Cheapskate Listing Agent — But Honest (Sort of)
I’m sure it’s not the first time that a “successor” agent has taken over an expired or cancelled listing from the incumbent agent, and re-used their photos.
But, I’ve never seen the new agent disclose that fact — albeit in the “Agent” (vs. “Public”) Remarks section on MLS, which only agents can see.
So Much For a Fresh Start
Why do that? (disclose that you “recycled” the other agent’s photos, that is).
Search me.
My best guess is that the place now looks different than the old photos — or is empty — and the new agent wants to give prospective Buyers (or at least their agents) a “heads up.”
Given that good, professional photography costs less than $200 and can be turned around in less than a week . . . that’s a pretty lame shortcut, IMHO.
P.S.: Whatever the previous agent did wrong — misprice, didn’t market aggressively, etc. — presumably the problem wasn’t their photos.
And if in fact the property is now empty . . . it offers a great opportunity for virtual staging, i.e., using software to add furniture, wall art, accents, etc.
See, “Virtual Staging Success Story“; “Virtual Staging — Take 2“; “Virtual Staging, Installment #4“; and “Unmatched Potential.”
