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Help me, why are so many agents so lazy, especially now?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with RE/MAX Real Estate Center

I just opened the "hot sheet" of my local MLS.  On that report, I found today's new listings, changes, expirations, pendings and solds.   There was only one sale, a couple of pendings and about 7 new listings.  (all this since mid-afternoon).  Not a very remarkable day, other than a big article in the local newspaper detailing how far home prices have recently fallen.   So what's my point?  Well, of the newly listed properties, at least three are effectively extensions of expirations.  Here in Kentucky, although we are having a pretty dry summer, leaves are still on the trees and the pictures attached to the MLS reports are obviously winter-time photos.

I just can't understand how any seller would want to list or relist their property with an agent or firm which would have an agent so lazy that a seasonally adjusted picture is too much trouble. 

mmmmmmmm?

Marlow Harris
Seattle Dream Homes - Seattle, WA
I wish more agents would think about marketing when they take a listing.  Professional photos go a long way to help a buyer visualize a home before previewing, and in our market, staging is almost expected before taking a listing.
Aug 28, 2007 02:07 PM
Richard Thewissen
ERA Realty Pros - Stonington, CT

Great point. Ensuring that the pics will match the current season. You might also properly rename the pics to they mean something. I heard the search engines will catalog the ones with proper names

Aug 28, 2007 02:10 PM
Joe Zapata
Keller Williams Realty Media World - Burbank, CA
Your Burbank Real Estate Expert
This is point that has been talked about a lot lately.  I still cannot understand myself why so many agents cannot get it right.  You should always have a camera with you.  At least take a quick exterior shot for the MLS.
Aug 28, 2007 02:18 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
Now that is really lazy!  We had pictures with snow for a long time -- I think the sellers would be very upset if they realized that is how their home was portrayed in the MLS.  It is a real turnoff for buyers.
Aug 28, 2007 02:19 PM
delete me delete me
delete me - Dixon, CA
It's real easy to take the pictures from the previous listing and recylce them...and actually, that can be a pretty effective way of getting an expired listing...you take the previous pictures with you already incorporated in your listing presentation and the seller things you're very resourceful and doesn't consider the pictures as being out of season. 
Aug 28, 2007 02:51 PM
Tom Cox
RE/MAX Real Estate Center - Louisville, KY
CDPE
Rondel, you make an extremely solid point, if you are the competing agent. 
Aug 28, 2007 10:36 PM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes

It is kind of silly that something like that gets overlooked. I'm always amazed that these agents even get listings. I did a relocation interview this weekend where I am competing with some other agent that I won't know who. I made sure there was no way they could beat my marketing presentation. I found out I had beat a "TEAM" of veterans that barely made an impression and only took one pic.

Sep 04, 2007 03:59 PM