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Can my house not be photographed?

We're selling our house. Can we ask that the inside of our house not be photographed? We're private people and don't want photos of our house or our kids rooms floating around or put on social media. We have professional listing photos, and would prefer that any potential buyer refer to those. We could even compromise and allow personal photos after an offer is put in. However, we don't want casual buyers coming through our house and taking photos and videos of it. It makes us uncomfortable. How do we navigate this?
Asked By Juanita | Chula Vista, CA | 66 views | Selling | 1 month ago
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Semi-Pro
81 Answers
Julianne Clark / Your Lowcountry Compass

Charter One Realty

(45)

The question to ask yourself is -- would you, if you were looking online to buy a house online, schedule a home tour for a property you could not first see the inside? The answer should be "no". You too would want to see the inside condition prior to taking time out of your busy schedule. It may not work for you, and it could save you and them time and in prep & energy. It is in your best interest to allow interior photos if you truly want to sell the property. No photos are a signal to interpret that the inside is not good shape. You are hiring your agent to get your home sold -- no photos are hindering their ability to find a Buyer. Keep in mind that the real estate market (in many areas) is not like it was a few years ago. More inventory and longer days on the market. Ask to review the professional photos beforehand and publishing the listing. If any are really concerning -- ask to leave them off. As a Realtor for 18 years -- I only allow a potential Buyer to photograph vacant houses without getting permission.
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Novice
7 Answers
CHRISTINE GARDNER

Berkshire Hathaway Gross & Jansen

(44)

Yes you may ask that the interior of the home not be photographed, no video during showings etc. FYI, typically buyers will ask the buyers agent, to ask the listing agent for photos. Sadly it happens quite a bit the buyers think the home is not in good shape. While you are selling put all of my personal belongings away, photos etc, and set your home up as a show room to sell. Photos are the #1 draw to your property let it be highlighted. Yes price & mystic are also a valuable tool, the best features are typically kitchens, baths & sun!

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Novice
3 Answers
Erika Stewart

NextHome Tidewater Realty

Yes, you can ask that the inside of the home not be photographed. You can ask your agent to use CubiCasa or another software to create a floorpan of your home. There are also programs that can remove items from a room in pictures.
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Novice
1 Answer
Jaime Komadina

REAL Brokerage

I understand your concern with privacy, however MOST buyers choose which homes to see based on photos and virtual ALL buyers will want to see the home prior to writing an offer. So by limiting showings, and by not offering photos, you are cutting your buyer base in more than half, in fact most buyers will pass it up if they cannot see interior or even photos . It can be invasive, and you have options of only a couple open houses, and not random showings, but you should absolutely allow your agent to take photos so that your home is visible, and the more buyers, the more offers the more money you may net.

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