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Lola just posted a great food story, comparing food's first 24 hours and a listing's first 30 days. I think the first week is the most critical.

Our team feels the first 24 hours are critical, actually the first hour! We have our sellers sign a delay addendum to the listing agreement that sets when the property will be entered into the MLS, often 10 days later. That way when the property hits the MLS as a new listing:

  • The MLS entry has photos (it's only new once, and will be clicked by without photos)
  • Photos have been checked, tweaked and retaken, if necessary.
  • Copy has been written for the MLS remarks, flyers and brochures.
  • The Visual Tour is up and linked to the MLS listing.
  • The sign is up in front of the property.
  • Full color flyers are in the box that's on the sign post.
  • The property's individual web site is up and running, linked to the MLS and noted on the flyer.
  • The sellers property disclosure form is posted in the MLS and on the property website.

 Our MLS has an automatic feature that sends out new listings to anyone whose agent has registered them for a certain criteria. When a buyer gets notice of that listing, we want to have everything readily available to market that home - photos, copy, downloadable flyers, etc.

You only get one chance to make a First Impression 

 

11 Comments on First Impressions - the first 24 hours

Sharon, this is just awesome! You are correct...it's only new once. This one is bookmarked for sure! No wonder you're a success!

11/30/2007 09:07 PM by Linda Scanlan (A Fan of AR)

First impressions mean the most...even in meeting peers I think. It is crucial to make a grand entrance and great impression....

11/30/2007 10:21 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Relocations & HAWAII Real Estate (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

I totally agree about first impressions and you one have one chance when it FIRST goes on. You are so right on your rock.

11/30/2007 10:28 PM by Susan Trombley Re/Max Broker Raleigh NC & Surrounding Areas (Re/Max Hometown)

First impression is the only real shot you get to do it right,  therefore it is important to have everything in place as you outlined above.

12/01/2007 07:21 AM by Jennifer Fivelsdal, Rhinebeck NY (Keller Williams Realty)

I never thought about it like that.  You are so right...the picture and virtual tour are so important and need to be there for the first impression.

12/01/2007 07:49 AM by Dawn DeGroff (Fredericksburg Realty, Inc)

Sharon fantastic tips in this post!  I like the idea of the 10 day delay.  You are right the first day/hours are very important.  Might as well have everything in place at the time it is ready to hit the public!

12/01/2007 02:32 PM by Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Agent, Kimberly Grant (Exit Leon Crawford Realty)

Linda - thanks! Glad it gave you some ideas.

Sally - you're right - peers, neighbors, clients - they all have first impressions.

Susan - you're certainly on target, too.

Jennifer - it's always amazing how many agents throw away that first impression.

Dawn - yes. Often the buyer or agent will never come back for a later look if the photo doesn't catch them the first time.

Kimberly - it sounds crazy to wait 10 days, but sellers generally get it right away, from their buyers' hat. 

12/01/2007 07:02 PM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)

The rule is pretty basic: If you are going to put it into the MLS have everything together and ready before you start! Carry a digital camera with you!!!! Don't go to a listing presentation without one! If you can't get all the photos because of a mess, get at least a couple to start with and come back the next day to get the rest!!!! No photo, no listing in MLS!!! It is pretty basic!

12/01/2007 07:06 PM by Bill & Barbara Jo - Florida Realty Professional - AHWD (Charles Rutenberg Realty)

Barbara Jo - our board fines us if we don't include photos, but that still doesn't get many agents to photograph.

12/01/2007 07:20 PM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)

This is a great idea, Sharon.  Why haven't we all thought of this before?  I'm so glad I read your post!

12/01/2007 09:47 PM by Jan Evett Panama City Beach, FL (Ryan Realty Properties, Inc. )

Jan - thanks very much. There are a lot of things we do just because that's how we've always done them, or because that's how everyone else does things. Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention - for us it was. There was just no way we could get everything done in a day for a new listing. That's the same way I hired my first assistant many years ago.

12/01/2007 10:06 PM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)

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Real Estate Agent: Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)
Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS
Saint Petersburg, FL
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RE/MAX Metro

Office Phone: (727) 866-0048 Ext.: 112
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Information on Real Estate, Properties, Traditions, Neighborhoods, Market Activity and other items of interest in the Tampa Bay area (St Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Bradenton) and the Gulf Beaches, Florida.