Photography Fails

1. House Flipping?

Why it’s bad: The photo was uploaded to his MLS without verifying the photos were in the upright position.

Fix: When adding photos to your listings, make sure you get them uploaded correctly before you push that publish button.

2. Virtual Staging Gone Rogue

Why it’s bad: if you’re looking for weird real estate photos, virtual staging is the ticket. The virtual staging in this photo obviously was not done by a professional and looks that way. 

Fix: If you want to use virtual staging, use a professional company like Apply Design to make sure it looks realistic. And make sure your photos are well-lit, professional photos before you add virtual staging.

Pro Tip: Get results like THIS for just $7 per photo.

With virtual staging companies charging $30 to $100 per picture these days, most agents only use them for luxury listings. Sure, there is DIY staging software out there, but most are a pain to use, and the quality is awful. That is until Apply Design came along.

Apply Design is the first DIY virtual staging software that is easy to use, easy to get professional-looking results from, and, best of all, affordable enough for any agent. They even have a 100% money-back guarantee, and you can stage your first room for free.

3. Blurred Lines

Why it’s bad: This photo is so blurry it’s unrecognizable. It looks like it was blurred for the protection of the seller.

Fix: When adding photos to your listings, don’t upload any photos that are so low quality that no one can see them.

4. A Fracture in Space

Why it’s bad: It’s difficult to make out exactly what’s going on in this photo. Is it a portal in the space-time continuum? Hard to say for sure.

Fix: This photo could use a little context. Reflections in the glass are creating a bizarre effect that could really throw off potential buyers. Get more of this room in the lens. 

5. Rex Discovers a Portal to Another Dimension

Why it’s bad: Aside from the fracturing of the space-time continuum, there probably shouldn’t be a dog’s head in the photo.

Fix: This is more careless than anything else. If your photo looks like this, take another one while holding the camera still long enough for it to finish collecting the image.

6. My Selfie Stick Makes This Easy

Why it’s bad: Just what everyone wanted to see—your head in front of the sofa.

Fix: OK, I’m going to be blunt—if you don’t know how to use these properly, please don’t. It’s called a selfie stick because it puts you in the picture. You don’t need to be in any of the listing pictures, so just don’t.

Staging and Decor Disasters

7. Living Inside a 90s Taco Bell

Why it’s bad: This room is filled with color—so much so that a potential buyer might be overwhelmed and miss the features of this home.

Fix: Your sellers don’t have to do a complete overhaul of their home for it to sell. But you can use your knowledge of home staging basics and help them cut down on some of the clutter to minimize the sensory overload.

8. Eat More Chicken

Why it’s bad: Let’s just be honest—everyone has their weird kinks, and that’s perfectly fine. But when it’s time to sell, you probably don’t want to advertise those kinks to the whole internet.

Fix: Before you list a new property on the MLS, you might encourage your sellers to invest in some paint to get the home back to a more neutral tone.

9. The Corpse Dino

Why it’s bad: Again, we all have our idiosyncrasies and bizarre hobbies. But there’s no need to broadcast them to the world.

Fix: As an agent, when you tour a room like this with your sellers, you should look at it as the perfect opportunity to discuss what “declutter” means.

10. Grecian Sanctuary

Why it’s bad: You have to wonder how they get the toilet lid to stay open if they need to sit down. And just how bad is someone’s aim if you need that much plastic on the floor?

Fix: Sure, this is just another example of DIY home design gone wild. But you can coach your sellers to remove some of the extra, including the plastic sheet on the floor before picture day. 

11. Too Many Options

Why it’s bad: It’s great to have options when using a washroom, but this one is actually overwhelming. Why are there two (or is it three) toilets? And only one roll of toilet paper?

Fix: The angle on this image does not do this bathroom any favors. 

12. Zero Gravity

Why it’s bad: This listing definitely deserved two images. First, it’s a million-dollar listing, but it’s also one of the most cluttered homes ever. There is a mannequin hanging from the ceiling in not one but two separate images. The realtor said the buyer of this home would be able to see the forest through the trees. Seriously, this whole listing is chock full of funny real estate photos that will have you scratching your head.

Fix: It’s important to help your sellers understand the importance of depersonalization. Please have this conversation with them.

13. It’s About Damn Lime

Why it’s bad: In a minute, I’mma need a bucket o’paint! I had a listing for a room painted this color once. No buyers could get past it. 

Fix: I can’t tell you how many buyers said, “Just show us—we can look past [insert bad house feature here],” but then balked when I showed them the home. Don’t believe your buyers. Don’t show homes that are not show-ready. But when you do, use virtual staging to show buyers how a little paint can work some magic.

14. Under the Sea

Why it’s bad: There’s just no accounting for people’s taste. But that doesn’t mean you have to put it on display. 

Fix: No doubt about it, this floor needs some creative photography best left to the pros. And quite possibly a flooring allowance.

15. Just Add Glitter

Why it’s bad: This bathroom definitely needs more sparkle … and a toilet paper roll holder!

Fix: There’s so much color in this tiny bathroom. Certain colors can make a space feel even smaller, while others can help open up a tight space. You might encourage your sellers to paint this bathroom a color that adds some area.

16. Some Like It Ugly

Why it’s bad: Are you listing a funhouse? There are so many colors! It may be a lot to ask your sellers to remove all the clutter and repaint.

Fix: It may be a lot to ask your sellers to remove all the clutter and repaint the house, but you should definitely give it one helluva try. Or at least consider some virtual staging and a paint allowance. 

Unexpected Occupants

17. Send in the Clowns

Why it’s bad: There is a lot going on in this image, not the least of which is the 4 ft. clown statue in the corner. Some of the most awful real estate photos feature really creepy clowns.

Fix: Have thorough conversations about neutralizing the home to provide potential buyers with fewer distractions.

18. Life on the Serengeti

Why it’s bad: You’ll notice there are many images on this list with a lot going on, like this photo filled with taxidermy from exotic lands.

Fix: Sit your sellers down and encourage them (strongly) to minimize the clutter in the home. Offer to help them find a storage location to house their many prized possessions that might detract from buyers focusing on the home rather than their collection.

19. Master of Multitasking

Why it’s bad: Clearly, this seller is a DIY type, based on this terrible real estate photography.

Fix: Your MLS photos should not have anyone in them, especially if they’re actually sitting on the toilet. Pop for some professional photos to make sure the job’s done right.

20. Mane Entry

Why it’s bad: Why would anyone snap a photo before the horse was out of the way?

Fix: Photography for your listing should not be taken so carelessly. Plan out your photo shoot, make sure you have great lighting in every room, and clean up any extraneous items so your photos are clean and show the home in its best possible light.

21. Holy Cow!

Why it’s bad: How lonely do you need to be to install this oddly well-dressed, life-sized creature in your home? And why is it there for photos?

Fix: It’s highly recommended to be present when your listing is scheduled for photos. Perhaps if this agent had been present, they could have moved Mrs. Heifer to the other room while this pic was taken.

22. Photo Bomb

Why it’s bad: Sure, dogs are amazing, and no one loves them more than I do. But this dog takes the cake! How in the hell did he even get up there?

Fix: As cute as this little guy is, he’s just another distraction taking away from the house. When taking photos, make sure you don’t accidentally capture a lovable mutt in the frame. And I suppose you should look up as well.

Structural and Design Oddities

23. M.C. Escher Fanboy Homebuilder

Why it’s bad: The photo isn’t the problem here; it’s the home itself. (Where are all those steps going?)

Fix: Every home you list won’t be magazine-worthy. All you can do is make the best of what you’re working with. Treat every listing equally, and make sure you’re doing all you can to showcase the best features. Find clever ways to highlight the positives!

24. Bed, Bath, and Be-gross!

Why it’s bad: It’s hard to know where to begin with this photo, but it will probably be the bunk bed over the tub.

Fix: If you absolutely must list a photo like this, at least make sure it’s tidy. And you should probably get creative with your listing description.

25. I Can Really See Myself Living Here

Why it’s bad: Why anyone would want to see an infinite number of themselves on the toilet or naked in the tub is beyond me. Anything with this many mirrors ranks up there with bad real estate pictures that you probably can’t fix.

Fix: Hire a professional photographer. Hopefully, they’ll have a few creative ways to shoot this room to tamp down the effects of all those mirrors.

26. Outdoor Facilities

Why it’s bad: No matter how you look at this photo, it’s not showing anything positive about the house.

Fix: For the love of all that’s holy, please don’t take a picture of the house with someone taking a piss right on the side of it! Just no.

27. For Emergency Evacuations Please Use Stairs

Why it’s bad: Not sure who thought this was a good place to install a bathroom, but here we are.

Fix: Because of the refracted lighting, the toilet is overexposed while the corner with the sink is dark. Make sure your lighting is balanced, or correct it in post.

28. Fertility Window

Why it’s bad: This home’s unique structural design conjures intriguing thoughts. Amirite?

Fix: When your listing has unfortunate features, the best way to offset them is to get images from different angles that de-emphasize the issues. Best left to the pros.

Cleanliness and Clutter Issues

29. Where’s the Remote?

Why it’s bad: Let’s face it—not all of your sellers are going to be the cleanest. But you should not broadcast that information to the entire internet.

Fix: This is the perfect situation where you will benefit immensely from offering to pay for a cleaning service for your sellers.

30. This is Where I Like to Go to Cry

Why it’s bad: Listing photos should give viewers a feel for what it’s like inside the home while showing off its best features. Not sure if this one gives that vibe.

Fix: When shooting photos and videos of your listing, don’t let obstructions get between your viewer’s eyeballs and the space.

31. Elder Enclosure

Why it’s bad: To be completely honest, I’m not sure why this pic would even make it to your actual listing.

Fix: When choosing images for your listing, it’s important to ask yourself, “Will this photo help me sell this house?”

Inappropriate or Bizarre Content

32. Fire Sale

Why it’s bad: I don’t know where to start. An image of a home on fire in the MLS? That’s got to be up there among the most terrible real estate pictures ever, right?

Fix: Listing photos should highlight the home’s best features. Show your listing in its best light.

Fix: When adding photos to your listings, don’t upload any photos that are so low quality that no one can see them. 

33. No Realtor Needed

Why it’s bad: Anything that detracts from the home’s features should be eliminated.Fix: This is what happens when sellers think they can sell their home as easily as any agent. Check out the Zillow FSBO listings, and you’ll find a veritable gold mine of sellers out there who desperately need your expertise.

Pro Tip: Spend a few minutes scrolling through any FSBO site, including the FSBOs on Zillow, and you’ll learn just how horrible 99% of FSBO marketing is. When you finish scrolling (and laughing), our best FSBO scripts article will be waiting for you.

34. Valley of the Dolls

Why it’s bad: It’s the one lying on the ground like she’s in a 90s music video for me.

Fix: Again, when there’s so much stuff in a room that it distracts the buyer from the home’s features, it needs to go. Help your sellers find temporary storage for their bizarre collections.

35. Percy Jackson

Why it’s bad: This house is really gorgeous. The female rabbit statue is a little questionable, but the minotaur in the hallway is haunting my dreams!

Fix: Any potential buyers would naturally be scared away if they saw this image in the MLS. Stage the home tastefully and remove distractions like this monstrosity.

36. It’s a Jungle out There

Why it’s bad: Now might be a great time to discuss curb appeal.

Fix: As a listing agent, you’ll want to make sure this doesn’t happen to your listing. Hire a landscaper to keep the jungle trimmed and neat.

37. Target Your Audience

Why it’s bad: Do I really need to explain why this photo might turn off buyers? 

Fix: Humans are interesting, with lots of interesting hobbies. But maybe some things should only be known by those closest to you. Pack up the gun collection for pictures and showings, just to be on the safe side.

38. This Could Have Been So Much Worse

Why it’s bad: It would be kind of funny if it wasn’t so horrifying at the same time.

Fix: Don’t have your naked seller take photos of your listing. Not to mention, the lighting in this bathroom is really bad.

39. Stunning Art

Why it’s bad: The lighting is good, the bed is made, what could possibly…??? Oh, that!

Fix: I’m all for embracing sexual exploration. But when you put your house on the market, you might want to tone down anything that could embarrass buyers who come through your home. They’ll be so stunned, they’ll walk away from your listing without any further consideration.

40. Lifestyle Goals

Why it’s bad: This photo is a blatant abuse of Photoshop and really bad graphic design and should be avoided at all costs.

Fix: In all seriousness, what exactly does this photo have to do with this house? That pool certainly doesn’t come with its own dolphin-riding agent. It’s just silliness.

41. Slow Market

Why it’s bad: “What’s your average number of days on the market for listings?” 

Fix: You gotta love people’s senses of humor. While this skeleton will make some people laugh, it could also upset others. It’s best not to use the MLS for your (or your seller’s) practical jokes. 

42. Thoughtful Closing Gift

Why it’s bad: This would be a perfectly lovely image of this little cottage if only Baxter had gone earlier when we made that stop.

Fix: I feel like a broken record, but listing photos should not be some offhanded thing you do just as you’re leaving the property. Make sure your images are free from distractions (and debris).

43. Stock Photo

Why it’s bad: It’s the juxtaposition of the stockade footboard, complete with leg restraints, against the Stitch-themed bedspread for me.

Fix: If you come across a situation where too much of your sellers’ sex life is on display, you might try to find creative ways to disguise it. For example, I may have removed the leg restraints and covered the footboard with an afghan so it’s less obvious. Just my thoughts after staring at this photo for longer than I care to admit.

44. Too Intimate?

Why it’s bad: “The painting on the wall is custom art …”

Fix: Not everyone’s taste in art will be the same. For many, this intimate portrait of a birth may be off-putting. Best to remove it for photography and showings. Agree?

45. Nightmare Listing

Why it’s bad: Can you imagine seeing this as a potential buyer on the MLS? I mean, the lighting is atrocious!

Fix: But seriously, don’t be this agent. This photo is only causing serious anxiety for most of the viewers who encounter it. It does nothing to help sell the property. 

How to Get the Most From Your Real Estate Photos (And Never End Up On This List!)

Look, I get it. Taking Instagram-worthy pictures of creepy and cluttered houses isn’t easy. But a listing is a listing, right? So if you want to actually sell the property, you’re going to have to do your best to present the house in its best light. And maybe not every listing needs professional photography, although that’s a debatable topic for another article. Here are six simple tips to take better pictures of visually challenged homes.

Tip 1: For the Love of All That Is Holy, Put the Toilet Seat Down!

One of the first things I learned from my professional real estate photographer is to put the toilet seats down before you snap those photos. My photographer went through the house and made sure they were all closed before he took even one photo. So, before you start clicking, go through the house and close all the toilet lids, regardless of everything else that might be wrong.

Tip 2: Offer to Pay for a Decluttering & Cleaning Service

A dirty house filled with junk is always going to be the last one buyers schedule a tour to see. That means your listing will sit on the market longer, and you might need to lower the price to get the house some love. So if your homeowner refuses to clean or move the Star Trek collection to the garage, consider paying out of pocket to get the job done.

Tip 3: You Don’t Need to Show the Weirdness

I’ve already touched on this, but everyone has their own weird things. But there are exactly zero reasons to upload pictures of your homeowner’s weird belongings to Zillow. Try to convince your sellers to move their personal stuff to a storage unit while you’re trying to sell the home. Offer to pay for a storage unit if you have to. But remind them of the objective—depersonalize so buyers can see themselves in the home, not the sellers.

Tip 4: Resist the Urge to Edit Your Own Pictures

Unless you’re a professional editor, editing your own listing pictures is never a good idea. It is absurdly easy to make a mediocre picture worse, and you can hire a professional editor for a small fee. So do yourself a favor and leave it to the pros. You’ll thank me later.

Tip 5: Use a Professional Virtual Staging Service or App

Be extremely careful with virtual staging. It’s so easy to overdo it and make your listing photos look ridiculous. Hire a professional or use a company that specializes in real estate virtual staging. Sure, it’s a little more expensive than professional photo editing, but it’s always a great investment when trying to get a challenging home sold. You have so many more options today, with more coming in the near future. 

Tip 6: Learn the Basics of Photography

If you insist on taking your own pictures instead of hiring a photographer like every successful real estate agent, at least take a few hours to learn the basics. Professional real estate photography is not easy, but it’s also not as hard as you think it is. Check out our deep-dive guide on photography to learn how to take pictures that won’t end up on this list.

Bringing It All Together

Have some unbearably bad real estate photos to share or a real estate photography tip that works every time? Send it to us at hi@theclose.com or share it with us on Instagram via @theclosedotcom. Use the hashtag #realestatepictastrophes 

The post 45 Bad Real Estate Photos Agents Actually Posted (+ How to Fix Them) appeared first on The Close.

The History of Sears Catalog Homes

In 1908, Sears launched its first Sears Modern Homes Catalog. Prospective homeowners could choose from various home models in the catalog, place an order, and receive the home kit by mail. That year, the base price for a Sears home kit was around $650, which is about $22,000 today. Of course, that price didn’t cover the land, electrical, and plumbing—it only included the necessary materials (e.g., lumber, shingles, millwork) and building instructions. These weren’t flimsy materials; Sears delivered high-quality, pre-cut pieces that were made to last.

The 1910s proved to be another successful time for Sears Modern Homes. The company streamlined home kit production, established regional shipping warehouses, and offered payment plans. Sears catalogs became a favorite source for clothing, appliances, homes, and furniture—a one-stop shop for every American. Families built their dream homes from Sears kits, highlighting the ease of assembly.

By 1915, Sears continued to innovate by offering more home styles. The Sears Modern Homes Catalog offered around 370 models, with about 80 to 100 models in each catalog, catering to various preferences, budgets, and family sizes. The popularity of Sears catalog homes soared throughout the 1920s, fueled by a thriving economy and the convenience of mail-order purchasing. Sears also recognized the growing demand for modern amenities and began offering electrical wiring and plumbing fixtures as add-ons in their kits.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Sears continued to offer smaller, more affordable houses to cater to tighter budgets and changing market demands. However, despite these more economical housing solutions, Sears’ sales still dipped. As a result, Sears stopped selling home kits in 1940, marking the end of a significant era.

Sears may have ceased its mail-order housing business, but its legacy remains. According to reports, Sears sold more than 70,000 home kits. Even though Sears no longer sells home kits, many of these houses still stand and become available in the market. You might even stumble upon some of them on property listing sites! While there’s no fixed price for a Sears home today, listings typically range from $300,000 to over a million. The continuous presence of Sears homes in the housing market only proves their timeless appeal, which attracts buyers.

How to Identify a Sears Kit Home

Think your current gorgeous bungalow listing arrived by mail order during the 1930s? Here’s how to crack the code and see if you got a Sears house listing:

1. Inspect Parts of the House

Study the construction materials used in the house. Popular home styles of Sears houses include craftsman bungalows, Tudors, and colonial revivals. These styles usually featured low-sloped roofs, elaborate chimneys, and spacious front porches, mostly constructed with pre-cut pieces, pre-cut lumber, and asphalt shingles.

2. Identify Unique Markings & Consult Sears Catalogs

Look for markings such as stamped lumber in the basement or attic, as these were used to assist in construction. Not all Sears houses have these letter and number markings, but their presence is a vital clue. Additionally, check behind millwork, such as window trims and baseboards, for some shipping labels. Sears attached these labels to some pieces, so look for markings indicating the house’s origin.

3. Research the House’s History

Gather information about the house’s original owner and construction date. Explore archives and historical records in your local library to learn more about the origins of the house and its potential ties to Sears catalog designs. Check if the house was built during the time when Sears home kits were popular.

4. Seek an Expert’s Opinion

If you’re still unsure whether you’ve got a Sears house, consider seeking a professional’s opinion or anyone familiar with Sears homes. You can also contact historians, preservation specialists, or organizations that identify properties with architectural histories. Additionally, you can join online communities or forums like Facebook groups and Reddit threads dedicated to Sears homes. Connect with other Sears homeowners and enthusiasts who can guide your research.

How Much Are Sears Houses Worth Today?

While you couldn’t order a Sears house from today’s catalog anymore, many of these iconic houses still stand. If, by any chance, you own one or are about to have one as your listing, you might be surprised by its current value. And believe it or not, these Sears houses don’t even stay on the market long!

Here are some Sears kit homes currently on the market, contingent, and just sold:

3325 Warringham Ave, Waterford, Michigan

• Asking price: $349,000
• Sears house model: Lewiston
• Year built: 1929

A white Sears Lewiston home (Source: Zillow)

A single-family property with solid wood floors throughout (Source: Zillow)

And a lovely wooden arched door! (Source: Zillow)

The Lewiston (Source: Sears Houses in Ohio)

6522 33rd St, Berwyn, Illinois

• Asking price: $259,900
• Sears house model: Vallonia
• Year built: 1922

As of writing, the seller has already accepted an offer for this cozy Vallonia (Source: Redfin)

Look at that cute kitchen! (Source: Redfin)

The Vallonia (Source: Sears Houses in Ohio)

418 Ann St, West Chicago, Illinois

• Asking price: $325,000
• Sears house model: Barrington
• Year built: 1928

A beautiful Sears Barrington home (Source: Redfin)

Notice how Sears homes always have arched doorways (Source: Redfin)

The Barrington (Source: Sears Houses in Ohio)

The Barrington (Source: Sears Houses in Ohio)

327 Geneva Rd, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

• Asking price: $475,000
• Sears house model: Colchester
• Year built: 1926

A well-maintained Sears Colchester home (Source: Redfin)

Most parts of the house were kept, including doorways and stone fireplace (Source: Redfin)

The Colchester (Source: Sears Homes of Chicagoland)

How to Market Sears Kit Homes Today

Promoting Sears kit homes can be a unique opportunity for real estate agents! Contrary to popular real estate belief, property listings don’t sell themselves, so here are several strategies that real estate agents can employ to market Sears catalog homes effectively:

• Highlight facts and history about the Sears home: Educate buyers about these homes’ history and unique qualities. Create educational content, such as blog posts and videos (or share this article!) that highlight the appeal of Sears houses. 
• Emphasize the home’s quality and craftsmanship: In your property listing descriptions, highlight the Sears house’s classic features. Mention its solid wood construction, iconic trim work, and spacious layouts. Stress their sturdiness and timeless charm, adding value and character.
• Network and target niche audiences: Identify those interested in Sears catalog homes and network with potential leads. These people could be history buffs, artists, and vintage home lovers. Invite them to property showings or open houses, and tailor your marketing efforts to these audiences.
• Create virtual tours: Produce high-quality photos and video walk-throughs to showcase the interior and exterior of Sears houses. Consider adding aerial shots to show the home’s surroundings and neighborhood appeal. Create virtual tours using software like Zillow 3D Home Tours, Matterport, and Asteroom.
• Host an open house: Organize open houses to promote your Sears house listing and attract interested buyers. Use various marketing channels, such as local newspapers, neighborhood newsletters, and community events, to spread the word about your open house.
• Social media marketing: Leverage social media sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok to market Sears catalog homes for sale. Use targeted ads to reach specific demographics interested in historical architecture and home restoration to improve the visibility of your listings.

FAQs: Sears Catalog House Kits

Can you still buy houses from Sears?

How can you tell if your house is a Sears house?

In which states are Sears houses most prevalent?

Are Sears houses today still valuable?

How did Sears Catalog houses work?

Bringing It All Together

Sears houses are timeless classics, adorned by unique design elements and cherished for their historical significance. Have you seen any Sears houses in your neighborhood? Trying to sell one? Or are you looking to buy one? Tell us about your Sears house stories in the comments!

The post Sears Catalog Homes: Overview, History & Present Day appeared first on The Close.

Pocket Listings Defined 

So, what is a real estate pocket listing, you ask? In the world of real estate, a “pocket listing” is when a seller signs a listing agreement with a broker, giving them the exclusive right to sell their property. But there’s a catch: the property can’t be listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Instead, the agent keeps the listing private, sharing it only with a select group of agents they trust to bring in the right buyers. These off-market or private listings are like the speakeasies of real estate—you won’t find them on the internet or with a “For Sale” sign out front. So, what is a pocket listing? Simply put, it’s a listing that the agent keeps “in their pocket” and doesn’t market to the public.

Standard Listings vs Pocket Listings 

When it comes to selling a home, there are two main types of listings: standard and pocket. The primary difference between the two lies in how widely the property is marketed and the level of privacy offered.

• Standard listings: The most common type of listing where a seller works with an agent or brokerage to actively market the property to the public via the MLS, open houses, and various online and offline channels, aiming to maximize exposure and attract competitive offers.

• Pocket listings: A discreet listing option where the property is not actively marketed to the public. Instead, the agent shares the listing with a select group of contacts within their network through word-of-mouth or private communication, offering the seller a higher level of privacy.

It’s worth noting that the real estate terms “pocket listing” and “private real estate listing” are often used interchangeably. However, private listings can include any listing with privacy elements, such as an unpublished listing or a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) property.

The Pros & Cons of a Pocket Listing 

Pocket listings have been a hot topic in the real estate world, with strong opinions on both sides. Some agents swear by them, while others think they’re unethical. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of keeping a listing in your “hip pocket.”

Ultimately, whether or not to use a pocket listing depends on the specific situation and the seller’s needs. As agents, our job is to weigh the pros and cons and advise our clients on the best course of action. And if we do go the pocket listing route, it’s crucial to ensure we’re doing it for the right reasons and not just to increase our commissions by double-ending a deal.

Why a Seller Would Want a Pocket Listing

Pocket listings might seem like an odd choice, but there are actually some pretty compelling reasons why a seller might opt for this approach to selling their home. Understanding your client’s motivations and concerns is important to provide the best possible service.

• Privacy: For some sellers, especially celebrities or those who value their privacy, the thought of their home being splashed across the internet is less than ideal. Pocket listings allow them to keep things quiet and avoid having random looky-loos wandering through their home just to see how the other half lives. Plus, all potential buyers are prequalified and vetted, so sellers know they’re dealing with serious shoppers.

• Testing the waters: Pocket listings can be like dipping your toe in the pool before diving in. Sellers can get a feel for what buyers will pay before going public on the MLS. This way, they might avoid making a price reduction, which can be a red flag for buyers.

• Avoiding the “stale listing” stigma: When a home sits on the MLS for too long, buyers wonder what’s wrong with it. Pocket listings allow sellers to avoid this stigma and protect their property’s reputation.

• The perfect match: Some sellers aren’t quite ready to commit to listing their home, but they’d consider it for the right price. A pocket listing allows their agent to play matchmaker and find that perfect buyer willing to pay top dollar for their dream home. 

• Negotiating power: Savvy sellers might be able to negotiate a lower commission with their agent since pocket listings require less marketing and effort. It’s like getting a discount for being an “easy” client.

So, while pocket listings might not be the right choice for everyone, they can be a smart move for sellers who value privacy, want to test the market, or are looking for a quick and easy transaction. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons and finding the best fit for their unique situation.

As real estate agents, we must be well-versed in all available options to provide tailored recommendations that align with our client’s unique goals and priorities.

Alternatives to Pocket Listings

It’s true that pocket listings are not permitted for National Association of Realtors members. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to market a listing privately on behalf of confidentiality-seeking sellers. Here are a couple of alternatives savvy agents can employ.

Office Exclusive Listings

Office exclusive listings offer a private alternative for sellers who want to limit their property’s exposure. The property is marketed only within the listing brokerage, and promotion is limited to the brokerage’s agents and their clients. This targeted approach is ideal for situations where confidentiality is crucial, like celebrity home sales. However, if the listing is advertised to the public, it must be submitted to the MLS for cooperation with other brokerages.

Direct Cash Buyer

For a seller who values privacy but doesn’t want to restrict their property’s exposure to the level of an office exclusive listing, seeking a cash offer from a direct buyer, like an investor or housebuying company, may be an alternative. These buyers often prefer off-market purchases, which can simplify the process and provide a more discreet transaction. 

So, whether you choose a standard listing, pocket listing, office exclusive listing, or direct sale depends on your client’s unique situation and what matters most.

Are Pocket Listings Legal? 

Is a pocket listing legal? As of this writing, holding a pocket listing is technically legal in all 50 states. No specific laws prohibit a real estate agent from representing a seller while keeping the listing off the MLS. However, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) threw a wrench in the pocket listing game in November 2019, effectively banning it for all its members, known as Realtors.

• NAR, the largest trade organization in the country with nearly 1.5 million members, effectively voted to ban pocket listings starting in May 2020.
• The new Clear Cooperation Policy requires NAR member-Realtors to post listings to their local MLS within one business day of marketing the property to the public.
• Public marketing includes everything from flyers in windows and yard signs to digital marketing on websites, email blasts, and even social media posts.

So, while keeping a pocket listing isn’t illegal, Realtors who don’t follow NAR’s rules could face warnings or fines from their local Realtor association. And since Realtors make up a big chunk of the real estate industry, this policy change is a pretty big deal.

But there is an exception.

• The Clear Cooperation Policy does have an “office exclusive” exception.
• This means if a seller asks that their listing only be marketed within the listing broker’s firm or among the brokers and licensees affiliated with that brokerage, it can stay off the MLS.
• However, the listing must be filed with the MLS, accompanied by a certification signed by the seller stating they don’t want the listing shared on the MLS.

The Ethics Question

Pocket listings are not illegal, but some people argue they’re not always ethical. Here’s why:

• Pocket listings can limit transaction transparency since only one agent represents the buyer and seller.
• They might also invite discriminatory practices by disproportionately limiting access to listings for certain groups of people, such as those protected under fair housing laws.
• For sellers, pocket listings can restrict the potential buyer pool, which might not be in their best interest.

Sure, pocket listings can occasionally be useful for sellers who value privacy, but the general consensus among NAR and many individual agents is that they should be used sparingly and with caution.

As always, checking with your state’s real estate commission for the most up-to-date information on the legality and regulations surrounding pocket listings is essential. But one thing’s for sure: The Clear Cooperation Policy has definitely shaken things up in the world of off-market listings.

Your Take

Pocket listings have been a staple in the real estate industry and will likely not disappear soon. However, answering the question of what a pocket listing is has evolved over the past few years. There will always be opportunities for agents to tap into the exclusive world of private listings, no matter what shape they take because there will always be sellers who value privacy and VIP status. Savvy agents interested in pocket listings will learn how to expand their network to find those hidden treasures. 

Have you thought about slicing your own piece of the exclusive listings pie? There are tons of opportunities out there for agents with a little gumption, hustle, and stellar networking skills. Are you tapping into a strategy I didn’t cover? What’s your take on pocket listings? Share with me in the comments.

The post What Is a Pocket Listing? Definition, Pros & Cons for 2024 appeared first on The Close.

1. Arizona’s Biggest Man Cave

An estate with a race track (Source: Zillow)

This house has a place for Go-Karts inside the massive garage (Source: Zillow).

Wow, I’ll probably never leave my house again if this is where I live. This man cave boasts a Go-Kart race track, shooting range, golf simulator, basketball gym, pool, and more. If you get this kind of listing, the perfect target market would be sports and recreation enthusiasts. Think NBA players, sports professionals, tech moguls, or even royals. Would you consider this Arizona property if you had an extra $20 million lying around? 

2. The Show Must Go On

A totally normal single-family property … from the outside (Source: Realtor.com)

Use the built-in theater to host a virtual tour. (Source: Realtor.com)

An entertainment room with a stage and tables and chairs for audiences (Source: Realtor.com)

At first glance, this place doesn’t look that weird. But you’ll never really know until you enter the house. Owned by a theater enthusiast, this home would appeal to producers and creatives in the entertainment industry. Inside, you’ll be greeted by rooms with quirky decor, a theater, a bar, and dens. It could be ideal for theater buffs and people who love entertaining, but you could also use virtual home staging to overlay these weird features and attract more buyers. This place in New Berlin, Wisconsin—which has only been on Realtor for less than a month, is currently listed for $415,000 and under agreement as of this writing.

3. Straight Out of a Sci-Fi Film

A gray post-modern house with a pool, glass windows, and stunning views of nature (Source: Realtor.com)

Is this the Marvel Avengers’ new base? (Source: Realtor.com)

A game room overlooking Portland’s skyline. I’m in. (Source: Realtor.com)

A modern wine cellar and tasting room (Source: Realtor.com)

With a nearly $9 million listing price, this ultramodern Portland house looks straight out of a sci-fi film. It has stainless steel front doors, glass walls, stone floors, and imported Italian stone slabs. If you get a similar listing, this house’s selling point would be the 270-degree views of the city and river from its glass windows. Bring your wine glass for this tasting room as you celebrate the nice commission this will bring. 

4. Live Under a Rock … Literally

A historic rock house in the desert for $749,000. Built in 1929, this home is now up for sale for the first time in 45 years. Above Araby Cove in Palm Springs, the property features handmade fireplace tools, handcrafted doors and windows, and a secret room behind a bookcase. Another unique thing about this home is that the original owner, Perle Martin Wheeler, has her name carved into a nook in the wall. The listing agent could use this feature as a “treasure hunt” during an open house for guests to find the nook. 

5. 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall

Who drank all the beer while building this house? (Source: Realtor.com)

What a view while preparing dinner (Source: Realtor.com)

Check out this artsy dining room. (Source: Realtor.com)

Woah, there are a lot of extraordinary houses in Arizona. As of writing, this property in Tucson is already contingent. It has three bedrooms, three deep-rock fireplaces, a guest cottage, and an outdoor kitchen. According to the listing description, the bottles serve as insulation for this home, but I imagine they also allow sunlight to filter in.

6. Welcome Home, Your Majesty

Time to look for clients who would love to live like Disney princesses. (Source: Zillow)

It must be nice to wake up in a castle. (Source: Zillow)

OK, here’s a “normal” house in Connecticut. It actually looks very normal … if you’re royalty. This majestic castle boasts 18,777 square feet of living space, nine bedrooms, 10 baths, and 12 fireplaces (yup, 12). It’s listed at nearly $30 million and sits on 375 acres. Luxury and high-end listings often take longer to sell since the pool of buyers is much smaller. You need a unique marketing campaign when advertising a property like this, like fancy full-color brochures and a single-listing website.

7. Wanted: Trick-or-Treaters

A real-life haunted house. The stuff of homebuyer’s dreams; nightmares, that is. (Source: Zillow)

A house complete with its own dead people. (Source: Zillow)

Built around 1890, the Haunted Castle House in Missouri has since been an icon at the Lake of Ozarks. There is a cemetery in the back yard. People visit the house for paranormal investigations, guided tours, and special events. Currently, this place is off the market. If you get a haunted house listing, market it to historic preservationists, paranormal enthusiasts, filmmakers, and tourism professionals. Also, check with your state’s disclosure laws on what you must share with prospective buyers.

8. The Mardi Gras House

According to the listing, it’s referred to as the Mardi Gras House because of its vibrant hues and proximity to all things Mardi Gras. It features a grand foyer, five bedrooms, a wraparound porch, and two balconies. Currently, this Victorian beauty is on the market for $560,000. If you ever get this listing, mentioning it was previously called the Petrinovich House Inn and built as a boarding house in the historic Church Street East neighborhood would be helpful, especially if someone wants to run it as an Airbnb.

9. Ready for Takeoff

A parking lot for all of your client’s planes. (Source: Realtor.com)

Who needs cars when the neighborhood has its own runway (Source: Realtor.com)

A massive garage with parked bikes and a space that can fit an aircraft (Source: Realtor.com)

OK, we don’t see houses with hangars and runways every day. So, I guess this isn’t normal. Do you have potential buyers who own airplanes? Or clients who are aviation enthusiasts? This single-family property in Texas features three bedrooms, quartz countertops, storm shelters, a fire pit, and a game room. Pilots or executives who own a plane are the perfect market for this type of property. The runway is privately owned for a public use airport.

10. Strike While the Iron Is Hot

Help your clients strike their way to homebuying victory with these dueling bowling alleys. This posh manor looks more wonderful than weird. Located in Alpine, NJ (which explains the $20 million asking price), the property features over 22,700 square feet of living space, a brick exterior, 25 rooms, a tennis court, a home theater, and two state-of-the-art bowling alleys. 

11. Origami House

If you ever want to live in a house with panoramic views of nature and a likeness to origami folding, this one’s for you. Currently posted for $11.8 million, this home was designed by the architects of the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, Canada. I don’t know about you, but I get dizzy looking at it from this angle. The views and interior design make it worth it.

12. A Hobbit House

Tolkien fans, this looks like a house from Lord of the Rings. (Source: Realtor.com)

Does Frodo live here? (Source: Compass)

This unique “hobbit” home sits on a four-acre lot in Elverson, Pennsylvania. It’s the lot for sale, but still, you get to keep the house built into the grass. This lot has only been on the market for eight days, and I’m guessing it wouldn’t be there for long, what with its $400,000 price tag. The house features a grass roof to save on heating and cooling costs, arched walls, and big windows.

13. Looks Pretty Normal From the Outside

Wait until you see the inside! (Source: Realtor.com)

You’ll never guess what the owner’s favorite color is. (Source: Realtor.com)

That’s a lot of… orange (Source: Realtor.com)

At first, this looks like any other house in Palm Springs. But wow, you never really know what’s inside a home until you step in. Those shades of pink and orange are a little weird if you ask me. This house can be a movie set. What else is unique about this home is that it was the residence of a local legend, Jack Stephan, known as the Plumber to the Stars.

14. A Tree (House) Grows in Oregon

A work of art that costs $5.9 million (Source: Zillow)

It must’ve taken so much time to build this masterpiece. (Source: Zillow)

There’s a lot to love about this jaw-dropping home in Oregon. Every nook and cranny is a work of art. It has an outdoor entertainment space, pool, signature staircase, and rooms with magnificent views of mountains. You’ll see tree branches and intricate wood carvings in some furniture, walls, and doors. This exotic and beautiful home is listed for $5.9 million and has been on Zillow for over two years. As you know, luxury listings can take longer to sell; especially, fully customized ones. 

15. A Spaceship Home

This home will have your buyers saying, “Beam me up, Scotty.” (Source: Realtor.com)

This home sure looks like it can land anywhere. (Source: Realtor.com)

This one-of-a-kind dome-shaped house in Somonauk, Illinois, is on sale for $475,000. Not only does it look like it’s about to fly away, but it is settled on a 12-foot foundation with the ability to rotate electronically or manually. If your buyers don’t like their view, they can simply change it. Other than its exterior, everything looks completely normal inside. 

16. The Robert Bruno Steel House

This house is shaped like a pig, or space-age creature. (Source: Zillow)

Now that’s a fashionable house. (Source: Vogue)

How do you feel about a unique twisty and bendy staircase? (Source: Zillow)

The famous Robert Bruno Steel House in Ransom Canyon, Texas, is still on the market for $1.5 million. The house features a gourmet kitchen, three bedrooms, a walk-out balcony, and walls made from recycled steel. It’s wonky, wild, and wonderful inside and used as a backdrop in a Vogue Magazine photo shoot.

Tips for Marketing Weird Houses

Promoting weird real estate listings can be fun. Here are some strategies to effectively market eccentric and funny houses.

• Stage the house creatively: Enhance the overall vibe of the property by using furniture and decor that match each space. You can also use a virtual home staging company to overlay outdated or funky furniture and decor.
• Highlight the property’s unique features: When posting listings of weird houses on Realtor, emphasize the properties’ interesting features, out-of-the-ordinary architecture, and unconventional design and layout. Write a realistic description of what it’s like to live on the property.
• Host an open house: Organize open houses to showcase the property. Invite influencers and vloggers specializing in real estate or architecture to promote the weirdest homes for sale.
• Network; target niche audiences: Identify people interested in funny houses. This could be artists, collectors, or even celebrities looking for a unique abode.
• Social media marketing: Use social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok to showcase weird houses for sale. Create engaging reels, post photos, and add relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.

FAQs: Weird Real Estate Listings

What is the most unusual house?

What is the best real estate listing site?

Bringing It All Together

When it comes to a property’s design and architecture, everything is subjective. Remember—there’s always a story behind each home’s eccentric layout and quirky rooms. Have you stumbled upon any weird real estate listings recently? Share your discovery in the comments.

The post 16 Weird Real Estate Listings You Won’t Believe appeared first on The Close.

1. A-Frame

• Period: 1950s-1990s
• Commonly found in: Colorado, Oregon, everywhere

An A-frame house is characterized by its distinctive style that resembles the letter “A.” Aside from its triangular shape, A-frame houses typically have large windows, a loft space just under the roof, and an open floor plan. This home architecture is straightforward and cost-effective in design and construction, making it appealing to homeowners nationwide.

2. Brownstones

• Period: 1840s-1890s
• Commonly found in: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Boston

Built from the eponymous stone quarried in Connecticut, brownstones are a very popular style of townhouse in many East Coast cities. Many brick townhouses are mistaken for brownstones because of the way they’re painted, but true brownstones were always made from actual brownstone, which was a preferred building material because of its softness and ease of working with. Some common features of brownstones include a short flight of stairs leading up to the entrance, cast-iron railings, high ceilings, and bay windows.

3. Bungalow

• Period: 1940s-1960s
• Commonly found in: California, Oregon, everywhere

Bungalows are relatively small, single-story homes. They often have small front porches and double-pitched roofs with small dormer windows—or roofed windows set on the sloped side of a roof. Want a fun talking point for your clients when you’re showing a bungalow? Tell them that the style and term originated from the word “bengala,” which referred to homes built in the style of the Bengal region of India.

4. Cape Cod

• Period: 1740s-present
• Commonly found in: East Coast, Midwest

Cape Cod style homes were very common with early American settlers due to their relative ease of construction and simplicity. They generally feature a single-pitched steep roof and a front door in the center with rows of windows on either side, shingle or clapboard siding, and minimal decorative elements.

5. Colonial

• Period: 1700s-1780s
• Commonly found in: Northeast, Southeast

Colonial houses are characterized by gently sloped roofs and an entrance door in the middle of the home, with two windows flanking the entrance door. Colonials can also have dormers, sunrooms, or other smaller additions to the sides of the home. They are frequently found in the Northeast and Southeast and are a popular style still built to this day.

6. Contemporary

• Period: 1990s-present
• Commonly found in: Everywhere

Contemporary homes are homes that follow up-to-the-minute architecture and design trends. That means that a contemporary home built in 1990 will look significantly different from one built in 2024. Some common elements of contemporary or ultramodern homes include walls of glass, open-concept layouts, high ceilings, kitchen islands, formal and informal living rooms—and large open kitchens.

7. Craftsman

• Period: 1905-1930
• Commonly found in: California, Seattle, Oregon

With design elements from the British arts and crafts movement of the late 19th century, craftsman-style homes became extremely popular in the early 20th century. The characteristic elements of a craftsman-style home include a low-slung roof, large front porches with a staircase, large squared off columns, and minimal decorative elements.

8. Federal

• Period: 1780s-1800s
• Commonly found in: Northeast, Southeast

When colonial style homes fell out of favor in the 1780s, federal style homes took their place. Federal-style homes are very similar to colonials, except they tend to have more decorative elements, round windows, columns, and dual chimneys.

9. Georgian

• Period: 1700s-1830
• Commonly found in: East Coast

Georgian architecture in the United States was heavily influenced by the architectural trends of Britain during the reigns of the first four King Georges. A Georgian house often features two or three stories of brick and stone, proportioned windows, and a central entry hall. Its interiors usually include formal dining and drawing rooms, marble fireplaces, high ceilings, and grand staircases with elegant handrails.

10. Greek Revival

• Period: 1820s-present
• Commonly found in: Southeast, Middle Atlantic region

Often called America’s first unique architectural style, Greek revival homes were inspired by elements of ancient Greek architecture. These frequently include large columns at the entryway or along the entire front of the home, symmetrical double-hung windows, and large front doors with sidelights. Ornamentation is generally very restrained and almost minimal. Also referred to as the national style, Greek revival homes are very popular in the South, especially for mansions and plantation homes.

11. Italianate

• Period: 1840s-1880s
• Commonly found in: Eastern states

Originated in the mid-19th century in the United States, Italianate style is regarded as a form of Victorian architecture as it was popularized during the Victorian era. An Italianate-style house features a low-pitched roof, porches supported by decorative columns, ornate brackets, and tall, narrow windows. Indoors, Italianate houses often have high ceilings, grand staircases, marble fireplaces, and murals on walls and ceilings.

12. Mediterranean

• Period: 1920s-1960s
• Commonly found in: Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, and other Southern states

Inspired by the Mediterranean regions of Europe, Mediterranean homes are prevalent in areas with warmer climates. Some common elements of a Mediterranean home include terracotta tile roofs, wrought iron balconies, arched doorways, and stone accents. Inside, you’ll usually find exposed ceiling beams, mosaic tiles, plaster accents, and a warm color palette that never goes out of style.

13. Midcentury Modern

• Period: 1940s-1960s
• Commonly found in: New Canaan Connecticut, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Inspired by high modernist European architects like Le Corbusier and Ludwig Meis van der Rohe, the midcentury modern movement in American houses began in the 1940s and became extremely popular. Common features include minimalist design with no ornamentation, single-story construction, large picture windows, flat roofs, and an attempt to blend the natural surroundings into the home’s design. Interiors usually have open layouts with few walls separating the space, allowing rooms to blend into one another.

14. Modern Farmhouse

• Period: 2000s-present
• Commonly found in: Midwest, South

Modern farmhouse homes are prevalent in areas with agricultural fields or large plots of land, such as Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas. The modern farmhouse home style reflects a nostalgia for rural life, even in urban settings. Some standard features of a modern farmhouse are barn doors, neutral color palettes for doors and windows, open floor plans, and wide porches.

15. Postmodern

• Period: 1980s-present
• Commonly found in: California, everywhere

The postmodernist movement was a philosophical and artistic movement in the 1980s that questioned traditional modernist ideals and employed irony in home design. Postmodern homes might borrow elements from Spanish, midcentury modern, or even Victorian elements into one house. Some features of postmodern houses include eclectic designs, open floor plans, quirky decorative elements, and a bold color palette.

16. Prairie

• Period: 1905-1915
• Commonly found in: Illinois, Wisconsin

Popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, prairie-style houses are known for their distinctive horizontal layout. Some common features of the prairie style include low-hipped roofs, large windows, central chimney, and a rectangular shape.

17. Queen Anne

• Period: 1880s-1920s
• Commonly found in: Northeast, Southeast, California

Queen Anne style homes are a type of Victorian home that is even more ornate than a typical, earlier era Victorian. Queen Annes tend to have features like large rounded turrets, steeped roofs with many pitches, stained glass, finials (decorative elements found on top of architectural structures), ornate shingles, and enclosed rounded porches.

18. Ranch

• Period: 1920s-present
• Commonly found in: West Coast, everywhere

Ranch style homes are the modernist answer to affordable family living. With only one story and low-slung roofs, ranch homes allowed for open-plan layouts and a more laid-back, less formal style of living that became popular in the early 20th-century modernist movement. Ranging from luxurious and sprawling midcentury modern homes to the most basic starter homes, ranch houses are truly versatile and built for American families from every walk of life.

19. Rowhouses

• Period: 1820s-present
• Commonly found in: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Baltimore

A rowhouse is a single-family home that shares a roofline and one or more walls with a group of other homes on a single block. Rowhomes were a very popular style of housing in 19th-century American cities due to the cost savings of building multiple homes at once on one plot of land. While rowhomes generally share many of the same features, including window styles and placement, front stoops, and yards, some rowhouses were built with eclectic styles of homes grouped together.

20. Saltbox

• Period: 1700s
• Commonly found in: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island

The term “saltbox” originates from the resemblance of wooden boxes used for storing salt in colonial times. Saltbox houses generally have rectangular shapes, central chimneys, asymmetrical roofs, and two stories, with the second having a sloped roofline. Some inside features include wide plank floors, brick fireplaces, and exposed ceiling beams.

21. Spanish

• Period: 1920s-present
• Commonly found in: California, Southwest

Inspired by the architecture of Spain, Spanish-style homes generally have low-slung roofs, terracotta roof tiles, and white plaster walls. The interiors frequently have tile floors and arched entryways and windows.

22. Split Level

• Period: 1950s-present
• Commonly found in: West Coast, everywhere

Split-level homes are multi-floor houses with short flights of stairs connecting each level. On the East Coast, split levels almost always have an entryway that opens onto two flights of stairs, one going up to the second level, and another heading down to the first or ground floor. The top floors of a split-level home tend to have full-height ceilings while lower levels might have lower ceilings.

23. Storybook

• Period: 1920s-present
• Commonly found in: California, everywhere

Storybook homes are houses that take design cues from medieval European homes that were popularized by fairy tales and castles. Often incorporating stone and shingle roofs, you can usually tell if you’re looking at a storybook home if it wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney cartoon about knights and princesses. Some common features of storybook homes include arched doorways, cozy nooks, stone fireplaces, textured ceilings, and a warm color palette.

24. Tudor

• Period: 1850s-1970s
• Commonly found in: East Coast, Midwest

Tudor homes generally have high sloped roofs with multiple pitches, brick or stone construction of facades, chimneys, and the trademark faux exposed timbers set in white stone or stucco. Tudor homes saw a resurgence in popularity in the 1920s, and entire neighborhoods like Forest Hills in Queens, New York, are almost entirely Tudor houses. Some common interior features of Tudor houses include low ceilings, exposed timber beams, decorative wood carvings, and oak paneling on walls.

25. Victorian

• Period: 1850s-1920s
• Commonly found in: East Coast, Midwest, San Francisco

Based on the Victorian design movement in England, Victorian homes in the United States featured ornate decoration on the outside of the home including steep gabled roofs, bay windows, rounded turrets, and dormer windows. Inside, Victorian homes usually feature patterned wallpapers, grand staircases, high ceilings, and ornate fireplace mantels.

Home Styles: FAQs

What is a house style & what are some examples?

What are the 5 types of houses?

What style of house is most popular?

Over to You

Whatever your real estate niche is, make sure you’re well versed in the different home styles. Have something you think we need to add to our list of common styles of homes in the United States? Let us know in the comments!

The post 25 Popular Home Styles Every Realtor Should Know appeared first on The Close.