MLS photo discussion

[London]

My partner and I have a disagreement about MLS comp photos. A lot of the time the MLS is not completed correctly, or has an extreme lack of information as far as condition and amenities, i.e. fireplaces, patios, decks, pools, flooring, etc. I feel that if there are photos, that we should check them for accuracy, condition, and the undisclosed. There have been many times where the MLS listing does not list much at all. I would check the agent's photos of that comparable, and low and behold there's patio's, deck's, a pool, two fireplaces opposed to just the one disclose, etc.
My partner feels we shouldn't check the MLS photos, that's not required, and not part of our job.
I feel that it is part of our job as far as research and analysis of comparable sales, am I out of line?

 

[BRCJR]

My partner and I have a disagreement about MLS comp photos. A lot of the time the MLS is not completed correctly, or has an extreme lack of information as far as amenities, i.e. fireplaces, patios, decks, pools, flooring, etc. I feel that if there are photos, that we should check them for accuracy, and the undisclosed. There have been many times where the MLS listing does not list much at all. I would check the agent's photos of that comparable, and low and behold there's patio's, deck's, a pool, two fireplaces opposed to just the one disclose, etc.
My partner feels we shouldn't check the MLS photos, that's not required, and not part of our job.
I feel that it is part of our job as far as research and analysis of comparable sales, am I out of line?

It goes to due diligence and I tend to agree with you

 

[Mztk1]

You collect all the data you can on your subject and comps and the market. Why would anyone want to skip looking at interior and extra MLS photos when the are available?

If getting the value right is your objective, looking at available photos is a no-brainer.

 

[Esox]

The photos agents put in MLS can be reliable indicators of condition, quality, and/or the amenities you mentioned. I think in many cases more reliable than talking to an agent. Think how often you call for condition information on a property and the agent tells you, "that property was in good shape". To a lot of agents, they're all "in good shape", and it's a pain to interrogate them about every aspect of a house to get information. It's nice when you can look at picture of an "updated" kitchen see it truly was updated. In 1976.

Interior photos are great. For relo work where decor is considered, they are invaluable.

Kevin

 

[Non Sequitur]

My partner feels we shouldn't check the MLS photos, that's not required, and not part of our job.

Your partner is wrong, very wrong.

 

[Mr Rex]

Your partner is wrong, very wrong.

I was going to say he was a moron, but that would be a disservice to morons. They always look at the pictures, even if they can't read.

 

[Risky Business]

I always read the MLS description and remarks, if any, of every comparable and then check the photos if they're available. Not looking at them is a half -A$$ed approach. "That's not required and not part of our job" approach is just plain stupid.

 

[38Scarcello]

Get all the information you can....HELLO??? I just wish
real estate agents knew what a "partial" view was.

 

[London]

Thank you everybody for your responses!

 

[Dennis J. Black ASA IFAS]

Lazy. Does your partner bother to get out of the car to shot his comp pics or can we find his sideview mirror in all of them.