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Think Like A Client

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Rox Realty

Do you view your MLS listings the way a potential client would?  If you don't, you should! 

My morning chuckle was a new listing for a custom home on 1.25 acres.  Everything about the written description said WOW.  4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, lots of tile, jacuzzi tub, custom cabinets and upgrades - this I have to see.  So I go to the pictures.  And what pops up as the first picture...not the front elevation like you'd expect. A chicken coop.

Chicken coup  No, not this exact chicken coop but you get the point!!  It hardly qualifies as a custom home.

 

Take a moment to view your listings the way a potential client would see them.  Critique the photos - is there a mop leaning in the corner?  Is there a trash bag in the hall?  Anything that would be a negative, take a moment to eliminate.  And please, if it's an out of focus, barely identifiable image - take another one.  In the age of digital photography, why use a terrible shot?  Take lots of photos while you are there and choose the best to showcase the listing.

Whether it is a REALTOR searching the MLS for a client or the client searching online through a web portal or Realtor.com - you have only a few seconds to 'sell' the property before they move on to the next listing.  Give your listing a reason for someone to give it a second look - in person!

Comments(6)

Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

That's pretty funny - my pet peeve is what I just saw yesterday.  A condo where the first photo was of the entire complex covered in . . . snow.

Aug 31, 2010 06:52 AM
David Stewart
Engel & Völkers USA - Slidell, LA
Slidell Homes - New Orleans Homes

Bea... Thanks for the post funny and true!

David

Aug 31, 2010 06:53 AM
Terry McCarley
Coastal Real Estate - Cape Coral FL - Cape Coral, FL
REALTOR, SRES, CDPE - Cape Coral, FL

I hate it when clutter is all over the counters and kids and children are in the photos - it doesn't take long to declutter and take nice photos so the home shows well online.

Aug 31, 2010 06:55 AM
Kathy Denworth
BHHS Keys Real Estate - Islamorada, FL
Realtor in the Florida Keys, Islamorada, Key Largo

Just be sure to put the toilet seat AND the lid down! You don't need to take pictures of your keys and purse either.

Aug 31, 2010 06:56 AM
Don Spera
CR Property Group, LLC - East York, PA
Serving York and Adams County, PA

Yes, you can tell a home has been on the market awhile if it has picture of snow on it in August.  Update pictures and keep you listing looking fresh at all times.  Change the verbiage if necessary and the ads.  It is nothing worse than having a listing look stagnant, as it becomes stigmatized.

Aug 31, 2010 08:21 AM
Marcia Hawken
WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL
Naples Luxury Specialist

Holiday decorations are a no no .  Pictures that are too dark. Elements is a good program to lighten up the pictures.  So easy.

Aug 31, 2010 10:08 AM