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Listing Photos: An Invasion of Privacy?
Dear Phyllis,
After searching for a Tujunga home for almost a year, we finally found one! The loan approval process stressed us out because our lender requested new documents almost every day. In addition, we worked through the inspection and repair items, which created another obstacle, but we completed everything. Our real estate agent came highly recommended by a co-worker, and he performed very well. The seller’s agent also seemed pleasant and professional.
However, the issues started after closing. I do not want the photos of my home all over the internet. Even though we asked the other agent to remove them, he refused to take the listing photos down. As a result, I feel my privacy has been invaded. How can we get these photos removed, and who can we appeal to? Feeling vulnerable
Dear Feeling,
Congratulations on your new home! Before becoming a real estate agent, I worked in the mortgage banking industry. I understand how stressful the loan approval process is. The paperwork is unending. Most loans are sold to investors, and that is why the lenders are so particular; they don’t want a loan returned.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS) rules require that each listing have at least one photograph. As a real estate agent, I get business from a variety of sources, primarily: 1) repeat business and referrals from past clients, 2) the internet, and 3) potential sellers who seek me out because I have sold a home in their neighborhood.
Let’s assume that a neighbor of the home you purchased was looking for a Realtor and searched online to research the agent who had your home listed for sale. This neighbor clicks on the listing and finds only one photograph. They then look at other listings and sales with multiple listing photos. In their research, they decide on a different Realtor to hire, one who uses many professional photographs when representing a listing. They assume one who does a better job marketing their listings.
Are the listing photos an invasion of privacy? The photos are from before you moved in. The listing agent of the home you purchased likely paid a professional photographer at least $400.00 to obtain the photos. Now that the home has sold, it is understandable that the Realtor would like to obtain more business from that listing. If you truly believe this to be an invasion of privacy, I suggest that on any future home purchases, you have your real estate agent put the request in writing when you make the offer to purchase. And have all parties sign this request.
