real estate: How you exploit others without knowing it - 11/16/09 03:49 AM
It's funny. I used to scoff at the franchise photography companies out there (you know the ones that many agents and offices use--I can't name them for fear of being sued for defamation). Why did I scoff? Well, when I started out as a photographer, I called "the big company" in town and asked if I could work for them. I just wanted to make some extra cash before setting off on my own. I spoke to the owner of this franshise and he explain, quite impatiently and rudely, that not only do I require specific equipment (slr camera, wide lens, … (3 comments)

real estate: Lessons in real estate photography - 10/29/09 01:25 AM
I've been contemplating the idea of offering a lunch and learn of sorts, where I would present key photographic techniques for capturing good real estate interiors and exteriors to a group of real estate agents at their office. I'm sure I'd get a crowd, if only for the free pizza and pop, and I'm quite confident that the presentation would be enjoyed, if only by those non professional photographers/agents. I could teach about the importance of exposure, about how to use the histogram, about the importance of keeping verticals straight, and the ideal shooting heights for different rooms, and on and … (4 comments)

real estate: Marketing: In the days of telegrams, text messaging was a fictional technology - 09/28/09 01:38 AM
In our short but accelerated--indeed, exponentially accelerated--technological growth, forms of communication are constantly evolving and changing, and for the most part, its wise to change with them, to adapt or be left behind with the relics. When the telegram was invented, I imagine that there were many who renounced anything to do with it and instead remained loyal to their post. When the telephone was introduced, I'm sure those who were used to the telegram had a hard time accepting this new form of communication. And when emailing and text messaging was introduced, I'm sure--actually, I know from experience--that there were … (3 comments)

real estate: IDEA: Podcast reviewing the latest real estate news pertaining to Ontario - 09/24/09 02:36 AM
I've been considering a podcast where I would read some real estate related news that pertains to our region. Do you think realtors would listen to this? I figure realtors are all too busy to read so why not make an audio of the real estate news!
What do you think?
(4 comments)

real estate: Marketing: Make a bad photo look good - 09/16/09 08:39 AM
Marketing: Make a bad photo look good
I just wanted to share with you realtors and stagers what can be done to existing photos.
If you have an existing photo that needs work, let me know and I can help improve it for you.
Here's a good example of what can be done (note that the photos below are property of Clarity Northwest Photography and are only used here to demonstrate): 
By the way, the below are not two different photos but rather one original photo (the top one) copied and manipulated (the bottom one).

(2 comments)

real estate: Marketing: Price competition - 09/16/09 03:21 AM


As a real estate photographer and videographer, I am shocked at just how many bad photos I see online, on MLS, of what people consider their biggest investment in their lives. What bothers me is that a chocolate bar company will spend millions on photos and videos to sell a $1 candy, but a homeowner won't spend a few hundred dollars fora photographer to sell a property worth hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars! Shocking, right? I bet if you were selling a $100,000 car, for instance, you would do your best to market it properly with nice … (2 comments)

real estate: Marketing: Less is NOT more - 09/15/09 03:38 AM
 
I am proud to say that I am not the cheapest real estate photographer and videographer in Toronto.
Absurd claim, right? Maybe not!
I've learned through experience and market research that continually lowering prices results in continually lowered quality. 
And, without a doubt, that’s what realtors should expect from some of the cheaper photographers out there.
Yes, amateur photographers may offer photo services that are cheaper than mine. But guess what? You'll be disappointed. I would almost guarantee it. There are many amateurs who are willing to work for next to nothing. Why? Because no one is willing to pay … (2 comments)

real estate: Marketing: Visual Stills or Motion - How to best hook internet home buyers - 09/10/09 02:47 AM
Marketing: Visual Stills or Motion - How to best hook internet home buyers
Photos are now the norm online--everyone has them and those that are using professionals are probably doing better as a result.
But with video becoming increasingly popular amongst top-selling agents, many agents are looking to get in on the wave and be at the forefront. 
In fact, videos are more effective and memorable because they contact the prospect through two senses (audio and visual) whereas photos only work visually. Also, videos offer the element of surprise (think panning across a room to reveal what's beyond, etc) whereas photos … (2 comments)

real estate: Marketing: Are photos really necessary? - 09/10/09 02:11 AM
By this point, I'm sure we've all heard it countless times: "98% of homebuyers who searched for a home on the Internet found photos to be among the most useful features of REALTOR® websites, according to the 2008 NAR Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers." (source: http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg903)
But beyond the fact, what does that statistic tell you?
Think about it.
After the initial "I'm not surprised", you might think, "Hold on--if 98% of homebuyers find photos to be among the most useful feature in their search, why would they find MY photos--my listing--any more useful than another agents listings? How are my … (11 comments)

 

Peter - Toronto Real Estate Photo & Video

Toronto, ON

More about me…

StoneHome Photo & Video

Address: 80 Lawton Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4V 2A2

Office: (416) 488-3295

Mobile: (416) 908-8272

Stone Home Photo + Video is a Toronto based real estate photo and video marketing company focused on serving Toronto and area real estate professionals.


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