Home Sellers Can See the Difference

Easy to say when you don't have to spend thousands per month marketing for your clients that expect to get top dollar and pay bottom dollar.

Anna, when marketing a home, there is NO EXCUSE for anything less than great photographs, I don't care what the selling price is.

GOOD MORNING ANNA!  I have definitely made errors with photos over the years!  Although many of us improve our photography skills as we go along - we are still better real estate agents!  Great advice to hire someone who can get the job done - GREAT! -- Gabrielle

Anna, anyone can take a snapshot, but only a photographer can take a good photo that leaves a lasting impression. Good advice.

Anna,

Good point...We see this all the time. In fact, we see many people going with FSBO options and flat fee listings because they offer a better marketing package from a visual perspective after they were unhappy with an agent and their contract expired. That does not necessarily mean these services will sell your home faster in this market, but it does mean that home sellers want to see professional quality listings. Any agent who refuses to believe that is going to have a difficult time selling their services as sellers get more educated and more agents and companies embrace professional photos, flyers, virtual tours, etc.

I still see a lot of MLS listings that really have crappy pictures from not only the lesser known agents but also from well known agents.

That's the problem with being skilled - you have to market and do sales so you can get the word out!

I'm still searching for the mind-control device that will let everyone know how important what we do is - if you figure out a way to get the word out and get owners to call more often, let me know :)

My new marketing pitch to Realtors is less about how good photos will sell the home, and more about how they are their listings!

Would you agree that a Realtor's image is as much tied into how they market their properties, as the properties themselves? Maybe it is a"100th monkey" situation--slowly the general public is becoming aware that there are options as far as good photography (and staging/sale preparation consultations ;-) ), and it is only when howeowners start asking for better that the whole industry will be elevated.

In my area, I see the "top Realtors" using some of the worst photos. Right now, there is perhaps some arrogance that they are so-and-so, and what they've done works. Don't try to tell them they need to do it differently. But as I see their listings sit while other homes with younger, more progressive agents sell, I think the tides will change.

I realize that a Realtor's job is tough! I believe they/you need to be very protective over your business and marketing dollars as so many people can (pardon the vernacular) screw you over. Maybe by taking the risk in the short term of going the extra mile representing properties that look outstanding, a higher quality of clientele can be obtained in the medium-longer term. ??

Comments?

Hi Anna,

I take my own photographs for my listings and it has always worked out just fine. Having said that, I do agree with you, if a client is not satisfied with the serice one is providing then something needs to be done about it. In this case, hire a professional to take the pictures.

Thanks for posting.

Roy

As more and more young realtors start hitting the market place with new marketing strategies and new ideas on selling homes the veterans are going to start seeing their market slow down.

Nowadays nobody has enough time to consider whats good enough or photos that are just fine. All of these listings no matter how good they may be are getting passed up why? If you have to Ask the train has left and your now left behind with the pack.

This shouldn't surprise anyone, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did either. The countdown has begun, are you going to be the one with the long list of expireds or will you be the one with the most solds?