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Main MLS photo --- exterior or interior shot?

By Pacita Dimacali

Real Estate Agent with Alain Pinel BRE 01367196

December 24, 2008 03:58 AM

When I was showing a client various MLS listings, he asked of one listing, why are they showing a picture of the interior versus the exterior?

Well....for many reasons, foremost being:

When the exterior is non-descript
When the interior is a WOW

Example:

And here's a comparison of exterior shots

How do you decide which photo will be the main photo? Once it's on the MLS, and people are screening homes, this will be the first photo once sees. If this is a condo, how would you entice people to look at YOUR condo listing versus another?

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Gail MacMillan

Titusville, FL

Hi Pacita - Personally I like the first exterior shot with the deck andthe view. If a listing has been on the market for some time and I'm not getting much action, I go ahead and change the main photo....can't hurt. BTW - that is some view...gotta love California.

Merry Christmas

Dec 24, 2008 08:02 AM

Gene Allen

Fathom Realty - Cary, NC

Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate

Most of the first shots should be the exterior but I don't think our MLS makes us do that.

Dec 24, 2008 08:17 AM

Toula Rosebrock

Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ

Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

Hi Pacita:

I usually use an exterior photo for the main photo. Sometimes we all get a bit creative.

I guess in the case of that particular home, I would have opted to use another photo, rather than the FRONT!!!

Merry Christmas,

Toula Rosebrock Logo

Dec 24, 2008 11:46 PM

Pacita Dimacali

Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA

Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

Gail ---- would you believe it....the last series of these pictures was of a duet with bayviews. Yet, the main photo selected was of the front of the property, with primary focus on the garage, instead of the views from the deck. I competed for this listing, and it hurt to see it not marketed properly. The daughter of the owner wanted the property priced higher than what I recommended, so they went with the other agent who took the listing. A year later, it sold for $150K less than list.

Gene --- wow. I didn't think any MLS would restrict which picture you use to promote your listing.

Diane --- I agree. The exterior shot of the property isn't always the best choice.

Here's wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Dec 25, 2008 05:03 AM

Carol Lee

Dilbeck Real Estate - Oak Park, CA

Realtor - Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake CA Homes

You put the photo that will picque their interest!

Dec 25, 2008 03:37 PM

Carol --- I quite agree. So if the front of the house is dominated by the garage, focus on other pictures. Having a property staged, and having a professional photographer take wide-angle photos help.

Dec 25, 2008 04:05 PM

Mike Klijanowicz

Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD

Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

I use the main exterior shot as the one for the main picture in the MLS. However, I usually write some kind of a message on it to make it stand out amoung the others. See below for an example of what I am talking about:

Dec 27, 2008 02:15 AM

Michael -- great idea. I haven't seen that done in the MLS. What program enabled you to do that? I have Microsoft Office Word/Publisher.

Dec 27, 2008 02:43 AM

Main MLS photo --- exterior or interior shot?

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