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Aren't first impressions everything?...Then take better photos!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with Field Realty - Broker/Owner

If they say first impressions are everything, (which I agree with) how could an agent send a listing thru into the MLS as a "new" listing with poor photos? First off, it only stays on the hotsheet for 48 hours. Therefore you really have to take pride and get the best photos you can initially because that is when the house will be seen by that largest audience. If you aren't qualified to capture good angles/shots, then it's probably a good idea to hire a professional. There are photographers that specialize in this for a simple fee of around $100 per home, well worth it in the case that prompted me to write this am's blog...The other important factor that needs to be touched on regarding the "Hotsheet" is that when the listing gets inputted into the MLS your first target audience are the other agents in the MLS. If you don't have the listing looking as good as it needs to, how do you expect other agents to recommend to their buyers to view this home? In our case, the GCAR board of Realtors has about 3,000 agents. So each time I input one of our new listings, you are first marketing the listing to these members.

In selling a home, we all know the goal is to work together to sell the property for it's highest possible value in the shortest amount of time. As the homeowner, you need to be cognoscente of how your home looks online (with the photos) and if it isn't up to par that's a good conversation to have with your agent. 

For recommendations or these photographers or other questions regarding the preparation of listing your home give a call (518) 669.1804 or email mike@thefieldteam.com.

Comments (4)

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I have 2 camers with "juiced" batteries in my car at all times.  I take ext photos of my properties at al times of the year so that the exterior photos are current!!!

Sep 23, 2010 01:40 AM
Don MacLean
New England Real Estate Center Inc. - Easton, MA
Realtor-Homes for Sale- Easton, Mass 02356

Shoot away,

Take a ton of photos and decide later which to use.

If you cannot take a good picture bring a friend lol

Enjoy the day

Sep 23, 2010 01:50 AM
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

Since I specialize in high end luxury homes, I most always hire a professional photographer.  This makes a huge difference, and has worked for me.

Sep 23, 2010 02:00 AM
Chris Dugger
Real Estate Marketplace - Louisville KY - Louisville, KY
Louisville REALTOR

Michael ~ I'm so anal...I mean particular...about listing photos. In Louisville, new listings get broadcast out at noon and midnight. Many agents have prospects set up to receive these broadcast automatically, so I will not let a listing go active until the photos are loaded. That broadcast gets sent out only once, so it's truly a first impression. Just clicked on a new listing a few minutes back that was broadcast out to a buyer of mine...no photos at all. Will they revisit that listing...probably not unless I forward it to them again later!

Sep 23, 2010 10:45 AM