"The Illusion of Instagram": A Woman Purchased a Home from DIY Influencers, Revealing the Deceptive Nature of Social Media

Deep down, most of us realize that social media often portrays a polished, unrealistic version of life. However, we rarely get a direct glimpse into the stark contrast between Instagram and reality. That’s why Sara Van Ess (@just.a.sara) decided to share eye-opening revelations about her home on TikTok.

Sara, 24, and her 26-year-old husband purchased a home in Oregon last year. To their surprise, they discovered the former owners were aspiring DIY influencers who posted heavily altered and inaccurate photos of the property.

In one video, Sara shares, "I now live in a home previously owned by someone aspiring to be an Instagram influencer. They posted heavily edited, carefully angled photos of my unfinished house, fully aware it was incomplete and improperly done, yet marketed it as a picture-perfect influencer's residence."

She emphasizes that her intention in sharing her home's story isn't to criticize the previous owners but to highlight how social media can conceal flaws effortlessly. "It truly saddens me to think that images of my house might make others feel inadequate about their own homes. We constantly compare ourselves on social media, and that's why I'm doing this. This series is all about exposing the contrast between Instagram and reality."

In her videos, Sara takes viewers on a tour of her home, pointing out minor flaws that are often overlooked or hidden in social media posts.

Viewers in the comments are applauding this genuine portrayal of a home that isn't flawless or Instagram-ready.

Sara shared with Mytour that discovering the Instagram version of her home was shocking. "Half a year after purchasing the house, we learned through rumors that it had been frequently featured on Instagram. I began searching and eventually found a kitchen I recognized."

"I quickly realized the Instagram photos were nearly identical to those in the listing. With my background in real estate, I’m used to seeing embellished listing photos, but it’s a different experience to see those same images used to gain followers and promote themselves…only to look around and face the stark reality."

"It immediately highlights how carefully curated our social media feeds are — you only see what others choose to show. Many of us are guilty of this. We live in a society obsessed with polished results; we share before-and-after photos, often ignoring the messy in-between. Being vulnerable online is tough, as people can be harsh and judgmental. So, it’s easier to craft an idealized version of our lives, showing only what we want others to see."

Sara firmly believes that what we post and consume on social media has significant consequences. "Working in marketing with a background in social media, I feel a strong sense of responsibility regarding how these platforms are used. As someone who creates content professionally, I’ve always prioritized transparency because it profoundly impacts people’s mental and financial well-being."

"When I gained thousands of followers overnight, I realized I now had a platform to help others feel more confident about their homes by showcasing how social media often presents a highly curated version of reality. That’s when I decided to start sharing photos."

However, Sara mentions she paused posting about her house after some people began sending hate to the previous owners. "At one point, people traced the photos back to their account and started leaving negative comments, which was never my intention. So, I removed the original videos. I believe they weren’t acting maliciously — they were simply doing what many of us do: sharing their lives in a polished way to grow a following."

Seeing how her Instagram vs. reality posts helped others feel more confident about their homes inspired her to start sharing again. "I believed it was crucial to provide an honest look at what we often see online, helping people be less critical of their own spaces. I even began sharing edited photos to demonstrate how easily it can be done. My aim is for people to understand that comparing themselves to online content is unfair, as it’s often heavily curated and incomplete. In today’s world, it’s essential to consume media mindfully to protect your peace and mental health."

Finally, she notes that one question always comes up when she discusses her home. "Whenever I talk about our house, I’m flooded with comments blaming us for not getting an inspection. We did get an inspection. We even spoke with the previous owner, who gave us a tour and explained the unfinished aspects. We were fully aware of the cosmetic issues."

"We had no clue the home was being showcased online to grow a following using heavily edited and staged photos that, in my view, misrepresent the actual space. The thought that images of my home might make others feel insecure about their own spaces is unsettling."

Follow Sara on TikTok.