Another Misleading Listing from Bond NY
It’s one thing for a listing to have no photos or even just crappy photos, it’s another thing entirely to have a purposefully misleading photo, even if there’s a disclaimer burier somewhere. This is the second time in two weeks that we’ve clicked on a Bond NY listing in the NY Times only to discover…
It’s one thing for a listing to have no photos or even just crappy photos, it’s another thing entirely to have a purposefully misleading photo, even if there’s a disclaimer burier somewhere. This is the second time in two weeks that we’ve clicked on a Bond NY listing in the NY Times only to discover that the photo was bogus. The first time was May 3rd’s Condo of the Day, a gut reno on Dikeman; today’s listing is for some new carriage houses in Red Hook. The photo above, which looks more like Beacon Hill in Boston than Red Hook, is used to promote the listing. We’re not sure what the REBNY guidelines are on this, but it must violate at least the spirit, if not the letter, of its code of conduct. This is the kind of thing that gives brokers a bad name and should stop. When will brokers learn that this is the kind of thing that destroys a firm’s credibility?
Beautiful New Carriage Houses [Bond NY]
I wouldn’t really pursue something that doesn’t have accurate photos and information up front, simply because there is too much potential for “bait and switch”. I don’t like to waste my time.
I’ve had problems with ArdorNY – they have a tendency to describe their properties inaccurately.
Folks, don’t use brokers that don’t advertise accurately. These brokers will catch on eventually.
p.s. – the Bond ad DID indicate that the photos were not of the actual properties last week when I saw them.
At the bottom of the description it now says, “Picture shown not actual buildings.” I have to ask, did it say that this morning or was that just added?
To me it shows they are lazy firm – and don’t find it worth their time to market/advertise the product well.
Wouldn’t waste my time with them as a seller or buyer.
Thanks for clarifying your firm’s position, Bond New York employee, er sorry, anon 01:50PM
Disclaimers don’t apply to intentionally misleading representations such as this where they post a picture that they know is not the property in question to try to lure in potential customers.
working for 11+ years in advertising, i know that they could be sued if anyone gets angry enough…
it’s called false advertising. and there are laws against it. legal disclaimers on lies are challenged and convicted in court all the time. they are asking for trouble and should be ashamed of them selves.
But the picture is not Europe, it’s Boston! They can’t even get their deception straight.
I think Bond New York isn’t doing anything wrong. They have quite a track record for great deals and reputable sales. The photo is intended to illustrate an idea in the first sentence…
“Beautifully designed town-homes reminiscent of European carriage homes”
Any buyer knows that your not buying an entire block!
Also, feel free to read the legal disclaimer on the bottom…
No warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rentals or other conditions, prior sale, lease or financing or withdrawal without notice.
re: 12:13 PM
How does the fact that they do it “all the time” make it OK??
The photo is an outright deception.