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Real Estate Rule #1: Check your photos!

By
Real Estate Agent with Associate Broker, Momentum Realty

Being a good Realtor requires so many skills. We are  (not literally, and not legally, of course)  a therapist, a marketing expert, a photographer, a life-skills coach and more.

If you are a listing agent, your job is to market your listing, negotiate acceptable terms, and get the transaction to closing.

 

Sometimes homes sell themselves; it is often true that at a certain price, anything will sell.

 

Does that mean that when you have a competitively priced listing (say, a foreclosure) that what you do as the listing agent doesn't matter? It matters a lot! Besides your fiduciary duty to the seller, whether they are an individual or a bank, everything that you do markets you as a Realtor to potential clients!

 

So when I came across some  photos in the MLS that featured dirty, open toilets, I was appalled! First of all, I am not sure why toilets are being featured in any listing, but if, for some reason,  it is necessary to show the toilets, why wouldn't the photographer take a second to lower the lids--especially when the toilet is filthy?

Somehow I doubt that folks who are looking for a new Realtor would consider using a listing agent who prominently features open toilet lids in their listings. Remember, if you are a listing agent, your listings on MLS serve as your portfolio.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

P.S. I did not include the offending photos because I did not want to infringe on any copyright laws--certainly the photographer would want to protect their rights to these lovely photos!

P.S.S The offending listing was for a home with a sales price approaching  $2,000,000. Wow...I have no words.

P.S.S.S I also come across photos with the Realtor reflected back in the mirror. Come on! Check your pictures!!

 

 

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 Momentum Realty

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Comments(2)

Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Wise advice Holly, good photos and adds are essential.  It is disappointing that some think that under pricing a listing is the answer to getting homes sold when good marketing is what they are being paid for.

I am impressed, 2 million for a foreclosure, I don't think that we have any homes approaching that value in our entire county.

 

Sep 24, 2014 03:07 PM
Sam Miller
RE/MAX Stars Realty - Howard, OH
Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist

Holly Weatherwax, I agree with you and photos can make or break interest and activity.  I believe that many buyers use the photos to decide which homes these do NOT want to see.  Meaning that bad photos will cost you / eliminate buyer showings.

Oct 23, 2014 08:32 AM