Listing Photos vs. Reality: What You See Isn't Always What You Get
We’ve all been there. You find a gorgeous listing online. Everything is perfect, shiny and huge, and you can’t wait to see it in person.
Then you walk in and think, “Wow, this isn’t what I was expecting. It looked better in the photos.”
Veronica Murphy hears this all the time, and it’s very common.
Pulling back the curtain on listing photos
Professional real estate photographers are very good at their jobs. To make a home look its best, they:
- Stand in the corner of the room with a wide-angle lens to make spaces look as big as possible
- Set up the perfect lighting so everything looks bright and fresh
- Make sure everything is spotless and staged
- Angle the camera just right so you don’t notice that cracked tile or worn spot
None of this is dishonest. It’s marketing. But it means photos show a home at its absolute best.
How to set your expectations
Veronica’s advice: assume this is the case for every listing, and lower your expectations just a little before you walk in. Then you can judge the home for what it really is.
Tips for viewing homes
- Check the floor plan or room measurements if they’re available
- Look at the photos critically. What’s not shown?
- Use video tours where available for a more realistic feel
- Always see the home in person, or have your agent do a live video walk-through
Want an honest opinion?
Veronica will tell you exactly what she sees, good and bad, when you tour homes together.
Call Veronica at 289-768-9968 or start your home search.
