With cameras in almost all phones nowadays, one question I am being asked more and more as people are viewing homes is, “Can I take pictures of the house?”
The short answer is maybe.
The longer answer is that it depends on the home and the situation.
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If the listing is one of mine, there are typically 12 to 24 pictures online along with a visual tour showing all aspects of the home. So unless the picture is of a specific item or fixture, I typically say no — you can see the pictures online or I can email them to you. However, if the home is vacant and empty, I have no problem with prospective buyers taking pictures.
If the home is listed by another agent, my answer would be different. If the homeowner is home, I would ask if they mind pictures being taken. Some do and some don’t. If the homeowner is not home, I would ask the listing agent if it is OK or not. Once again though, if the home is vacant and empty, pictures are typically OK.
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Why this policy, you may ask? There are agents and homeowners who feel this poses a security risk. Others think it just invades the privacy of the homeowner.
That being said — what pictures should a buyer NOT be taking? No pictures should be taken of:
- Personal items of the homeowner
- Close up shots of any personal items
- Anything that might be used to test security
- Pictures of family members
If you have any questions on buying or selling a home please contact me.
Donna Galinsky
Five Towns Real Estate Guide
Pugatch Realty Corp
516-317-9253
dgalinsky@pugatch.com
