Photos, virtual tours, and videos showcase properties accurately and entice buyers. But sometimes listing photos be misleading, showing homes in a better light or even using outdate images that no longer match. As a savvy homebuyer, knowing how to spot photo discrepancies in MLS listings informed decisions and avoid disappointments down the road.
Look for signs of digital enhancement
High-quality listing photos are often digitally enhanced these days using editing tools to improve brightness, contrast, and colors. These rooms appear larger and more welcoming. Some common digital photo enhancements to look out for include:
- Vibrant blue skies in outdoor shots instead of dull gray
- Noticeably bright white walls without flaws or switch plates
- Rich green lawns edited to minimize brown spots
- Trees with fall foliage Photoshopped into the scene
- Distracting backgrounds like powerlines removed
- Mirrored reflections edited out of windows or appliances
Moderate photo editing accentuates a home’s best features. But excessive enhancements might conceal flaws only visible at in-person showings, like worn carpets or dated finishes.
Beware of lens and focal point tricks
Creative use of camera lenses and focal points is photo technique agent online realty leverage. Wide-angle lenses expand space while telephoto lenses compress distance. Dramatic angles like aerial drone shots misrepresent room size. Listings showing only tight shots like the kitchen island may be avoiding showing a cramped floor plan. Compare focal points across all photos to get an accurate sense of dimensions.
Cross-check exterior views
It’s prudent to cross-reference exterior photos showing the front or backyard with Google Street View images of the home. If the MLS photos showcase elaborate landscaping that doesn’t match the barebones street view, they may use unrealistic staging or effects. You verify renovations like added decks against tax assessment records too.
Watch for identical photos across listings
In rare cases, agents improperly reuse old listing photos for new properties. Or luxury home stagers have a go-to style that appears identical across listings. If photos seem too generic or you spot identical ones on different listings, something fishy could be afoot.
Drive-by viewings as a reality check
After photo analysis, schedule drive-by exterior viewings of shortlisted homes. It lets you check if outside views match listing photos. If they promoted recent exterior paint or landscape upgrades not visible from the street, interior finishes may also diverge from photos.
Ask your agent tough questions
Your agent should provide context on questionable listing photos that seem inconsistent with the home details or previous photos. Ask them to point blank if the images are realistic or digitally altered. Request the listing history to see prior photos for comparison. A good agent will know the property well and give objective feedback.
Verify in Person at Showings
The best way to uncover photo discrepancies is to tour the home in person. Be extremely thorough during showings to identify any inconsistencies with listing photos. Carefully comparing reality to marketed images protects against unpleasant surprises. With the right attention to detail and skepticism of listing photos, buyers better identify embellishments or misrepresentations in online listings. Look for signs of digital editing, fuzzy details reused images, and claims unsupported visually.
