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To Picture or Not To Picture? That is the Question!

Real Estate Agent with Realty One Group Cascadia

April 14, 2009 01:43 PM

vancouver washington real estate

Lately, I have noticed more and more real estate agents in Vancouver Washington handing out business cards that don't have their picture on them. I am wondering what has spurred this latest trend.

My business background is with the first company on a large scale to ever use pictures on business cards. Eastman Kodak. At the time it was kind of a novelty because we were the only ones doing it. It was nice because I could walk into most any account and everyone there immediately knew who I was. Of course we always got a bit of teasing too.

One of the things that I was anticipating when I left Kodak was finally having a card that didn't have my mug plastered on it. As you now know, I ended up in Real Estate here in Vancouver WA and of course everyone's card has a bright and smiling portrait on the front! Janice and I followed suit.

Here we are, years later, and it looks like the trend is changing. The problem is that we are recognized everywhere in Clark County because of our photo. Our signs, business cards, newsletters, and even our email signatures are plastered with our smiling faces. People seem to know us before we even meet them.

I am afraid that we can't turn back now. Do we even want to? What do you think?

mark hall vancouver wa real estate

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

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Peggy Wester

Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI

Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Mark, I've heard some "experts" say we shouldn't include a photo on our business cards. I tend to disagree. When I meet agents at classes or conventions and they give me their card, the photos help 'jog my memory' of who they were. I think it's helpful to include the photo. And like you said, people know who you are even before they meet you!!

Apr 14, 2009 01:49 PM

Evelyn Johnston

Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN

The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I think you should have your picture on your business card. I think it is more impressive looking.

Apr 14, 2009 01:49 PM

Margaret Goss

@Properties - Winnetka, IL

Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

For the past 12 years I have had a photo on my business card. However, I just changed companies and decided to have them without my photo partly because I keep changing my look. Short hair, long hair, getting older, etc. etc. Some people have told me that most other professional don't have their photos on their cards - so we'll see. When I run out, I might put a photo on again.

Apr 14, 2009 01:53 PM

Sonja Patterson

Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX

Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

I have my picture on my business cards...but not on my signs. A lot of agents (in fact most in my office of fifty agents) have their picture included on their signs! Looking back, I remember my broker saying she does not have her picture on her cards b/c she doesn't like her picture!! LOL! (She is a beautiful lady inside and out!) So, I guess it is all about what you want. It IS a means of advertising. And I agree with Peggy above...that it helps you remember someone when there is a picture included on the card.

Apr 14, 2009 02:07 PM

Mark Hall

Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Peggy - I agree. Photos sure make it much easier when networking.

Evelyn - Good point!

Margaret - My look just keeps changing itself! Gray hair, less hair, getting older... I plan on using that photo until I die. or DYE! Whichever comes first.

Apr 14, 2009 02:08 PM

Mark Hall

Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Sonja - We have our picture on our signs too. I hate them because I think that they are too darn big! We do get a lot of bang for our buck on those. Everyone knows when one of our listings goes up.

Apr 14, 2009 02:12 PM

Shirley Parks

Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX

Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

Hi Mark, I don't have my photo on my cards or on my signs. Not sure why....

Apr 14, 2009 02:29 PM

Connie Lou Barnett

Real Living/Home Realty - Owensboro, KY

GRI,CRS,CRB,SRMM,ARA,PRS,SFR,QSC

I have my picture on post cards, signs, business cards, TV, Homes Guides & newspaper ads. I want people to know who I am so they will think of me when they are ready to buy or sell their home. It has always worked for me and I think it will continue to work.

Apr 14, 2009 02:47 PM

Acai Berry Select

Acai Berry Select - Downers Grove, IL

Mark,

You have to be unique in this market.

You either change with the times or the times change you as far as marketing.

OpenHomes247.com Real Estate 2.0 Virtual Open House technology

Because you don't have to wait until Sunday to have your Open House.

Apr 14, 2009 02:56 PM

David Timm

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Fort Collins, CO

CRS, EcoBroker, GRI, ABR

I have gone both ways. I think it really comes down to branding and recognition. It would be hard to take my picture of now.

Apr 14, 2009 03:01 PM

Konnie Mac McCarthy

MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD

Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"

i don't have a picture for the simple fact that I don't take good pictures..and people say I don't look like my picture....like they are disappointed :) :) so I set the bar low..no picture

Apr 14, 2009 03:05 PM

Richard Overall

United Country Premier Properties - Harker Heights, TX

Your OVERALL Long-Term Real Estate Resource

Hey, Mark, I haven't noticed it here in central Texas, but I understand some clients feel less pressured when they are less personally attached to the agent. Not my belief, but I guess time will tell.

Apr 14, 2009 03:06 PM

Darren Revell

Keller Williams Realty Temecula Valley - Temecula, CA

"Your success in real estate is in direct porportion to the number of people whom when they think about real estate think about you." (Quote from Gary Keller) If they know you from your photo, personal branding, marketing, website, etc... then you are huge steps ahead. Why would you take even one of those steps away?

Apr 14, 2009 03:25 PM

Jim Scheller

Bridge Realty - Mankato - Mankato, MN

ABR, SRS, e-Pro, GRI

I agree with Darren, but have to qualify that with this caveat: you have to have a decent picture to use. If a person isn't all that photogenic, a professional photographer should be able to help, I would imagine. (I'm lucky enough to have a son with enough photographic finesse for me to use a picture he took.)

And now for something completely different:

Does it bother you guys at all when someone posts a comment like that one above from the virtual open house people that seems to have no real objective except to garner points? It surely doesn't have much to do with this thread's subject matter and I bet that exact post could probably be found more than once on various blog posts...

Apr 14, 2009 06:28 PM

Benita Gottfried

New Vision Interiors LLC - Hopatcong, NJ

I think that you should leave your picture. It has become your brand. Now with that being said, don't use the same picture until your 90. update it every 5 years or so.

Apr 15, 2009 01:56 AM

Mark Hall

Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Shirley - Give it a shot. It might work wonders!

Connie - I agree. I am thinking that we are going to be using our photos for a while.

David - Notice any difference with one over the other?

Konnie - I usually don't like my pics either. If it weren't for the fact that my wife takes such good pics, I don't think I would have ever put one on in the first place.

Apr 15, 2009 02:27 AM

Mark Hall

Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Richard - It is strange to me that people would feel pressured. I think that it makes us more approachable. Yes? No? Maybe?

Darren - I certainly won't argue with Gary. BTW, Gary does have his picture on his card. Mo doesn't.

Jim - Funny that you say that. I have seen some ugly less than flattering photos on cards. Regarding Mr. Virtual Open House. I think it is more about adding the link than getting points. Yes, it bugs me!

Benita - You are so right. It is very much part of our brand. And I promise to swap it out before I reach 90. Maybe at 85?

Apr 15, 2009 02:35 AM

Todd Clark - Retired

eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR

Principle Broker Oregon

The funny part about this is, that I haven't used my pictures on my cards for about a year and a half and it was because of an experiment I did here on the rain and in my website. My business logo "Helping Families Home" actually drove business up and so I put it on my cards with the same result.