What's up with Realtors' pictures?

Kent,

I've not been a realtor long so my observations are not supported by a long history. But I think some marketing analyst found that if you put a face on the business you would help the buyers and sellers become comfortable dealing with a realtor. This is a very personal business and people share confidential information with their realtors just as they do with their attorneys, CPAs, and doctors.

Most people like to know, or have some idea as to with whom they are talking. Down here, its not uncommon to see advertising (with photos) for many professions-doctors, dentists, attorneys, pet groomers, etc.

Ahhh yes...the proverbial to photo or not to photo argument.  In the begining...I had no photo but after a plethora of people began to ask why no photo, I started using it.  The argument I am sure will continue.  Ultimately, I think it is a name, face business.  I was told, if you take a good picture, use it.  If you don't take a good picture, use someone elses!

PS....I like your idea Kent!!!

Kent, your present card it is great.  Use it and follow your wife's advice... keeping her happy should be your main job. :)

I prefer the picture on the business card - helps me remember the name and face together.  And it is also a trust issue with alot of folks I think. 

My husband always say a happy wife is a happy life!

The controversy over a picture on one's business card will never end.  I don't pretend to know the answer either but do what most do and put my mug on it.

I saw a card once with a someone's kindergarten picture. I loved it.
I thought it was creative and memorable. I love the new picture that you are creating. It will get attention and stand out for reasons besides the glamour shot pose!

Brenda Swigert e-PRO

ReMax Unlimited  West Chester, OH

www.BrendaSwigert.com

For me the photo on the card, and it's the same as my profile which is only 16 months old, (I'm much older) is a better way to connect., and ,make the relationship more personal. However, that would only apply to real estate. I worked in the manufacturing world for years and never received a business card from a MFG professional that had anything more than their professional info. Except for cards from Japanese professionals which were written in English on one side and Japanese on the other, or at least that's what I though it was.

People need an association.  Realtors use a face and that can be good or bad.  The key is for the public to see something and say, hey, that's Kent.  See an agent I know that did something a bit wacky and it paid off big time.  www.seetimsell.com

I have business cards with photos and business cards without photos.  For residential transactions, I tend to use the photo cards but for ICI and for certain types of people, I tend to provide my non-photo version.  The photo cards primarily seem to be used in residential real estate, some mortgage lending and certain other fields.

I agree with Vegas Bob, although it has been even longer since I used my photo on a business card.  I like to go with a very neat and professional look.  I hate the old, old photos and glamor shots that don't even look like the person.  I once went to an office to meet with an agent whose card I had seen.  I was embarrassed when I asked a lady to get her for me and it turned out that I was talking to her.

I like your ad concept!  When you put your client's needs, wants and dreams first, they'll remember you... With or without your picture on the card :)

A picture tells a thousand words.  I think you can tell a lot about a person by their photo on the card....

Hi Kent, I like business cards photos because I am terrible with names, and better with faces --- I do like your new concept though - so make a 2 sided business card! Everyone wins!

Kent, to photo or not, what a tough question.... 2 sided card works too, but how about a new photo, one of you in ski attire! Sorry, LOL. Nothing wrong with your photo. Prudential has one choice for cards now, so I didn't have this dilemma. I hate pictures on my cards, love them on other peoples cards, LOL. Good luck and listen to your wife!!!!

I'm a little late on this discussion as it looks like Kent has already made a decision but I have been looking for a platform say this.  I think it's a personal decision based on ones own opinions and the expectations, demographics and trends in your local area.

Now, having said that.....one thing is for sure, ancient photos and unnatural over glamorous pictures should be re-thought and maybe re-shot.  Just as Mr. Coles said above, sometimes you're looking for the person on a business card and they are standing right there in front of you all along.