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A Camera – Never Go House Hunting Without One

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cordon Real Estate 01370983

Buyers, when it’s time to go out looking at homes with an agent, the first thing they will often do is hand you a notebook or folder containing information about each home you will see that day.  The notebook might also have a map of the area that identifies schools, shopping areas, and other local points of interest.  Often, you will have seen these properties online and discussed them with your agent first, so the notebook is mostly for… taking notes.

Another handy tool to have along is a digital camera.  Whether you take videos or photos, a camera will help you capture details about a property that might not be found in the MLS or other marketing materials.  Common targets for photos or videos include:

·         Unique features that might influence your decision to make an offer

·         The specific model and condition of each appliance or other item that the MLS says comes with the property

·         Rooms or spaces that could be remodeling or redecorating projects if you were to buy the property 

·         Items that you might request to be repaired or replaced before close of escrow

It helps to take photos of each property beginning with the street address to keep them sorted.  Also, remember to pack spare batteries because you’ll go through a couple sets if you take a lot of interior photos with flash.

Happy house hunting!

 

Buying a home in the Bay area?  Let me help you start your search.  Go to www.realproperty.com  and click on these search buttons:

·         Silicon Valley MLS for homes in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties

·         Wine Country MLS for homes in Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties

·         RealtyTrac® for distressed properties, such as pre-foreclosures, bank-owned properties, auctions, and more

For the latest local, regional and national market information, check out our 1 Minute Housing Market Report when you visit www.jsrealproperty.com .

Questions?  Drop me a line at john@jsrealproperty.com .

Comments (7)

James Muhammad
RE/MAX Champions - Upland, CA
RE/MAX Vision

John this is a very, very good Blog Post and you make some very good points. But having a camera will help a buyer remember much better what they saw then a notebook.

 

Sep 27, 2011 06:23 PM
Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

John, a camera is a very good idea on showing trips! Of course, with the advent of the iPhone, you can take a pic and email it to your client right from the house - or they can. Either way, we have a lot more freedom today than in days past.

Sep 27, 2011 06:23 PM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Great posts & is something that could be suggested to the buyer ahead of the appointment, or if they buyer doesn't show up with a camera, then may be can be sent to them...?  I suggested....photos are so important whether on line or to help memory, or to plan where the furniture is going to go!!  :)

Sep 27, 2011 06:30 PM
Peter Preston-Thomas
Real Ottawa - Kanata, ON

In fact, to Maria's point, there is a nice iPhone app called Tour Narrator by a la Mode where you can take photos or videos with titles and add notes and send them immediately to your client in a PDF file.

My issue is I'll sometimes ask my clients if they want photos and, if they say no, I don't take them ... then later I wish I had.  Take the photos anyway!  Digital photos are free and make a good record - just in case you're asked about something later.

Sep 27, 2011 06:40 PM
Ron T. Weems Jr.
Weems Property Group | KW North Sound - Bothell, WA
Managing the details one home at a time.

John,

Great post! I've always carried a camera myself but never thought to have my clients bring one. This will be on my list of things I need them to do from now on. It is a very good idea. They will be able to look at the photos at a later date to decide which home is best for their family.

Sep 27, 2011 06:51 PM
Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey John, great post! Some of my buyers have carried cameras with them or used their phone cameras to take pictures to show friends and family wat they are considering.  Good basic points/reasons to take pictures.  Thanks and best of success to you sir!

Sep 27, 2011 07:19 PM
Elite Home Sales Team
Elite Home Sales Team OC - Corona del Mar, CA
A Tenacious and Skilled Real Estate Team

Nice it is a blog with a different twist.  Yes by all means take a camera.

Sep 27, 2011 07:40 PM