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Location, Location, Location- Photos that Show More than Just The Property

By Piers Lamb

Services for Real Estate Pros with Evers & Co.

June 18, 2008 02:26 AM

We all are told that real estate is LLL; well if that is the case what I have seen from other people's web work and fact sheets normally shows only photos of the home. I have a number of agents that go the extra mile to set the scene of the home and where it is located. Take pictures of the area around the home; showcase what makes this area unique, memorable or useful to a buyer. Pay attention to what will set off a trigger for a potential buyer to like this property even more from its surroundings. Take pictures of a statue, fountain, old bridge, circle, woods, or even an event that happens seasonally; 4^th of July parade, cherry blossoms in bloom and so on. Then accompany the photos with a short paragraph about the area and what it has to offer; schools, shopping, parks, outdoor activities and what might interest the demographics of people who would be purchasing the home.

Last, keep the good photos and build a catalog for yourself for the next time you need a good shot in that area.

Locatio Location

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Greg Fox

Realty World Wichita - Wichita, KS

Techy Broker in Wichita Kansas

Great ideas, especially for flyers. With limited property photos, probably won't do much there. This is esp a good idea for New Home subdivisions!!

Jun 18, 2008 02:32 AM

Joe Virnig

RE/MAX Gold Coast REALTORS, Ventura County, California - Ventura, CA

No Ordinary Joe

I have a whole website devoted to nothing but photos of the local area.

Jun 18, 2008 02:39 AM

Chris Muckley

Ascent Real Estate, Inc. - San Diego, CA

Great tip, especially for your website and advertising. One thing to be careful of, though, some MLS rules prevent using photos of anything but the subject property.

Jun 18, 2008 02:51 AM

Pamela STETSON

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Abbott Realtors - Mahwah, NJ

I would love to help you buy or sell your home!

You are so right and I try to do...just that...by adding photos to my listing, website and all print materials of the surrounding area. Another example of an agent who utilizes the benefits of great photos is --- Teresa Boardman --- http://activerain.com/blogs/teresab . She is terrific.

Thanks for the reminder and the great photos.

Jun 18, 2008 02:53 AM

Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities

Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Neighborhood plays an important role in selecting a home, and adding a photo or two provides valuable information for prospective buyers. Most buyers are very interested in the adjoining properties.

Jun 18, 2008 02:56 AM

Maureen Maureen

Orangeburg, NY

Piers - I just took photos of a condo for an agent. I took the stone thing with the name on it, the clubhouse and pool she was so psyched. It is nice to include other photos to give people an idea of the area. I also have photos of the local parks, golf courses and area attractions that I give to agents.

Jun 18, 2008 09:39 AM

Gene Allen

Fathom Realty - Cary, NC

Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate

Amazing what people forget. On my tours I include pictures of the schools as well.

Jun 18, 2008 10:47 AM

Michael Cole

CPG Tours - Corona, CA

Great post, Piers!

We suggest to our users that they create a separate tour just of the surrounding area or community. That way, they have something at the ready they can send out with or without their listing(s) info. It’s great for buyers that might not be familiar with a particular area.

Jun 18, 2008 02:32 PM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Piers: I just took a listing that I might have to use a majority of photos of area attractions. This house is hopeless. And they are distressed owners with no hope of finding the money for the storage unit they desparately need to stash their junk. I'll have to see what is in the area to "fluff" it up a bit.

Jun 19, 2008 03:17 AM

Crystal Freeman

Willow Creek Creative - Eugene, OR

That's a great idea to attract buyers that are not necessarily from the area. Thank you for sharing Piers! Great suggestion for the virtual tours as well, Michael.

Jun 19, 2008 03:13 PM

Michelle Tucker ~ Pooler Real Estate

!Daley Real Estate - Pooler, GA

Rincon~Savannah~Richmond Hill

If the listing is in a subdivision I always get a picture of the entry (then I can also upload on AR in localism). I try to get a street shot as well so you can see the neighborhood from the house. I like the idea of dedicated one page on my website and post all pictures that I have taken for the area as well - Thanks for the suggestion.

Jun 20, 2008 11:00 AM

Vicki Pedersen

Pedersen Real Estate - Riverside, CA

Providing Exceptional Real Estate Service

Great suggestion. I am going to head out with my camera and start taking photos of the neighborhoods where I have listings. I also like the idea that someone commented on to include photos of the schools. Thanks for sharing.

Jun 20, 2008 01:09 PM

Anthony Saunchez

Campa Properties - San Bernardino, CA

How can we be of service

I tend to do this for a select few properties. Maybe i need to be less selective.

Jun 20, 2008 02:11 PM

Earleene Woods

Keller Williams Experience Realty - Murray, KY

ASP, CRS, GRI

Great post. I had not thought of that idea. That's great. Thanks for sharing.

Jun 20, 2008 02:42 PM

Terrie Leighton

Ferrari-Lund Real Estate - Reno, NV

Reno Real Estate Agent ~ Selling Homes in Reno

I actually never thought to include the neighborhood...great ideas and great pictures.

Jun 21, 2008 03:25 AM

John Petrella

Local Hawaii Real Estate - Hilo, HI

Hi Piers Lamb,

Hey do not put too much out there. Our competition is tough enough with agents starting to realize that they have to do more than plant a For Sale sign.

The location makes the home. Photos are there to help the perspective buyer visualize them selves in that home in that location.

John Petrella, REALTOR®
ABR®, GRI, Broker/Owner

Direct: 808.640.3953
Local@LocalHawaiiRealEstate.com

Local Hawaii Real Estate
Honesty • Integrity • Commitment

159 Keawe St., Suite 1
Hilo, HI 96720

REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Jun 21, 2008 09:12 PM

Enrico Pozzo

Coldwell Banker Bain - Seattle, WA

Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats

Great suggestion to include the neighborhood and community.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Jun 22, 2008 11:05 AM

Michelle Pimentel

Empire Home Staging Solutions - Upland, CA

ASP, IAHSP Empire Home Staging

Piers,

What a great addition to help market any home! You certainly can grab the attention of additional buyers by showing off the town. I'd buy a house on that tree lined street, if only Somerset were a little closer.

Jun 23, 2008 03:24 AM

Ryan Martin

Pacific Continental Realty, LLC - Bellingham, WA

Bellingham Commercial RE Broker

Piers ~ General area photos make for a great experience on flyers and websites. Although, our MLS restricts the use of area photos in the actual MLS. Here is shot that I just took yesterday for this very reason (it is the Skagit River).