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When Taking Photos of Your New Listing . . . . .

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC

Here is an idea that a video man gave me years ago.  He was our are representative for video tours on Realtor.com, oh, so long ago!  However, it is still a good tip today.  When you take photos of that newly listed property, you take interior and exterior shots.  How about the street view?  Are there sidewalks?  Is their a neighborhood playground? Maybe, a picnic area? Walking trail?  These photos are ideal for people who may be relocating from out of state and looking for that perfect neighborhood.  On most sites, even the mls, you can post ten or more photos.  Try making some of them with different views of the neighborhood.  It is most helpful to the buyers!

street view

street view

street scene

Posted by

Sharing the good life,

Frances   

Oh, By the Way...if you know of someone who could use my good services, please send me their contact information.  I will follow-up and take good care of them for you.  I am never to busy for you or your referrals!

 

Comments(25)

Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate
Hi Fran - Having some photos of the neighborhood is always nice. I am curious why you are not including your website in your blog posts? You are missing out on a great opportunity to make your website rank better in the search engines! Everytime you add your website to a post it creates an "inbound" link to your website. If you don't know what I am talking about get in touch and I will explain further. 
Jan 10, 2008 12:24 PM
Jesse Clifton
Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK
Hi, Fran - Excellent post.  Taking 'surrounding' photos help buyers get a feel for the neighborhood, especially if they are relocating.  Most MLS systems and certainly our websites give us plenty of room for additional shots. 
Jan 10, 2008 06:03 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Great idea!!! of course in our MLS if the photo have your sign in them, they would be considered "branding". You have just reminded me of a subject I need to blog about....

Your friend in Charlottesville

Jan 10, 2008 10:38 PM
Sean Dankers
Realty World Select - Fredericksburg, VA
Thanks for the post.  The street view is a widely overlooked area when taking photos of a property.  It became a habit for me when I was taking BPO pictures and the street view is required for them.
Jan 10, 2008 11:42 PM
Stephen Joos & Chris Brubaker- HouseFront
HouseFront - Denver, CO

I like the idea, even if your moving in state it helps give the person a view of the area becuase it is probably new to them too.  Great tip.

-Chris 

Jan 11, 2008 03:45 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Charles,

LOL!  Yes, probably they would.  However, I have seen Brokers with no listings, advertising mine online and in print!  When I called to complain they said, you checked the box allowing other agencies to share your listings:)  Unbelievable!  I just try, not to think about it.  I know we share listings on the idx systems, and they need my permission to go on Realtor.com,  but, I didn't realize anyone would push that many steps further, that the mls would allow them to go ahead and advertise my listings.  At the very bottom of the ad, this listing is Courtesy of Fran Rokicki Realty,LLC.  It even comes up on Google!!

Jan 11, 2008 04:59 AM
J Perrin Cornell
Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate - Wenatchee, WA
Broker, ABR, VAMRES

It is a good idea and so simple. I really get irritated at afgents that take one photo... or three photos outside and nothng inside (or vice versa). Beter still agents that take one photo and the outline of their car window is in the photo...

In addition to neighborhood photo(s) I make a list of neighborhood amenities and leave it in the home... school three blocks, bus , corner of 1 nad 3rd... etc.

Jan 12, 2008 12:00 AM
Michele Eckart
RE/MAX Advantage Realty - Ellicott City, MD
I have never taken the street view but I did start taking pictures of hot spots near by such as the shopping areas, schools, restaurants, etc. 
Jan 12, 2008 01:53 AM
Debbie DiFonzo
Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO
Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate
I often take street scenes. I do not include them on the MLS and or websites. When we receive an inquiry asking for more photos, these are great shots to include - they are a great conversation starter!
Jan 12, 2008 02:25 PM
Kenny & Brianna Franklin
Franklin & Franklin Realty LLC - Woodford, VA
ABR®, AHWD, e-PRO®, SFR, MRP
And if you don't have a great looking listing, take pictures of the plat, pool, playground, etc. too. ; )
Jan 12, 2008 03:40 PM
Joseph Ellman
Realty Executives- Williams-Sykes Realty - Poughkeepsie, NY
Frances - Great advice!  Thanks for sharing this with us on AR!
Jan 12, 2008 11:15 PM
Nancy Pav
Century 21 Redwood Realty - Ashburn, VA
Nancy Pav, Your "GottaHave" Realtor
Thanks Fran, that's a great idea!  If the neighborhood has amenities like pools and tot lots those could be added as well.
Jan 13, 2008 05:33 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

All good stuff!  Life is good when you share, everyone succeeds!

 

Jan 16, 2008 12:12 PM
Bill Somerset
Re/Max Realty Group - Dover, NH
ABR, e-PRO - Realtor - NH Real Estate Agent
Great tip.  I have a tendency to take over 100 photos of my new listings.  It is far easier for me to take to many the first time, than to have to go back several times because the shots just did not look right.   I'll have to start taking more now!
Jan 16, 2008 12:47 PM
Kara Phadael
Century 21 Classic Homes - South Windsor, CT
That is such a great idea. I've noticed before when looking at front views of a home, sometimes you can just barely see the house next door, that always leaves you wondering how close together the homes are and what the neighborhood looks like. I will put this into practice immediately. Thank you!
Jan 17, 2008 03:48 AM
Todd Baucom
Western Carolina Properties - Cullowhee, NC
That is a pretty common technique in the mountains of North Carolina.  So many of our homes have beautiful mountain vistas, rushing streams or amenity laced subdivisions that most Realtors will include at least a couple of shots to capture those aspects of a new listing.  But I agree as many others have commented here that it gives the prospect a "feel" for the surroundings.
Jan 17, 2008 03:54 AM
Linda Schulte
Keller Williams - Alpharetta, GA

Great idea, Fran.  Our MLS recently added space for more pictures, so this will be a creative way to utilize the additional slots!  Thanks!

Linda Schulte, Atlanta

Jan 17, 2008 11:26 AM
Linda Schulte
Keller Williams - Alpharetta, GA

Great idea, Fran.  Our MLS recently added space for more pictures, so this will be a creative way to utilize the additional slots!  Thanks!

Linda Schulte, Atlanta

Jan 17, 2008 11:27 AM
Steve Scheer
Realty Oasis - Metro Brokers - Highlands Ranch, CO
Highlands Ranch Real Estate - Denver Real Estate
Francis, This is a very good idea that is often over looked.  Its the little things like this that make the big difference. 
Jan 17, 2008 01:36 PM
Roland Woodworth
Blue Cord Realty - Clarksville, TN
Blue Cord Realty
Great idea Frances...... Thanks.
Jan 17, 2008 05:30 PM