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My pictures vs MLS photos

By Kenneth Cole

Real Estate Agent with Weichert Realtors Appleseed Group, 2043 Richmond Ave. S.I.N.Y. 10314. office phone 718-698-9797, Appleseedhomes.com -

January 23, 2008 12:34 AM

Pictures of your listing
Do you take your own photos and why not let the MLS service do it?

I think I know my listing better than some photographer just passing by, and I want to show it off to its best advantage. Sometimes I view it at different times of the day, and always make sure the sun is shining. I've seen photos that look directly into the sun. I just pass and go on to the next photo. What do the customers do? Same thing I guess.

And when you do a search, what do you do when there is no photo?

How about those photos with the toilet seat open. Takes away from the effect right?

Do you replace those shots with snow in them when the house is still on the market in July? If not why not?

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Mary Bowen

Coldwell Banker United, Realtor - The Woodlands, TX

Real Estate At Its Finest!!!

I do my own photos. I know exactly what I'm looking to show case in each room.

Jan 23, 2008 12:38 AM

Jean Doyle

RE/MAX House Values - Mount Arlington, NJ

Morris and Sussex NJ Real Estate

The Garden State MLS in New Jersey no longer provides this "service". That is a good thing.

Al Maxwell

Keller Williams - Marietta, GA

Real Estate Agent

I will always do my own, unless I'm laid up in a hospital. MLS does OK, but you get what you pay for.

Jan 23, 2008 12:44 AM

Cait ODonnell Donohue

Red Key Realty Leaders - Frontenac, MO

In St. Louis we do not have this service. I take my own photos, and for higher end properties I will hire a professional photographer and swap my photos out for theirs.

Don Stern

Realty Executives South Louisiana - Baton Rouge, LA

Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate

In my opinion, a realtor should acquire the skills and equipment necessary to take these photos OR be present when the professional photographer is at the listing so he/she can direct the shoot.

Jan 23, 2008 12:46 AM

Karel Rogers

Real Estate Staging Unlimited - Reno, NV

Before your pictures try this and give yourself a raise!

STAGE YOUR LISTINGS AND YOU COULD MAKE $32,500 OR MORE ... PER YEAR!

The median home price in Reno/Sparks Washoe County is $332,000

Staged homes bring in 3-10% over the listing price. This equates to an equity gain of $9,960- $33,200 or an average of $21,580 per property.

At 3% commission: $674 for you or 2.5% commission: $540 for you

If you sold 2-4 homes per month at 3% commission: $1348 - $2696 for you

The calculation is easy to figure for your area. Even if you sell only one house a month you still will be making more money at the end of the year. Bottom -line home staging tends to sell homes for more money and often in less time. Think about it...staging can be a great way to give yourself a raise!

Go to www.weredesign.com and locate a stager in your area and best wishes for 2008!

We Dress Homes To Sell! Visit our website: http://www.realestatestagingunlimited.com/

Jan 23, 2008 12:52 AM

Stuart Berman

Ben Kona - Baltimore, MD

I definetly think you should photo graph the property yourself. With digital cameras as inexpensive as they are these day there is no need to hire a professional. If you have used a professional in the past look at what they have done and find your own style. It may take a little time but in the long run int will be worth it. People do not buy houses because of a photo. A photo will get them in to kick the tires. I also believe the brochure they take does not sell the house. The brochure will get you more listings if it is done well. Sellers feel if you do this for one client you will do it for them.

good luck

Co-founder

Relify.com

Jan 23, 2008 12:57 AM

DDR Realty

DDR Realty - Newburgh, NY

Orange County NY

I believe the listing agent should take their own pictures. An employee of a particular MLS may not take the time to present the property as best as possible.

Jan 23, 2008 01:19 AM

Rosa Updale

Appleseed Group - Staten Island, NY

Associate Broker

Ken, your're right. I take all my own pictures. Who cares more than the listing agent (and the seller, of course) about how the house is presented? A picture says 1,000 words!

Jan 23, 2008 04:36 AM

My pictures vs MLS photos

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