The Multiple Listing Service (aka the MLS). It’s where real estate agents upload information about homes for sale. You know, things like the size of the home, number of bedrooms, baths. Maybe some cool text describing the home.

And photos. Arguably photos are the single best way to share what a home for sale is like. Real estate agents search the MLS for homes for their buyers. MLS data, including large glossy beautiful pictures also shows up on real estate agent and brokerage sites like this one, allowing the public to peruse homes for sale.

Clearly the listing agent wants to present their clients home in the best way possible. Accurate date, good copy, and great photos are fundamental. Clearly fundamental.

It’s really not a difficult concept to grasp.

In this little slide show below, I present to you photos from two homes currently for sale in the Phoenix area. These are the actual photos in the MLS.

Two houses, both in Phoenix proper, though about 25 miles apart. They have one thing in common — both are listed by the same real estate agent.

You tell me, do these pictures present the home well? Do they make you want to go see the home?

Home Sellers — please, PLEASE, ask your agent to see what your home listing looks like in the MLS. Please. Do it for my sanity and blood pressure. Do it for yourself, and for potential buyers of your home.

Real Estate Agents — please, do your job. And put the toilet seat down.

Please.