What is the point of listing an apt with no photos

To me, it's usually a red flag that it's small, old, or has some other problems.

I can see doing that just to get the listing up quickly, assuming they'll follow up with pix and plans soon thereafter.

In some US markets, floor plans aren't ever presented, which I really don't get ... ?

If you have a good product, you're organized, why wouldn't you want to show it off as soon as possible?
Just my opinion, but I tend to judge that it's either incompetence/disorganization or a bad product.

Feels too much like a classic craigslist bait and switch so i just immediately skip it to not waste my time. Too many other good products presented well to waste my time figuring out if this particular one is good.

They are either lazy or the apartment has issues...

its an alcove in the Orion bldg so you'd think they'd at least have a floor plan!

Because is Manhattan real estate, the product sells itself. BUY BUY BUY

For the most part, unless the broker explicitly states in the listing that pictures/floor plans are forthcoming, it is indeed sloppy work. Considering that the real estate community is largely responsible for bringing buyers to listings, it doesn't help your fellow brokers as well. It boggles my mind why this is done.

@memito: Even an apartment that has issues should still have a floorplan. No photos I understand at times.

It is really hard to generalize. Sloppy or not, I moved into a listing with no floorplan or photos. It helped that I was familiar with the building, so as soon as I saw the listing, I set up an appointment for a viewing.

I can see it for a brand new (less than a week) listing where it clearly says "photos coming soon". Sometimes the owners pressure brokers to schedule an open house before photos are ready. Better to say "coming soon" than post pictures off your cousin's cell phone.

Other than new listings photos are a must unless again the very well known code phrases for "its a f'ing wreck (i.e. "needs tlc", "bring your architect", "estate condition") are front and center for full disclosure and the place is priced accordingly. What always bothers me are listings that don't have photos of the kitchen and/or bath(s)...no matter how nice the rest of the place is, if I don't see those rooms at the start I'm going to assume the place will need $$$work$$$.

Floor plans are a must. If exact measurements are not immediately available, drawing of the layout will suffice again in the SHORT TERM. I've have intricate floor plans drawn for the DOB, much more precise than needed for listing and they didn't cost that much (under $500 for about 1000 sq ft). If you are selling an apartment for six or seven figures, you can invest three in floorplans (assuming they don't already exist which in many case they do).

Often some of the more serious "challenges" facing apartments (wrecks can be renovated especially if priced accordingly and some people prefer to buy in that condition) such as lack of light or second floor opposite firehouse are not even discernible from photos

no pictures = gut job. No pictures of the bathroom and Kitchen = Gut job. No square footage on the floor plan = buyer's beware or only buyers driven mostly by emotions need to bother.

300-mercer. you sound like an absolute idiot.

since you can assume any information you receive from a broker, including photos and square footage, are questionable at best (yes, photos too), I say it doesnt matter. Get off ur butt and check the place out anyway, or not.

I think lizyank got it right. If the listing has been up for long though, it's suspect.