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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 | 314 views | Selling | 6 months ago
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Pro
101 Answers
Julianne Clark | Your Lowcountry Compass

Charter One Realty

(47)

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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Rising Star
14 Answers
Raquel Penas Fernandez

RE eBroker Group

(15)

Hello, There are several things you can do to remain private while still market the property. Obviously, the buyers want to see what the property looks like inside and interior photos will allow more interest. I usually suggest to my sellers to remove all family photos from the walls and tables. Although you only need one exterior photo for the MLS, It is highly advisable to publish listing photos of the interior, which it looks like you already have them. You can minimize the amount of people that walks thru by requiring a pre-approval for the buyers and you can also ask the buyers not to take video while inside the home. I hope this helps.

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Rising Star
12 Answers
Mohamed Hassan

NextHome

(53)

Sure! MLS requires 1 exterior photo only, the rest is for exposure to grab interest. If privacy is more important for you, you can opt in just the 1 exterior photo. People coming with an agent to view your house are typically more serious, and pre approved and qualified to buy. You can ask your agent to remind their agent no photos or videos during showing or even that your agent be present.
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Novice
7 Answers
CHRISTINE GARDNER

Berkshire Hathaway Gross & Jansen

(53)

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
5 Answers
Kim Lingbeck

Exp Realty

(19)

You will have to have an outside shot for the MLS. If you chose to not have interior shots taken, that is up to you. Although, a lot of buyers may not want to look at your home because they may think you are hiding something. If you are located in a very marketable area, it may not be a problem
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Novice
3 Answers
Erika Stewart

NextHome Beyond Keys

(21)

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
2 Answers
Michel Bron

Beverly and Company Inc.

(58)

You can definitely ask that the inside of your house not be photographed by 'visitors' but I think you mentioned you already have professional photos (not sure you meant they were professional listing photos for the interior as well? As long as you have professional listing photos that include the interior then that should suffice. However, if you do not have photos on your listing of the interior then you are only hurting yourselves in terms of demand that will be created for your home. The pictures are integral to getting buyers to see your home in the first place.
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Novice
1 Answer
Jaime Komadina

Coldwell banker realty, Huntington Beach

(5)

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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