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5201 E Woodbridge Rd, Acampo, CA 95220

By Patrick   Follow   Tue, 3 Aug 2010, 5:40pm   7,673 views   22 comments
In Acampo CA 95220   Watch (0)   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike  

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1. Patrick Follow Befriend (54) 5,185 threads 6,156 comments 46 male Menlo Park, CA Premium

   1   5:55pm Tue 3 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   A readers sent me a bunch of photos for this property, showing that the MLS is not presenting anything like the true picture: I saw this listing for a house in Acampo, California. See attached MLS photos. The price seemed reasonable, so I drove out to look at it with my camera. The photos speak for themselves. Photoshopping or digitally enhancing houses for sale should be a felony. THIS IS THE SAME HOUSE ON THE SAME DAY I SAW THE LISTING Here are the MLS photos from the reader: And here are the actual photos the reader sent me. Sorry there's no Google street view of this place that I can show at the top of this page. I guess it's to remote for them to drive by. Should it be illegal to misrepresent a house that much?

2. Patrick Follow Befriend (54) 5,185 threads 6,156 comments 46 male Menlo Park, CA Premium

   2   5:57pm Tue 3 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   PS if you look even now, it still has those images from back when it was in decent shape: http://www.redfin.com/CA/Acampo/5201-E-Woodbridge-Rd-95220/home/19862650

3. Cvoc13 Follow Befriend (9) 6 threads 194 comments Dublin, CA Cvoc13's website

   3   9:15pm Tue 3 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   I guess I should post pics of used car with a 120K miles and Wrecked using pictures I took the DAY I bought it NEW, they have a term for that FRUAD.... in My opinion (re: the car listing anyway, can't say if that applies to the R.E. Listing by this "Agent" (term used very loosely)

4. EastCoastBubbleBoy Follow Befriend (11) 104 threads 455 comments Premium

   4   4:06am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   The problem is the date the photos were taken (obviously). For properties on the market for large stretches of time, the gap can be significant. I have seen many listings where the listing agent posted photos that were date stamped. In some cases, they have been as almost a year old. (Assuming the date stamp on the photo was correct when the phot0 was taken)

5. Liz Pendens Follow Befriend 24 threads 201 comments Sagaponack, NY

   5   5:45am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   The price history is as interesting as the pictures: Jun 12, 2010 Price Changed $290,000 -- MetroList #80080860 May 22, 2010 Relisted -- -- MetroList #80080860 Mar 09, 2010 Price Changed $316,000 -- MetroList #80080860 Jan 31, 2010 Delisted -- -- MetroList #80080860 May 01, 2009 Delisted -- -- MetroList #80080860 Apr 22, 2009 Price Changed $325,000 -- MetroList #80080860 Apr 17, 2009 Listed $375,000 -- MetroList #80080860 May 03, 2006 Sold (Public Records) $635,000 -- Public Records

6. cevansnh Follow Befriend 3 threads 70 comments Concord, NH

   6   7:04am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   whoa... so it's only been vacant for 2 months? Looks more like a couple of years... although the bones of the house still look good... in the last picture it appears at least the weeds were cut and the shrubbery (such as it is) has been trimmed back some. if the inside is good it's not a bad buy. That said Zillow has it at $420K (and as we all know Zillow is now a RE sham).. it's on an acre... but in the San Joachim Valley... I better back off... real value is in the mid 100s

7. cevansnh Follow Befriend 3 threads 70 comments Concord, NH

   7   7:20am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2508-Mercato-Ln-Lodi-CA-95240/69028207_zpid/#image=imgId%3DX1-IA19qxjr90dlswh_foohr check out this house in relatively nearby Lodi... on a postage stamp sized lot, but it is small but nice digs (backyard is scary and may back up to a busy street (what else is new in CA?)... looking from the sky you can see it's in a neighborhood likely now occupied by Maxine Water's favorite folks... Mexican drug cartel members. Be interesting to see if anyone has some updated photos... my guess is the vegetation is mostly dead or dying now... originally sold for $433K in 2005 and now listed at $175K...

8. NuttBoxer Follow Befriend (1) 26 threads 188 comments Chula Vista, CA

   8   7:40am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   If the outside appearance changes that much the realtor should update the pics, or post a message stating as much in the add... At least, that's what an honest person would do. And I believe a synonym of "fraud" is "dishonesty". And since fraud is illegal...

9. zzyzzx Follow Befriend (9) 412 threads 4,116 comments Baltimore, MD

   9   8:13am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   Liz Pendens says The price history is as interesting as the pictures: Jun 12, 2010 Price Changed $290,000 – MetroList #80080860 May 22, 2010 Relisted – – MetroList #80080860 Mar 09, 2010 Price Changed $316,000 – MetroList #80080860 Jan 31, 2010 Delisted – – MetroList #80080860 May 01, 2009 Delisted – – MetroList #80080860 Apr 22, 2009 Price Changed $325,000 – MetroList #80080860 Apr 17, 2009 Listed $375,000 – MetroList #80080860 May 03, 2006 Sold (Public Records) $635,000 – Public Records I personally find the price lisitng changes more interesting, since the lawn reall only needs some major deweeding, trimming, seeding, and watering.

10. ghpacific Follow Befriend 24 comments Waikoloa, HI

    10   8:32am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   Barbara Corcoran (Today show's RE guru) used to recommend photoshopping in Elvis and Marilyn Monroe into the interior shots to get a buyer's attention. I didn't know corpses could be so useful. Ha!

11. evrenseven.jd Follow Befriend 2 comments

    11   8:54am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   Oh, the folly that is the 209 area code. You know, I don't really have a problem with this. The reason is that you're buying a house, not a car or a bike. It's a giant investment in which you do a ton of research. The first thing you do is drive by the place. And if you're not local, you call the guy and ask for photos from the day before. The realtor should put *some* warning on the advertisement so as not to look like an absolute fool when the client sees the decrepit state of the house.

12. vain Follow Befriend (2) 68 threads 876 comments

    12   9:06am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   This is still acceptable as the pictures are outdated and the agent probably does not go out there. What I don't like are the photos that are digitally enhanced and are taken with wide angled lenses. It looks grainy and looks like a cartoon instead of real life.

13. pkowen Follow Befriend 30 threads 555 comments San Carlos, CA

    13   10:40am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   Vain says This is still acceptable as the pictures are outdated and the agent probably does not go out there. What I don’t like are the photos that are digitally enhanced and are taken with wide angled lenses. It looks grainy and looks like a cartoon instead of real life. Here's a place where we agree. The 'enhanced' photos that make you feel you are on Valium kinda piss me off. As to the dishonest 'old' pictures - well, it's just stupid because anyone actually interested in buying will be put off.

14. Cautious1 Follow Befriend 9 threads 94 comments

    14   10:45am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   The text of the Redfin listing states, "PHOTOS REFLECT AFTER PROPERTY CLEAN UP POSSIBILITIES. VISIT PROPERTY TO SEE BEFORE PROPERTY CLEAN UP." I vote Illegal!

15. catalac8m Follow Befriend 2 comments

    15   11:18am Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   Thats what happens to landscaping when nobody's around to care and water it. The white house lawn would look the same if no one took care of it either. Make any offer based on the property as it is.

16. elliemae Follow Befriend (25) 413 threads 6,978 comments Saint George, UT elliemae's website

    16   8:14pm Wed 4 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   They shouldn't be allowed to have pics like this advertising a home. But they're not exactly ethical to begin with. Most realtors have a photo of themselves from 20 years ago, when they had hair (men) and/or appeared more feminine. It's false advertising. But don't expect any changes.

17. vain Follow Befriend (2) 68 threads 876 comments

    17   9:27am Thu 5 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   elliemae says They shouldn’t be allowed to have pics like this advertising a home. But they’re not exactly ethical to begin with. Most realtors have a photo of themselves from 20 years ago, when they had hair (men) and/or appeared more feminine. It’s false advertising. But don’t expect any changes. I've been thinking the same about realtor photos! In the late 1980's when my folks were looking for a home to buy, I browsed thru their magazines with agent listings and photos. Twenty something years have gone by and when I browse through the magazines for myself now, I see many of the same agents with the same photo as they had back in the 80's! pkowen says Here’s a place where we agree. The ‘enhanced’ photos that make you feel you are on Valium kinda piss me off. As to the dishonest ‘old’ pictures - well, it’s just stupid because anyone actually interested in buying will be put off. I usually just skip those listings. I noticed those homes usually end up with a lower selling price in my area. Though I've never seen any of the ones with grainy photos in real life. There needs to be reform as to what an agent can put as a photo.

18. numb3rs Follow Befriend 1 threads 3 comments Sausalito, CA

    18   3:36pm Fri 6 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   Oh waaaaa. I'm usually in agreement with you guys but Jesus, stop whining about every god damn thing. From photoshoping the length of their dongs on craigslist to sprucing up their house, this is nothing new and always to be expected.

19. danix Follow Befriend 4 threads 12 comments Walnut Creek, CA

    19   3:24pm Sat 7 Aug 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   Lots of agents recycle MLS photos especially for foreclosures. They shouldn't though, I agree.

20. investor90 Follow Befriend (3) 14 threads 232 comments Beverly Hills, CA

    20   4:28pm Wed 29 Dec 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   cevansnh says http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2508-Mercato-Ln-Lodi-CA-95240/69028207_zpid/#image=imgId%3DX1-IA19qxjr90dlswh_foohr check out this house in relatively nearby Lodi… on a postage stamp sized lot, but it is small but nice digs (backyard is scary and may back up to a busy street (what else is new in CA?)… looking from the sky you can see it’s in a neighborhood likely now occupied by Maxine Water’s favorite folks… Mexican drug cartel members. Be interesting to see if anyone has some updated photos… my guess is the vegetation is mostly dead or dying now… originally sold for $433K in 2005 and now listed at $175K… Do you notice that the house is still for sale at the same price on DECEMEBR 29 2010 four months later? Is this what is called a "correctly priced house"? Actually this dump was part of a get rich scheme by a national developer: KB Home. It is built on a former vacant lot acoss the street from hundreds of acres, wher you can buy a bigger house on it with a real lot, one acre or more..for less money! Why do you think no one wants this "deal"? Also it is a very short distance to a very BUSY highway 99 off ramp ...and less than 1/2 mile from a legal poker card joint. Google the surrounding area for crime reports.. Yiiii..look around this is in the middle of the Sureno street gang territory aka "barrio del locos". Look at the huge vacancy rates. Many people in this tract were former mortgage debtors and are now renting ...at LESS than the typical $900/mo PITI if they bought one of these dumps. Visit rottenneighbor.com and you will see lots of interesting neighbors...a house of ill repute, a house filled with all night partyers...a few houses filled with homeless "amateur nude dancers etc etc etc. Its all part of the Better Buy Now real estate hysteria of the local vatos.

21. investor90 Follow Befriend (3) 14 threads 232 comments Beverly Hills, CA

    21   4:44pm Wed 29 Dec 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   ptiemann says A few months of vacancy can do wonders. Question is what does the inside look like? This house was originally listed for $705,000. Try Google earth again and look at the shack across the street. This house used to be a tractor repair center for local farmers. Google the same address and add keyword Corky's tractor repair. Two large trees in the back of the house have fallen...because of...I am no entomologist ...but those big mounds look like they are filled with termites! Yikes. There is a large---hidden in the bushes , patio that is about 40 feet across...the problem is that th supporting wood beams go directly into the ground ...with obvious soil dirt contact all around. I can't imagine any building codes that would allow this? Structural wood sunk into dirt next to unknown insect mounds? It sounds like a neat place for a termite science experiment. Where is the sewer? OOps none of that..information. How about utilities like WATER? For some reason...that is not indicated. How about the list of bedrooms and baths that don't match the original listing...yet also don.t match property records? Did someone forget to get a building permit for their "upgrade"? Surely...the broker who got BOTH sides of the last two sales transactions must KNOW SOMETHING ? If you GAVE me the house AND $50,000, I could scrape it and start over for less than the $385/sq ft they want for this eyesore. Look at the roof! It dips in TWO places...along the ridge by the garage...and another twenty feet West of that. SHOW AND SELL! but I don't think it would qualify under HUD standards. Its not in useable move in condition! Where are the utilities? I hear there are NO sewers out there? Do you pump potabvle water out of ther ground near the septic tanks . Ahhh what out Realtor buddies have done to this country. They should live in one of these dumps.

22. investor90 Follow Befriend (3) 14 threads 232 comments Beverly Hills, CA

    22   4:52pm Wed 29 Dec 2010   Share   Quote   Permalink   Like   Dislike   http://www.yellowpages.com/acampo-ca/mip/corkys-tractor-world-30755559?lid=30755559 Corky's Tractor World. Sounds like an expensive fancy house area?