The listing description promised “stainless steel appliances.” The photo on the right shows what the buyer would have actually gotten.
That post, spotted at a “flip” and shared in an Arizona real estate Facebook group, racked up more than 6,500 likes racked up more than 6,500 likes on The Broke Agent’s Instagram.
It also kicked off our search through the archives for homes where someone clearly decided to fix it themselves.
Here are the rest.
When the Seller “Takes Care” of the Repairs
Sellers promise to handle the repair list all the time. This one handled a peeling wallpaper border with what looks a lot like bandages. One commenter called it a “Just minor boo boo.”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @realtorrenata
This post put it simply: “Friendly reminder not to DIY your floors.” The new flooring stops well short of the door trim. As one commenter put it, “Lol didn’t even try.”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @cececuts
The caption on this one imagines the contractor’s side of the conversation: “Contractor: What’s the problem?” Look at the gap above the door.
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @whatthecrazyhouse
Make It Fit
Why move the ceiling fan when you can cut a notch in the post so the blades clear it? The caption: “Innovative.” One commenter offered some reassurance: “Don’t worry! It’s not a load-bearing post!”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @scoobyfruitsnacks and @anakrovicc
Same idea, different room. The shutters over this kitchen sink got a notch cut out so they close around the faucet. Bad Real Estate Pics called it “Innovation that excites 🫠.” Our favorite comment: “Live. Laugh. Louver.”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @brendan_tighe_
And this door was cut to fit around a decorative corner bracket instead of the other way around.
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @teammcmillenrealestate
The Bathroom Is Where It Gets Creative
Why buy a flush handle when you have a spare bike? This setup uses a handlebar, brake lever and all, mounted above the toilet. The caption: “Genius set up. Baby wipes are 🔑”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @aaronmaleh
No shower curtain? No problem. Someone hung vertical blinds in front of the tub instead. Bad Real Estate Pics asked, “Genius or insane?” At least one commenter voted genius: “It’s actually brilliant.”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @yourrealestatebroker
The caption here says it all: “Carpet in the shower. Genius.” One commenter had a simpler review: “I can smell this picture.”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @ryanelijahboyd
Somebody needed a spot for the toilet paper, and the vanity cabinet was right there.
Then there’s the seller who answered the question every agent asks. The caption: “Any work or upgrades done to the house? Seller: Yes, we added a fourth bathroom” In the video, the closet doors open to reveal a urinal. As one commenter summed it up, “In the closet. With carpet.” Via @grussoskinner
Or skip the bathroom entirely and build the tub and shower straight into the bedroom wall, right next to the closet. The caption: “Genius.”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @buildforza via @pleasehatethesethings
This listing advertised a “Large center island.” We’ll let you be the judge.
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @karlyneacrett
A second-floor door with nothing outside it. The caption: “Smart.” One commenter named the feature: “Balcony without the balcony.”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @holzatron
And finally, the “Very cool homemade half wall.” Check the second photo. One commenter spotted exactly what it was made from: “Not the toilet bowl box 😂😂😂”
Via @badrealestatepics, submitted by @brian_ryberg_realtor
Call a Pro
Agents see it all, and DIY projects like these are a big reason inspection day can get interesting. Some of these fixes are clever. Most of them are a reminder that sometimes the best move is to call a contractor.
Seen a DIY fix that tops these? Share it with us on Instagram at @badrealestatepics.
