Fannie Gives Foreclosure Listings a Makeover

It’s about time! How many times have you looked at a listing that had horrible photos? Quite often it was a bank owned property which for some reason no one felt deserved decent photos.

Fannie Mae ( The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), has teamed up with national real estate photography firm VHT Studios to give listings of foreclosed properties a makeover with professional photos and, in some cases, virtual staging. Homes nationwide that have been renovated and are being sold through Fannie Mae’s HomePath program will be photographed by VHT Studios as soon as they’re ready to hit the market.

“It’s a no-brainer,” says John Thibaudeau, Fannie Mae’s director of loss mitigation. “Properties with professional photos get more views than those without. And buyers are more likely to move past the first picture.” Fannie Mae will cover the costs of photography, so the service will come at no extra charge to agents.

“Taking this on is a benefit to agents and to us,” says Brandon Lawler, Fannie Mae’s sales director. “Obviously, for the agents who were already doing this, it’s a huge cost savings. And for us, it’s a benefit because we get consistent photographs of the repaired properties, no matter where they’re located. We’ve spent a lot of time and effort repairing our properties, and those things lend themselves to be highlighted with professional photography.”VHT, which has a national network of real estate photographers and image specialists, also virtually stages some of the foreclosed properties with furniture and decor to show buyers the design possibilities. “VHT Studios is extremely excited about this partnership,” says CEO Brian Balduf. “Our entire team looks forward to enhancing the marketing of Fannie Mae HomePath properties to increase homebuyer appeal and move homes more quickly.”

Psst, I’m a Virginia real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads/ Richmond VA area and his expertise helping buyers and sellers in the local real estate market.

If you are a homeowner searching for someone innovative to sell your home I would love to share my thoughts on marketing. You can read some of the stories I have written about the homes I have sold here.

Additionally, I have helped hundreds of folks find their dream home/ community and would love to help you find yours in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, VA Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Isle of Wight Poquoson as well as Richmond.

You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

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