Bad MLS Photography

We all know the importance of marketing a home on the internet with great photos... or do we?

The National Association of Realtors has surveyed home buyers and approximately 85% of home searches begin using the internet. With the syndication from the MLS to other real estate search portals, such as Realtor.com and Trulia.com, it is incredibly important to get these photos right, they are the first impression of the home!

I don't have the proper equipment or skills to get great photos so I hire, at my expense, a professional photographer for the majority of my listings. I realize some homes just do not photograph well but here are three of the worst MLS photos I found this week that could have been better... no matter what the agent's photography skill set or camera is:

Move back, Photographer! Are you selling hangers and mixed nuts?

Tip for a better photo: Shoot it from the bathroom so you get the washer and dryer as the main focus, or, consider just not including this area in the photo gallery.

I'm gathering dirty laundry hookups and cracked tile come with this home.

Tip for a better photo: Take a wide angle photo so that the potential buyer can see the entire laundry room... or, if it's as dirty as this photo don't include it!

This is just sad... the gurney has wheels, move it out of the photo and close the cabinet door!

Other tips for a better photo: Get rid of clutter. Open the blinds and shoot at a time when you have great daylight streaming in. The best times to shoot are about an hour or so after sunrise and an hour before sunset.

What are some of the worst MLS photos you've seen?

Farewell to Nestware

Many choose to live in Davis because of the “sense of place”. So many communities have lost their center of activity in favor of strip malls and chain stores, you know the story…but Davis feels unique particularly because of the great downtown filled with original stores and places to eat.

Photo courtesy of Nestware’s website

Davis shop owners Lynne and Rosalie have decided to close their gorgeous store, Nestware, after a 10 year run. I will dearly miss their carefully edited whimsical selection of gifts and home accessories. I will miss the artistic displays and wonderful colorful stories. Most of all I will miss the ability to walk in to Nestware and be greeted by two of the most interesting women I have met. While shopping we would often have great conversations, I would leave the store feeling better, wiser or knowing I just had the best giggle of the day.

Thank you, Lynne and Rosalie, for all of your hard work to make Davis’ downtown even stronger! Thank you for your countless hours spent on committees, your strong belief in local business and your friendship. I wish you the very best in all that comes next!

Tales of Remodeling a Tudor: It's All in the Details

I always love hearing about a former client's experiences in their new houses, especially when it involves making it their own through renovation and various improvements, and thought you might enjoy hearing the same about our home. We moved into a wonderful 1940s Tudor on a tree lined street about a year and half ago. Our home is in good shape and not a total fixer but lacked some details that truly make a home special.

In the first year we pulled up carpet to expose the original hardwood floors, which we refinished.

We added crown molding around the house, painted the living room a wonderful white and, because it's all in the details we added a tiny touch of wallpaper to make an impact.

We added cabinet hardware to the kitchen, tile in the front entry, and wainscoting to the dining room.

I am fortunate to know some amazing trades people (I am more than happy to pass along names!) and found that the work that was done added much needed character to the home. This year we hope to remodel the one full bathroom, details to come at a later date!

What did you find to be the most worthwhile improvement you made to your property?