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Perceptions Can Cost

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Real Estate Agent with Monument, Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain homes

One of the misconceptions with Realtors is that only the upper end listings need professional photographs. If you think about it it's really kind of a misnomer. The upper end homes usually have attractive matching furniture with tasteful accents. The landscaping has unique features that add an element of interest to any picture.   There are architectural details to focus on and eye appealing splashes of color.  So while a professional is capturing the show quality features his talent and skill is not put to the test such as when called upon to make a plain Jane into a debutant.         

                                                                                                                 

                                                                  Charming home in Colorado Springs

 

Cozy and Inviting

I like to call in a pro when I have a home that needs a boost to give it its best chance to shine above the rest.  Correct lighting, exposure, and composition can make everyday into exceptional and highlight features that might otherwise be lost.  Photographs are the number one area that Realtors have to create interest in a property and attract potential buyers.  Dark rooms, highlighted flaws, and missed opportunities are some of the hurdles that a professional can succeed in overcoming.  Is it our responsibility to provide that service to our sellers even if it might cut into the profit margin?  I would have to say yes and I like to provide the same services to all my sellers especially to those that need the attention to detail the most.  Are we doing our low to median priced sellers a disservice by not putting forth the same effort and marketing portals to them as we do the higher end homes? 

 

One of the most common areas of dispute is the perception by clients that they have received unequal treatment or services than provided to other clients.  This is a hard case to win if not explicitly detailed up front what services are provided and if those services are varied according to price point.  What many Realtors forget is that perceptions can be deadly so the best defense is to be consistent and provide the same service level to all clients.   

 

Comments (7)

Jimmy Katz
Wynd Realty & Katz Realty Group - Alpharetta, GA
"REAL Solutions for Real Estate!"

Not to mention, it shows your client in good faith the marketing efforts that you are employing

Mar 09, 2011 02:07 AM
Glenn Roberts
Retired - Seattle, WA

Evena  house at the low end of the market can be someones pride and joy. They deserve their broker's best effort as much as the top end homes.

Mar 09, 2011 02:12 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Like your kids, there are not you favor, like more or leave more in the will right? Same with video. Don't just do a couple and say there (hands slapping together to clean in air) all down. The lower priced ones are your bread and butter and all of them need more wider, interesting, helpful images, videos. 

Mar 09, 2011 02:18 AM
Lorraine Sayer
Monument, Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain homes - Colorado Springs, CO
Realtor ABR,CDPE,GRI - Colorado Springs,CO RE/MAX

James that's where consistency pays off.  We have no control over whether a home will sell but I like to put my heart and soul into each listing to give it the best chance.

Glenn:  I could not have said it better.  I get excited about all homes and let the owners show me what the features are that attracted them to the home.  It connects me to their perceptions and that is how to market the home. 

Mar 09, 2011 02:19 AM
Melanie Hedrick
Elite Texas Properties, the best homes from McKinney to Dallas! - McKinney, TX
972-816-7205

Hi Lorraine -- your post makes a very good point.  Professional photos will be a huge benefit to lower priced listings just as much as more expensive ones.  I think staging can also be extremely important as well.

Mar 09, 2011 02:22 AM
Lorraine Sayer
Monument, Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain homes - Colorado Springs, CO
Realtor ABR,CDPE,GRI - Colorado Springs,CO RE/MAX

Melanie: I can't agree more.  The above home was so stuffed with oversized furniture and too much furniture.  We eliminated large pieces, moved items from room to room, and hid a lot of personal belongings.  It now shows great and we are only using what the sellers have already.  They were even amazed at the difference- sometimes it just takes a second set of eyes. 

Mar 09, 2011 04:41 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

It is so much more difficult to turn that plain Jane into a debutante! Love it.

Apr 03, 2011 11:21 AM