In the competitive world of luxury real estate, it's not uncommon for homes to be sold before they're even listed. With so much interest and money at stake, it's no wonder that pictures have become everything. A beautiful home with stunning views will undoubtedly sell faster than an average home with lackluster photos. But what if you're looking for more than just a pretty face? What if you're looking for a home with potential? Read on to learn why you shouldn't judge a home by its listing photos.
It's easy to get caught up in the photos of a home when you're scrolling through
picture-perfect listings online. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all. But when you're looking for your dream home, remember that the photos are just the beginning. With a little imagination, you can see past the staged furniture and dated decor to see the potential of any home.
Location, location, location
When you are looking at
homes for sale in Tequesta, one of the most important factors to consider is the location. This can make or break its value. Even if a house needs some work, it will be worth the investment if it is located in a desirable neighborhood or close to great schools. Of course, the location of a home cannot be determined by its listing photos. Go to where the property is situated to get a feel for whether or not the home's location is a good fit.
Not all homes have photos in their listings
It's important to remember that not all homes are listed with photos. There is Tequesta real estate on the market that does not have any listing photos at all. This could be for a number of reasons, such as the sellers are in a rush or they're trying to retain privacy. Whatever the reason, don't let the lack of listing photos dissuade you from considering a home. It could be exactly what you're looking for.
Staged photos may not show the home's potential
When you view a home, the first thing you'll see is the listing photos. And while these photos can give you a good idea of what the house looks like, they don't always show the house's true potential. Staged homes often look much nicer in pictures than they do in person. The furniture might be strategically placed to make the rooms look more extensive, and the lighting might be perfect for hiding any flaws. If you're really interested in a home, it's always best to see it in person so you can get a more accurate idea of what it looks like.
Further, while photographs can give you an idea of what a house looks like, they can't capture intangible aspects of the house. A photograph can't show you how close the nearest neighbor is or how loud the traffic is on the street outside. It also can't show you how warm and inviting the home feels or how great the view is from the living room window.
Pictures cannot accurately represent the home's size
Photo courtesy of Pexels
When you're looking at photos of a home, it can be difficult to determine how big (or small) the space actually is. If you're considering a home that's on the smaller side, don’t be deterred by lots of wide-open spaces in the photos; it might’ve been staged to make the home look bigger than it actually is. Conversely, if you're looking at photos of a large home, try to find shots that include furniture or other items that will give you a sense of scale. This can give you a better idea of the
home’s size and how spacious (or cramped) the rooms actually are.
Photos might make a home look more updated
Just because a home has fresh paint and a new carpet doesn't mean that its bones are in good condition. Pay close attention to details like crown molding, baseboards, door frames, and light fixtures. These are all things that can date a home — and they're not always easy (or cheap) to replace.
Also remember some sellers might stage their homes with newer furniture and trendy decor to make them more appealing to buyers. So even if the photos show a sleek and modern kitchen or living room, there's no guarantee that those features will still be there when you move in. Unless you're planning to do a complete gut renovation, it's always best to err on the side of caution and assume that some cosmetic updates might need doing after you move in.
Photos may not show the home’s flaws
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Most sellers are required by law to disclose any known defects with their homes before putting them on the market — but that doesn't mean they'll mention everything that's wrong with the property. In many cases, it's up to buyers to do their due diligence and find out if there are any hidden issues. Oftentimes, real estate agents will have this information on hand, but it never hurts to do some digging on your own. A quick online search can reveal quite a bit about any given property — including whether there have been any previous legal disputes or code violations.
While it's easy to get swept away by beautiful photos of homes online, it's important not to forget that those images only tell part of the story — and in some cases, they might not even be an accurate representation of what the property actually looks like. To get the full picture (literally), look past the staging and decor.
Are you looking for homes for sale in Tequesta? Reach out to
McKinley Navaroli to get started.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
