THIS is Why Your Home Looks Terrible Online! 

Hey, it’s me—Kati.

Let’s get real. If your home isn’t getting showings, it might not be your price—it might be your photos. Today, I’m going to walk you through exactly what buyers are seeing online when they’re scrolling through Zillow or Redfin. I’ll give you my professional insight as an agent, share the good, the bad, and the just plain confusing, and explain why some homes don’t get clicks, even when priced right.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Why isn’t my home selling?”—this is it. Let’s dive in.

1. Bad Photos Kill Buyer Interest

Most people shop for homes online before they ever step inside one. And what they see? That’s your first showing.
If your photos are dark, cluttered, oddly angled, or overwhelming in number—you're giving buyers reasons to swipe left.

What buyers are thinking:

• “That driveway looks patched. What else is broken?”

• “That’s a lot of furniture… where’s the room?”

• “What is that stain in the corner of the ceiling?”

• “That’s too many pictures—I feel like I’ve already seen it all.”

If you're showing 50+ photos of a 3-bedroom ranch, you're telling the buyer everything they need to rule your house out—before they even see it in person.

Kati’s rule: Quality over quantity. Show what’s important. Leave room for curiosity.

2. Deferred Maintenance? Buyers Notice It Instantly

That stained carpet, dated cabinets, cracked driveway—they all tell a story. And that story is: this home hasn’t been cared for.

Buyers can sense deferred maintenance from a mile away. They’re not just seeing dirty walls or old countertops—they’re asking:

• “If the visible stuff looks like this, what’s behind the walls?”

• “Has this owner taken care of plumbing, electric, HVAC?”

If buyers sense major work is needed, they mentally deduct $30K, $50K, even $100K from your list price.

So unless you're fully renovating (which I don't recommend for most sellers), focus on the most obvious and affordable updates: ✅ Fresh paint

• Clean or refinish floors
• Fix broken handles, doors, and lighting
• Power wash and clean the yard

3. Your Home Carries Energy—Buyers Feel It

Okay, I know this sounds a little “woo woo” but hear me out.

Homes give off a vibe. If there’s emotional stress—divorce, illness, financial tension—buyers can feel it. And if the home feels off, they walk away.

I’ve walked into homes where I couldn’t explain the feeling. The layout was fine. The photos were fine. But something was off. That energy matters.

So before you list, clean your space. Declutter. Depersonalize. Create calm, open space so buyers feel like they can breathe and imagine their life there.

4. Too Many Photos = TMI

One of the biggest mistakes sellers (and agents) make is oversharing.

Buyers don’t need to see every closet, every hallway, every angle of the same room. Show off the features that matter, and stop. Every extra photo is a chance for a buyer to say “no.”

And please, skip the 3D tours unless your layout is perfect.
Yes, buyers love them—but they also use them to rule you out. When they can walk through every inch of your home virtually, they don’t need to come in person.

Remember, your goal is to get them inside. Not to give them a reason to stay away.

5. Make the Layout Make Sense

Photos should tell a story. I want to be able to follow a home’s flow like I’m walking through it.

Too many listings jump from the garage to the master to the basement with no rhyme or reason. That makes buyers confused—and confused buyers don’t buy.

Pro tip: Have your agent map the photography path through the home like an actual showing. That’s how I do it—and it works.

6. Don’t Forget the Details

That throw pillow that’s slumped over? The dusty baseboards in the photo? The wrinkled comforter?
Buyers notice.

Little details matter online more than in person. Everything looks bigger and more dramatic in photos.

Here’s what I want you to do:

• Smooth the bedding.

• Straighten the blinds.

• Add a vase of fresh flowers.

• Fluff the pillows.

• Clear the kitchen counters.

Yes, it takes effort. But you’re selling a high-ticket item. It’s worth it.

Your online listing is your home's first impression. It should:

• Highlight your home’s best features

• Spark curiosity, not overexplain

• Create an emotional connection

• Make buyers want to book a showing

If your listing isn’t doing that, it’s time for a refresh—better photos, tighter editing, stronger staging. And if your agent isn’t guiding you through all this, you may need a new agent.

I do full consultations with sellers just like you. Join my Facebook group and reach out—I'm happy to give you my honest feedback. Let's make sure your home gets the attention it deserves.