Little white marketing lies?
Sharon, a real estate investor from Calgary, Alberta occasionally visits my blog. If I recall correctly, she contacted me after she read one of my little rants about poor quality images in real estate listings. From time to time, she forwards copies of listed properties which strike her as ridiculous in some way. She has no shortage of material to chose from so she uses her discretion in sending me those which are most fun.
Her latest email was this listing (no longer available), marketed by a Calgary agent who indicates on the listing that it is a “No Animal Home.” This image of the kitchen appears to show two food dishes on the floor in front of the kitchen cabinets. I’m thinking that these people either have a pet, or some pretty nasty eating habits.
Sharon asks, “What are they thinking!?”
Sharon, I think it’s safe to say that someone is not thinking very much. 
There's 8 Comments So Far
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Funny. I usually hire a professional photographer but when I do take pictures myself I run around and move items like dog dishes and the junk on the fridge, take the shot, and then put the stuff back. The worst picture I ever saw on our MLS was one of a bathroom with the toilet seat up, and the toilet was front and center in the pciture.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Yum! That is so attractive, isn’t it?
I take my own photos as there’s nobody here that specializes in real estate but I have a little checklist that I give my clients so they can prepare. All of those items are on it. Thanks Teresa.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Yes, hipocritical landlords. I just leased a house in Bangkok where the landlord had a “no Children” policy, even though he had just had baby twins.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
“I’m sorry honey, but we can’t keep them. It’s in the rules.”
Thanks Neil
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
In gets worse, where I operate in Bangkok, Thai people haven’t yet mastered the art of political correctness. Many apartments buildings in Bangkok have a no-Indian policy (even though many of them are owned by Indian Families.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Neil,
That could get a guy thrown in jail around here. There are strict laws which prevent discrimination in property rentals or purchases.
It’s too bad that this kind of racism is so prevalent still.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Hi Norm,
I understand. I’m from England which is probably one of the most polically correct places on Earth, but as mentioned I work in Thailand now. Funny thing is, I am currently advertising for some sales staff and my requirements are:
1) Thai Nationals only
2) Female
3) Age 25-35
I feel very unconfortable doing this but everyone else does. In one single advertisement I have become a racist, sexist and ageist, and no-one bats an eyelid.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I think that some people can trust their own pets, they know that they are well trained and won’t ruin the furniture, but they don’t trust other people’s pets. That’s probably what happened for the example above.