presentable before I take photos;

and this might include making sure beds are made in bedrooms, there are no dirty dishes in the sink, etc.  Adequate lighting is also important , and taking photos at a decent angle.  I do add some light accessories when needed also; such as, hand towels and soap dispensers in the bath, centerpieces and runners on dining tables, artwork or mirrors on mantle tops, etc. 

Sep 21, 2015 02:04 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

eh.. a smiggin, but that's it.  I had a 4 poster bed frame in a home and I got a "bed" and throw pillows photoshopped in. That was okay.

Sep 21, 2015 01:58 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

I wouldn't consider it.

Sep 21, 2015 12:52 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

It sort of depends.  We have a professional photographer on our office staff, and he is very careful about how we edit photos.  He will use Photoshop to pick up toys from the living room floor, but not to refinish the floor if it looks funky.  He fixed the arm of a sofa for me (it had been their cat's scratching post), but hey, the sofa didn't convey!  If the dog had chewed up the front door, the chew marks would remain until the seller had them fixed.  

Sep 21, 2015 12:02 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Absolutely and I do it all the time. Rearange furniture, add or subtract items but I do not photoshop things in or out-that is just wrong.

Sep 21, 2015 11:57 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I don't use virtual staging but some agetns in my area do. They have gotten lots of flack and now write disclaimers all over their photo library so people will not be disappointed. 

Sep 21, 2015 11:40 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

No! What is the buyer going to do, just show up and be surprised?

Sep 21, 2015 11:04 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

No...that would feel like false advertising to me.  I feel more comfortable shooting photos of the home as it really is.

Sep 21, 2015 09:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I am hesitant to manipulate photos to make a sales point...

Sep 21, 2015 09:12 AM
Rainer
103,389
Doug Cook
Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors - O'Fallon, IL
Better Service, Better RESULTS!

I often take personal property out of photos; trash cans, cords, personal photos on walls, etc...  Sometimes, it's easier than physically moving it to get the shot.  I never edit the property itself and have never done any type of e-staging. 

Sep 21, 2015 08:46 AM
Rainer
4,898
Chanel René
Keller Williams - Huntington Beach, CA
Realtor & Marketing Idea Generator

I started out as a real estate photographer, and I remember getting this request from clients from time to time. As long as whatever you are removing or adding isn't a gross misrepresentation of the actual home, I don't see it as a problem. 

Sep 21, 2015 07:50 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Those things you mention are so incredibly easy to remedy before taking the pict that image deception would not cross my mind.

Recently a Home Team inspector left the irrigation system disabled and destroyed much of the front yard. I did not and will not retake the street image that currently shows a front lawn of plush St Augustine grass.. A house that was occupied when the picts were taken and eventually vacated will not have the images retaken.  Looks better with furniture.

I do not think it unreasonable to require a buyer to apply simple reasoning to see the situation of a property may change. 

I would however, see value in taking new images when the 10 inches of snow has melted.

Sep 21, 2015 07:49 AM
Rainer
557,375
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

You can also illustrate vacant homes with a tablet, laptop or pictures with furnishings either at an open house or posted to the vacant rooms. 

Sep 21, 2015 07:36 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

No, I wouldn't worry about it. Show true picture in all advertising.

Sep 21, 2015 07:05 AM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I've never done that.  However, when I'm taking photos I have often moved a few things to make the picture more attractive.  My clients are pleased with the results and the buyers always say my photos are a good representation of the actual property compared with some agents who use strange lenses and make the room look way larger than it really is.  They angers the buyers and they walk away.

Sep 21, 2015 06:59 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

The only thing we have ever allowed our professional photographer to photoshop is to add "live screens" - such as a golf course scene on TVs that are turned off at the time of the shoot.  I'm with those that believe, don't change anything significant unless you fully disclose what you've done, and staging a vacant room with "virtual furniture".

Sep 21, 2015 06:38 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Andrzej,

I think you can give a visual of what a place can look like, and of course disclose.  A

Sep 21, 2015 05:53 AM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Probably not, and certainly not without disclosing - too many buyers complain about photos anyhow. But perhaps before and after photos?

Feb 20, 2016 04:42 AM
Rainmaker
115,432
Jeanne Feenick
NextHome Premier - Basking Ridge, NJ
The Agent you choose REALLY does make a difference

I've never done so myself, but have seen plenty of virtually staged homes listed recently - agree it should be disclosed.

Oct 10, 2015 12:24 PM
Rainer
276,044
Susan Jacobsen
The Alliance Group Realty - Hilton Head Island, SC
20 Years Providing WOW Real Estate Service

Nope - and I am not sure that it's allowed. I spoke with one of our best instructors at the state level and she said that NAR has in the last 2 years been cracking down on 'airbrushed' i.e., changed photos both inside and out to mask inperfections.

I'd rather go to my seller and show them wonderful pictures then show them theirs and say "sooooooooo, which home would you buy?"  :-)

Oct 02, 2015 06:08 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I would not do it . 

Sep 30, 2015 10:29 PM
Rainer
28,483
Connie Wildasinn
WGroup Realtors - Long Beach, CA
25+ years at your Service

I have staged the home, and (back in the day when things took longer than a minute to sell) had to pull the staging out prior to selling... but I did find the staging works to give the buyer a good idea to space and depth of a room... unfurnished is very hard for most people to see what will and wil not fit...

Sep 29, 2015 04:42 PM
Rainer
28,542
Beverly Mandell
www.mandellproperties.com - Parrish, FL
Broker Associate

I have used virtual staging and disclosed that on MLS. The house was empty when they moved but I felt the empty house was better then the dated furnishings the seller had in the home.  This upscale neighborhood with designer homes gave my seller so much competition.  I really thought the virtually staged pictures got the public/agents to take a look as pics of the empty rooms just did not do it. Sold shortly thereafter when before virtual staging pics there were over 75 showings.

Sep 29, 2015 11:54 AM
Rainer
8,164
Jessica Friedland
RE/MAX Infinity Group - Spokane, WA
Real Estate Broker in WA and ID

Jill makes a great point!! I am going to incorporate that in the future.

 

However, I much prefer the real deal when it comes to staging. It's much easier to visual the space as their own with minimal staging.

Sep 29, 2015 03:18 AM
Rainer
672,772
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Andrzej,

No. I am all for honesty. Have had some really ugly houses sell anyway & have a really nice one now that is taking a while. You never know, what will get someone excited or what the holdup with the lender might be.

Sep 27, 2015 02:00 PM
Rainer
230,114
Jill Winchel
Royal Shell Real Estate - The Koffman Group - Cape Coral, FL
We make it easy. You make it home.

Don't think so, although it would probably be cheaper.

Sep 27, 2015 10:20 AM