We've all seen the statistics that clearly indicate that a vast majority of customers and clients start their property search online. While your listing probably provides some key informaton such as the number and sizes of room, and describes some exciting features. By the way, are all hardwood floors "gleaming"?
The numbers and details appeal to the rational mind. However buyers are driven more by their emotions and use the logical details to rationalize their purchase after the fact. Of course, there are basic requirements that must be met, but once that has been done the emotions are the most powerful driver of the buying decision.
Since most people are visual creatures, and online searching is a visual medium, they rely extensively on what they see to help them make important judgement calls. So why would any real estate professional ignore the opportunity to maximize the number and quality of the images that they can provide to attract prospective buyers? I can think of three.
- They're trying to shortcut the process. (it's a shortcut to failure in my opinion)
- They don't really know how to take a decent photograph.
- They can't afford to hire a photographer. (they really can't afford not to if #2 is true)
With the cameras that are available today just about anyone can take a decent photograph of a house, but it isn't foolproof by any stretch. Indoor lighting can be tricky at first, but once you've tried it a couple of times it's pretty well straight forward. For me, and I'm willing to bet many of you as well, taking photographs is a great way to add a creativite element to your work. Of course, it does take time and effort in order to do the job right.
Additionally, you can now easily add music and text to create a slide-show style video that brings the still image to even a higher level of appeal, but it does take some extra amount time to do it. Here's one that I just created using Photodex ProShow Producer. http://youtu.be/ep1yXMN6p7w . I've added it as a link in the MLS listing. My plan is to add digital video clips as well, in the future. Let's take full advantage of all these great tools that give us a better opportunity to attract potential buyers.
Image credit: jannoon028 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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