Since I list a lot of bayfront homes the key selling point is that view out back-that's what I call the MONEY SHOT!

Good morning Debbie. I would guess the main reason would be because the front view is not very inviting.

The front of the property may not be the best feature and people may not go further unless they see something enticing like a great kitchen or amazing view.

Apparently there is a better angle that they would like to highlight.

If the view is exceptionally great... and especially if the front of the property does not have good curb appeal, I'll definitely use a photo that really shows off the view as the primary photo on the MLS.  I've seen other agents do the same, especially if we're talking about condo buildings on the beach.  I've also occasionally used a great photo that shows off the completely updated kitchen before a photo of the front of the house, especially if it's an older house.

Not an attractive front?

I've used other than front of home pictures on occassion. Once I used the back of a home from the other side of the lake it was facing--much more attention grabbing and attractive than just the front which couldn't show the lake.

I have 2 possible reasons I might do this...the outside of the property is ugly (such as a condo complex) or everything looks the same, OR if there was a stunning room, possibly a remodel that I wanted to show off.

If every home looks the same they might want to highlight something else.

As an aside I do a lot of business in this group of condos and almost every  single agent has the same pixelated shot of the buildings from the sales material. I usually feature the inside.

I have done this on occasion when there is something that may more of a standout feature.    A great view.  An incredible kitchen.   Beautiful pool and grounds.  

I used the man-made lake instead of a condo recently.  There are some incredible yards with views too that might be more appealing.  Mostly the front of the home is best though.

I like to put the front view first but I guess it would depend on the property.

Typically I will do this if the home is a condo, when all the buildings look the same; or if there is something unique and spectacular inside or out.  Using these shots will draw attention to the listing and hopefully a quicker sale. 

The appeal of  some properties is the waterfront view or amazing back yard.  Unfortunately in the Phoenix Metro area many homes have the same look...off white color and tile roof.  An exceptional back yard may cause someone looking online to look further than the front picture.  Also a great kitchen that is highly upgraded may give a viewer a reason to look at additional pictures. We have to market our listings and as long as the pictures are real and honest photos of the property,  I think alternate views are fine.

Our MLS frowns upon that practice, but it is still prevalent. Sometimes agents like to showcase the most attractive feature of the property i.e. the pool or updated kitchen, but it makes one wonder about the rest of the house.

Alot of the time we use the back if it has a pool overlooking a lake and the golf course.  Much better than the front.  Having said that, our homes are not unique in gated developments.  The fronts are all the same.

Don't know - our MLS requires it.

They need to either improve their photography skills, or they are ashamed of the curb appeal!