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Believe It or Not Photos and Words Do Matter

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

The Internet has become the number one resource for finding homes or vacant land for buyers. Research from conducted surveys by National Association of REALTORS® revealed 100% of the buyers  began their new home or property search on the Internet. Ultimately 52% of those buyers purchased a home they had viewed on the Internet.

For professional real estate agents, these results reinforce that photos and words do matter and matter significantly. The old adage a picture is worth a thousand words remains true. 

Words reinforce the images and help to excite emotions encouraging the vacant land and home buyers to reach out. People buy first on emotions justified by logic.

Again, the marketing words are “all about creating a sense of desire.” (David Ogilvy, Advertising Fame)

To achieve this sense of desire, again Ogilvy’s advice surfaces:

“When people read your copy, they are alone. Pretend you are writing to each of them a letter on behalf of your client.”

For me, as a professional real estate agent, I include as many quality and accurate photos as possible. What this means is not only interior photos of the residential property, but exterior photos as well. These exterior photos include properties to the east, west, north and south. Also, I take photos of the dirt road or the paved street in either direction.

When meeting with sellers and buyers, by showing these potential clients examples of your other sold listings both copy and photos reinforce your expertise as a professional real estate agent who understands the purpose of marketing that being:

“Marketing is about understanding people’s needs and wants, and giving them what they want in a way that makes them feel good about it.”

Seth Godin

Today the technology of drone photography allows real estate agents and REALTORS® a tremendous opportunity to showcase their listings with incredible images from the drone photos. Then with investing some time, the copy, the words that the public reads can emphasize those unstated emotions the images deliver.

Of course, the words must be unique. Jay Baer said

“The only way to stand out from the competition is to be different.” 

As the Internet is often the vehicle for social media marketing from Facebook to Instagram to LinkedIn, remembering these words by Tom Fishburne are also critical:

“Social media is about sociology and psychology more than technology.”

Finally, by providing authentic photos and words, these efforts deliver what Steve Jobs believed:

Marketing is about values. It’s a complicated and noisy world, and we’re not going to get a chance to get people to remember much about us. No company is. So we have to be really clear about what we want them to know about us.

Yes, words and photos matter probably more today and tomorrow than in the past. Invest the time and even the dollars to consistently deliver the best photos  and words that showcase your knowledge of the area and the property as well as what your potential sellers and buyers are wanting and needing.

Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.

First impressions are everything—especially online! 📸✨ In today’s market, great photos and a well-crafted description can make all the difference in catching buyers' eyes and selling your sellers' property. Let’s make sure your home or vacant land shines and stands out to attract the right offers. Ready to showcase your space? Reach out, and let’s get started! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #investment #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #forsale #vacantland #arizonaacreage #mlsarizona #buylandarizona #buyhomesarizona

Feature Photo Courtesy of ListReports.com

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith
Show All Comments Sort:
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Leanne - marketing matters.  One of my favorite quotes about advertising comes from businessman John Wanamaker who reportedly said:  Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don't know which half.

Nov 07, 2024 06:46 AM
Leanne Smith

I remember hearing that quote years ago when I was coaching small business owners.  The problem then and still continues is those seeking the limited marketing dollars from small business owners cannot deliver return on investment for those limited dollars. Good morning by the way.

Nov 07, 2024 06:50 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Leanne,

I always tell my sellers the very first look of their home is on the internet and first impressions do matter! To engage the audience of buyers photos and words matter significantly in obtaining interest and eyes on the listing. 

Nov 07, 2024 07:20 AM
Leanne Smith

Good advice.  Just had a text from a client complaining about the lack of photos on vacant land. My response is most likely the listing agent did not visit the property.

Nov 07, 2024 04:04 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Leanne Smith  great post and a powerful message, and I loved this quote:

“The only way to stand out from the competition is to be different.” 

 

this is the reason I am so anti AI, the platform here has been pushing AI so much that I am appalled... we have about 10,000 agents in my market and those who use AI will be lost in the crowd. Love your perspective and gratefully I have 16 land listings as we speak and more coming on, Endre 

 

 

Nov 07, 2024 08:53 PM
Leanne Smith

Good morning Endre Barath, Jr. and I too am not a fan of AI. Our market has far less agents but I will make a presumption the percentage who use AI are probably the same.  I too am grateful wit 16 land listings and 2 house listings.

Nov 09, 2024 07:04 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good information to share with home sellers.

Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.

Nov 08, 2024 06:19 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you and good morning to you.

Nov 09, 2024 07:02 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I tried a new photographer this week and he gave me 101 photos to choose from. I now have lots of photos for social media. Now I have to just go back and add the comments to all the photos. I didn’t use all 101 photos though.  

Nov 09, 2024 04:16 AM
Leanne Smith

Our MLS allows up to 100 photos for a property. And like you I do tag all my photos. Thank you for sharing your experience as well.

Nov 09, 2024 07:02 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Leanne. Must say we recently purchased a home we first saw in photos on the internet. So I can attest to the use of quality photos that tell a story. Enjoy your day.

Nov 09, 2024 04:49 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you for sharing your experience and affirming photos do matter. Good morning and enjoy your day.

Nov 09, 2024 07:01 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Really good points as usual Leanne. Also, spending a little extra time and putting a caption down for each photo in the listing with a little pizzaz added is great as well.

Nov 09, 2024 02:22 PM
Leanne Smith

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI  you are so right on about the captions.  Photos require context and can provide insight as to your professionalism.  Usually I take photos of the property corners and tag them as NW property corner or parcel marker.

Nov 11, 2024 03:55 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

All wonderful points, Leanne and I'm in agreement 100%! I had a listing presentation yesterday and said to the seller, "Okay, let's talk about your audience - the ones who are going to most likely BUY your home." We had a great conversation and she gave me so much information that will be relayed with photos and my write-ups online.

I always tell my clients the same exact thing you do...your online listing IS your first impression so, we need to be 100% ready for the photographer. That always seems to get sellers 'excited' about doing everything possible to make that great first impression!

Nov 10, 2024 07:03 PM
Leanne Smith

Yes your "online listing is your first impression" is 100% accurate and will either create additional interest curiosity or not.  Thank you.

Nov 11, 2024 03:56 AM