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Pictures and value

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Estate Places CA BRE #01802964

Ah yes, I am at it again.

You all heard the notion that a picture is worth a thousand words... Really, when it comes to real estate, the more the merrier.
So, considering that I take lots of pictures, why am I bringing this up? Well, fall is coming around here (this may be different in other places, Hume did make a little sense, but I digress), and with fall comes the CAR convention...

When I thought about that, I started looking at my notes to see what really valuable information I took with me from the convention last year, and the fact that listings with 21 or more images sell faster and for more money (Ok, don't ask me how they figure that out, I just write it down), should make anyone pay attention.

Alas, GOOD pictures... Not shaky images shot with a cell phone (Hint, if your agent is taking pictures with a cell phone - ahem - think very hard about that), and yes, I have seen those and worse.

Question from the front row: what is a good seller to do? First off, make sure your agent owns a digital camera, second, it would be great if he/she knows how to use it. Obviously, not all of us has the time to take pictures, so some people will be more than happy to hire a pro to "shoot" you home, and that is a more than adequate solution. Hey, maybe even get a copy of it all, just to have for memories.

Taking pictures is not hard work, sometimes making them look good is though, so ask for samples of past work, also ask for samples of flyer's and other marketing materials, and don't just say accept that black and white is an art form - it is an art form, but not in a flyer box!

Are there more real estate marketing must do's out there? Especially in this slow market - you betcha. But I will have to report on that another day - maybe from the convention...

Terkel

Comments (5)

Jane Page Thompson
Aiken Properties - Aiken, SC

Terkel,  I hired my assistant because she takes the best pictures, one day I will publish a book of her bests.  When I have a hard house to shoot, I hire a professional that will climb on the roof or up a tree to get the shot for me, Kara is too precious to be put at risk.  You should post this to one of the AR photography groups!  Say Cheese & good weekend! 

(p.s. not many people in the East spell Sorensen, correctly- are you Canadian?)

Sep 19, 2008 11:05 AM
Terkel Sørensen
Real Estate Places - Temecula, CA
Realtor, 951.805.0773 , Bank owned and Short Sales

Jane, that makes good sense. If you want a great curb shot, get her a nice long stick... Ok, we'll call it a monopod for now. I use my ultra light tripod, extend it as far as I can, set the camera to timer , push the button and lift the camera as far up as you can...
With the general direction (And I use an ultra wide lens, so I get a lot of house), I get enough that I can produce a great shot in Photoshop that looks like you stood on top of a bus and took it...

Ah, no, can't say I am Canadian - Danish however hits the spot, and the really correct spelling would be Sørensen, but that would be too picky around here. :-)

Sep 19, 2008 11:16 AM
Terrie Leighton
Ferrari-Lund Real Estate - Reno, NV
Reno Real Estate Agent ~ Selling Homes in Reno

I am the worst photographer! And I have finally stopped blaming the camera! So I take a  lot of pictures. I usually get a couple I like. So, I agree with you, the more pictures you take the better!!

Sep 24, 2008 06:06 AM
Scott Leaf Personal Real Estate Corporation
Keller Williams Elite Realty, Port Coquitlam, BC - Port Coquitlam, BC
Scott Leaf & Associates Real Estate Team

As you said way back in September take good pics!  Check out these bad examples: OMG Look at this listings Pictures!  

Jan 15, 2009 07:14 AM
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Nov 30, 2011 10:06 PM
#5