Nah... this isn't suspense.... this is just lazy.

In our area, when Realtors are setting up automated searches for their clients, as soon as the listing hits the MLS it gets sent to the client... and if you haven't got a photo... that's what the client receives... and as you know, buyers don't have much imagination.  No photo... no sale!

I agree & it messed up my whole 'system' of syndication & tours. Are people so lazy in your area that they can't at least take ONE photo?

My MLS allows us to report them. If it's in the system, it's got to have at least 1 pic.

On our MLS it is mandatory to have at least one photo, but alas it is not monitored and we see the lazy non-photo listings.

It's been happening for years - the agents use a generic image such as the Anonymous image here to get around being proactive for their customers

If it's a new suspese building strategy, it's a poor one!  Anything without a picture gets dismissed very quickly.

I wonder if this has something to do with the mls mergers going on? Or a  new photo upload system ? I doubt that many sellers are telling agents not to post photos. We need at least one, and if we don't post one, then the mls automatically inserts one from their database if they have one. It would be interesting to monitor those listing without photos, and see how many days it takes for them to go under contract.

Our mls requires at least 1 photo. but I agree, no photos just hurt you. WHen it appears in peoples inbox, you want the photos there to entice buyers first time.

I think that is a big mistake....

 Violation of our MLS rules.

That's why it's a violation in our MLS, with fines!

You have to have at least 1 in our MLS when listed, and it's not rare to see that. Laziness both in terms of limited photos, and bad ones.

Not in our MLS, where at least one picture of the front of the house is required. I agree with you and never list a home until I have all my pictures in place to upload.

Kevin J. May The MLS here requires listings to be put into the system within 48 hours. I would think if there aren't any photos available yet to at least put in one until the other photos are ready.

More proof you competition is just lazy.

Is the rest of the data accurate, specifically the community or area or school district?

If yes, this is a strategy for the SERIOUS buyers to call first.  These buyers have been looking in that community, district or area for some time and after seeing a few get away are now knowledgeable regarding the area value. When I do it, I am required to include a steetview. For the listing to appear with no-image in the MLS is most likely a technology disconnect.

Be aware, such submission ARE NOT FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS but specifically for motivated buyers.

Sometimes you get only one shot? I need to ask, how often have you heard a buyer, your buyer say, "I've been watching this property on the MLS."  100% of the time. Those who dismiss a property so easily do not meet the serious buyer criteria.

My clients know that we will wait until I can get at LEAST 2 days of pre-marketing AFTER the photos are delivered. NEVER will I not have ALL of my photos on a listing! 

Our MLS doesn't allow zero - you must have at least ONE photo in our MLS (still a sad representation for a seller, in MHO)!

That is subject to a fine in our MLS and it gets worse the more you do it (or should I say don't do it)...

I definitely think agents should wait to publish their listing until they have photos. 

It makes no sense to put a property on the MLS without at least one photo. Most buyers are searching online and they are doing that because they can see photos of homes listed for sale, as well as videos. If buyers can't see at least one photo of the property, I feel that it would be very difficult to get them to get in their car and drive to the listing with no idea about the look and condition of the home.

I have not seen this happen in our market.

Our MLS does not allow us to wait more than 4 days after the ink is dry on the listing.

It's not always possible.  My MLS has rules about how soon we must enter listings.  I work for banks that the listing must be in the MLS by a certain date.  I do usually put my own outside photos prior to the professional ones, but if it rains for a week my professional photos may come later.  But my listings sell, so I'm not too concerned if it irritates other agents.

I agree. New listings are put out through all sorts of online venues when they hit. It needs to be complete when it hits.

On my MLS though, they require atleast 1 photo & if you don't list the property within 48 hours of the List Date you are in "big, big trouble".  Really sucks when it's dark & rainy that week!

I knew an Agent that put a picture of the Taj Mahal just to buy time. Don't know that I would've appreciated that as the seller but it was funny!

I think we have 24 or 72 hours to get pictures in.  I agree though, the picture should be in at time of publication.  I won't put it in the MLS without a picture.

Yes, sometimes people are too anxious to list the home.  However, having said that, many homes without a single photo are getting multiple offers in day or hours they hit the market.  No photos needed :)

Our MLS does not permit listings without photos unless there is authorization from the seller.

I've not seen that in our MLS.... 

Kevin:

Lazy or CHEAP?

I feel and believe that this is a result of a preponderance of idiot genes. 

Perhaps a Rule Change is needed in your MLS.

$200 fine if not placed in 72 hours. Those who show their company or rider sign is fined for $100. Those who wrote too many adjectives in property descriptions are booted out to justify a memebership hike. 

Here you have 24 hours to get one in; $100 fine each day until they are there.

Pictures are required within 48 hours. Actually they should be concurrently

I could not agree with you more! It is lazy as Alan prefers to say!

Our MLS requires at least oine picture or it will not go active.

It depends. I don't think it has anything to do with suspense. The goal is to list a property asap, photo or no photos. Buyers may be lurking around.

Agents that really know an area, or a specific subdivision, that have active buyers or buyers-in-waiting may already know the property and ready to pounce with an offer.

And agents talk. Sometimes I know what's coming up for sale in a specific area about listings from others. Sometimes, I'm being told about a listing a couple of weeks or months in advance - I work my magic with potential buyers. Sometimes, I'll even view a property even before it goes in the mls (connections).

Don't need to see the photos on the mls. I'm like a wound spring for clients. I'll either preview it right away of show it. I have even negotiated and sold homes sight unseen by buyers.

The early bird gets the worm.

I have sold homes even before my pro photographer could even shoot it. My marketing and networking starts weeks before. Sometimes in some areas, it's like that.

In my mls, you have 3 days to post photos.

Our MLS has a rule, you have to put in at least one photo within 48 hours, or will be taken down.  It does not help the Seller AT ALL with no photos.

Too many lazy and unprofessional folks getting into the business.

Here that would result in a fine by the MLS

Yes, in my mls they require to post a main picture in first 5 days. Majority listings have pictures right away. 

At least a primary photo has to be added within a couple of days or the listing is subject to fine in my area.

In our MLS houses must have at least one photo within 3 days of becoming active

I agree

It is happening here in NH too and what gets me, They are al lover me like ham on cheese if i was a day late, how do these listings stay in MLS for weeks with no pic

Kevin, our MLS wants at least one picture in 24 hours of posting the listing in MLS.