INSANE: Hilariously terrible real estate photos | Vintage Vibes

Gen Z and Millennials might not be able to afford homes, but guess what? They can afford Wi-Fi, and that's the only cost of browsing on Zillow or other real estate sites! Indeed, many young people are "Zillow-surfing" for fun: looking through expensive houses and mansions is a form of escapism for many.

Zillow became extremely popular during the pandemic. By November 2020, the site reported 1.5 billion monthly visits – a 21% increase from 2019. In 2021, SNL even did a sketch parodying Americans' fixation on Zillow, equating it with the most exciting and arousing thing a person in their 30s can do nowadays.

For many young people, owning a home is almost like a fantasy. Experts say that it has never been harder to become a first-time homeowner. According to the National Association of Realtors, only 24% of buyers in 2024 bought their first homes. They also report that the average age of a first-time homeowner is 38.

Previous generations have had it easier. Many Millennials, for example, bought their first homes at the age of 31. In 1981, the average age of a first-time homeowner was 29. Contrary to popular belief online, no one was buying houses at 18 – not even Baby Boomers. 45% of that generation became homeowners between the ages of 25 and 34. Still, for Gen Z, the prognosis is bleak: experts say that they might have to wait until they're 40 to own their first house.

Zillow and its competitors are not only for serious home browsing. Some folks find entertainment in looking for the most ridiculous and strange listings, similar to what you're seeing on this list. For some reason, people find it compelling to look through the interior of a house they wouldn't necessarily want to live in.

According to the New York Times reporter Taylor Lorenz, "What many are contemplating when they browse Zillow… is not necessarily a purchase, but an alternate life. Zillow surfing has become a primary form of escapism for those who want to flee not just their homes but the reality."

Sometimes, bad real estate photos are accidental. Let's face it: not everyone is a pro photographer who can do justice to even the most beautiful spaces. Angle, lighting, and experience matter, so some photos of rooms and houses may turn out badly even if the seller has the best intentions. Real estate agent Kyle Handy writes that the staging of a property matters. Rooms need to be decluttered at a minimum, and some minimal presentation never hurts, too.

Some realtors like to use the fish lens: it can help if a space feels claustrophobic, but Handy advises against overusing it. In some cases, a fish lens might make the room look distorted, which really drives away potential buyers. According to Handy, sellers should avoid photographing the property unlike its real-life appearance.

"If someone comes to see the property expecting to see something else, they'll be disappointed, and you'll waste your time. You want people in the door, but you don't want people misled," he points out.

What is the worst real estate you've ever seen, Pandas? Would any of these tempt you to make an offer on a house? Let us know your adventures in house-hunting in the comments! And to cleanse your palate, check out these architectural wonders from around the world and these brilliant design ideas that went viral.