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Put that Dog/Cat in the Shot

I have always gotten great feedback when I do a shoot and the owners pets are in the shot. It comes from two sides. First the owner loves seeing their most favorite animal having its picture take and then for the world to see them on the fact sheets and web. The situation reinforces your relationship with the owner by showing affection to a member of their family. This all falls into keeping the seller happy.

Then the other side, are the potential buyers. 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog and 34 % of U.S. households own at least one cat.* Then consider the people that love animals but due to allergies or rental restrictions cannot have one, or people that just like to see cute, fluffy, small creatures and you end up with a lot of animal lovers in our country.

When you shoot, take a number of shots, animals like to move around a lot. Then pick the best one.

Animals add life, happiness and a softness that an empty room cannot provide, showing that a wonderful life was being had in this home and you (the buyer) can have the same.

Just make sure the animals are seen and not smelt.

* www.hsus.org, The Humane Society's web site

Posted by Piers Lamb on 06/16/2008 09:41 AM

Comments (4)

photo, pets, dog, cat, pet, photography, marketing

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4 Comments on Put that Dog/Cat in the Shot

From working with our buyers we would say no pics of any pets in any photos!

Since most buyers will first start with the photos of the home on the internet the sellers home home may get passed by for viewing due specifically to the pets. If they chose not to see it the sellers have lost a potential buyer.

In the back of their mind buyers worry about smells/odor, urine on floors, scratches, rips/tears, allergies, cat spray, fleas, torn up yards etc.

Save the pet photos for family and friends or holiday cards but if you want to sell your home please do not put them in the listing photos.

06/16/2008 09:51 AM

by Patty Carroll, ASP®, SRES® & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX, Vancouver WA (RE/MAX Equity Group)

I agree with Patty and Scott,

While it's true a lot of people love their pets they don't want to deal with "issues" from other peoples pets.

06/16/2008 10:07 AM

by Terry Lynch (GMAC The Kee Group)

I have a strict rule that if it has eyes, its got to go. :)

06/17/2008 04:04 PM

by Maureen Henry - Rockland Home Staging (www.rocklandhomestaging.com)

Piers, Your photography is wonderful and for personal shots - the cat or dog might be great but I would say for real estate or staging photos - NO Pets !! Like the others have said - it's all about perception - all buyers may NOT love dogs the way that I do... God bless,

06/17/2008 06:03 PM

by Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design)

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