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The Virtual Buyer

By
Home Stager with Home Star Staging

I often tell people that today's buyer is in a different league.  With the Internet, virtual tours, digital photos and access to many types of "on-line tours" that are becoming available a buyer, with access to the Internet,  truly does not need to leave the comfort of their home in order to decide whether or not to see a home.  

They often make their decision right there at the computer screen whether the house is worth getting in the car (or plane - as I did) to see.  And often, with relocations, it becomes necessary to view properties cross country or globally and the only way to do that is on-line!

I make it a practice to view www.Realtor.com on a regular basis to see the virtual tours and photos.  I find myself "staging" the houses that look like they need it and wondering what the reasons are behind why there are those homes that have no photos or tours available. This is one of the most important tools after listing today's seller has in getting their house seen and sold. 

There is never a second chance to make a first impression and staging is crucial for making that fabulous first impression whether on-line through amazing digital photos and virtual tours or in person as the buyer walks up to the door.

As Stagers, we make the job of  Realtors, Sellers, Investors, Digital Photographers and Virtual Tour Operators much easier.  We complement your services in many ways.  Give us a call and we'll explain how!

Copyright 2007 © Karen Otto All rights reserved www.homestarstaging.com

Posted by

Home Staging Dallas - Karen Otto

Sue Argue
Staged First Impressions - Hampton, NH
NH Home Stager

Karen, absolutely right on. Home staging + WOW listing photos = much faster sale.

This agent did not want to spend money on staging accessories, but look what one small prop and a change in camera angle did for her fireplace listing photo: 

home staging foreclosure ho-hum unstaged fireplace listing photo

 

home staging foreclosure new camera angle that shows off contemporary style of home

 

Sorry to HOG your BLOG :) 

May 26, 2007 07:57 AM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes
Sue my favorite blog hog I love the camera angle and yes even the one prop makes a big difference. hope you're having a nice Saturday!
May 26, 2007 08:00 AM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate
Karen - thanks for your post.  Your sentence regarding never having a second chance to make a good first impression is so important when talking about real estate.  As agents we all have seen the famous timing bell curve.  We have to come out of the gate with all we've got.  Making a poor first impression can cost our sellers a lot of money.
May 26, 2007 08:13 AM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes
Thank you for your comment Marlene - it's agents such as yourself who understand that "first impressions"  make all the difference in the world to your seller's goal (selling the house!) and future clients who know you can get the job done.
May 26, 2007 08:49 AM
Penny Schoenbeck
AZ Home Styling & Redesign - Mesa, AZ
AZ Home Styling

Hi Karen,

Great post, so ture you only get one shot at a "first impression' and the MLS is the starting point!

May 26, 2007 06:22 PM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes
Penny - you're right the MLS virtual tour and photos are the first impression for many of today's buyers that's why it's vital to have great photos online. It's a virtual open house!
May 27, 2007 03:31 AM
Loreena and Michael Yeo
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents
Karen: You're absolutely right. Buyers are more technologically savvy these days. Cant say enough about making the first impression....... most often on the website and in pictures.
May 29, 2007 02:28 AM