Less Is More: Why Too Many Listing Photos Can Hurt Your Sale

In today’s real estate market, we’ve seen a huge swing in how we market properties—from barely any visual material to overwhelming buyers with photos, videos, 3D tours, and measurements. COVID accelerated this shift, and while some tools were necessary during the pandemic, we haven’t recalibrated since.

Let me tell you a story. I recently spoke with a seller whose home didn’t sell. They asked me, “Why didn’t it sell?” After a few questions—how many showings they had, what the feedback was—it turned out the listing had tons of online views but very few in-person showings.

Here’s the kicker: they had nearly 90 photos, multiple videos, a 3D tour, and complete diagrams with room measurements. And yet… no traction. Why? Because buyers eliminated it before ever stepping foot inside.

The Trap of Too Much Information

We used all those tools during COVID because buyers were often making decisions sight unseen. But today, buyers are eliminating homes too quickly based on what they see online—images that may not represent how the home truly feels.

For example, a 3D tour might call attention to a ceiling slant that buyers would never have noticed in person. But online, it becomes a mental red flag. Or maybe the flyer says the dining room is 10x12—it sounds small on paper, even if it feels spacious when you’re standing in it.

The Emotional Side of Buying a Home

Buying a home is an emotional, sensory experience. You can’t capture the feeling of stepping into a spa-like walk-in shower in a photo. If you give away everything online, buyers have no reason to come visit. And if they don’t visit, they can’t fall in love.

Instead, lead with your best features. Highlight the living areas, an impressive master suite, or a striking exterior—just enough to spark curiosity and imagination.

Best Practices for Listing Media

• Use fewer, higher-quality photos that showcase the most appealing aspects of the property.
• Avoid room dimensions in your primary marketing materials. Save them for agent docs.
• Rethink 3D tours and detailed walkthrough videos unless the property truly warrants it.
• Never hide information, but be strategic in what you present first.
• Avoid vertical photos—especially of bathrooms—as they often render poorly and rarely add value.

Final Thoughts

We’re not trying to hide flaws—we’re trying to invite buyers to experience the home in person. If you give everything away online, there’s no mystery left. And without curiosity, there’s no showing. Without showings, there are no offers.

So remember: less is more. Lead with your best. Leave room for imagination. And most importantly, give buyers a reason to walk through that front door.

Thanks for reading. I hope this helps clarify why oversharing in your listings might be hurting more than helping.