We all know that low light can be flattering in certain circumstances.  I just can’t help but wonder if the photographer here nudged that concept over the line of good taste and straight off the cliff. 

Is it possible that the agent’s intention was to pique our interest by shrouding the room in darkness, leaving us breathless to discover its charms for ourselves? 

The Solution: Like baggy clothing, darkened rooms leave the unmistakeable  impression that one is trying to hide something, such as residents who’ve nodded off in the bedroom. The TV left on only reinforces our suspicions. Wake everyone up, turn on some lights and try again.

On The Bright Side: A better photo should tell us whether those bars (?) on the window are functional or purely decorative.

We’ve seen our share of damaged bathrooms before, but this is the most serious quack in a tub that we can recall. This juxtaposition of tub and duck raises a host of perplexing questions. Is this one monstrous duck? Or one tiny tub? Hard to tell. Is it still considered a “soaking tub” if you float on the surface? And who would let a 13-year old take their listing photos?

The Solution: On the off chance that we could violate someone’s sense of modesty, we have a policy on The Moss Haedrich Team to not take listing photos of bathtubs while the owners are using them. We would suggest a retake.

On the Bright Side: Deflating the duck will instantly give the bathroom a new, roomier feel that today’s buyers are looking for.

The agent’s comments tell us that this is a ”walk-out” level basement, as in – we suppose – buyers will quickly want to walk out when they’ve had a look. 

Solution:The “creepy geeky crib” vibe won’t quite resonate with  today’s discriminating buyers, who expect a home’s lower level to fulfill any number of higher social and utilitarian purposes. Ditch the plastic wall covering, throw up some Sheetrock, and try to de-clutter just a tad.

On The Bright Side: A lesser agent would have called this the “Home Theatre” or “Media Room”.

Hey, we love a spirited game of Tiddlywinks Into the Toilet as much as anybody. Splish, splash and all that good fun. But some buyers just don’t have a sense of humor when it comes to polka dots on the bathroom wall or lids left in the upright and locked position.

The Solution: Maybe find a place in the home to set up a “game room” or “game area” and get it off the bathroom wall.  Apply a soothing, albeit less playful shade of khaki or light green to the walls and – for good measure – keep the lid down during photo sessions and showings.

On the Bright Side: Paint’s a cheap fix. And we know the toilet seat works.