Any home, even cluttered or vacant, has selling features that make it attractive to the right buyer. If those features are skillfully photographed, they can help draw buyers in.

Now what happens when most interested buyers run across a listing with no photo? The first thought is that there is something wrong with the home.  I’d rather see a cluttered room than nothing at all.

Here’s an example: When working with out of town buyers; there are so many listings for them to consider. Normally they choose to limit the numbers to the listings that offer photos. This is why, like you, I would encourage listing agents to offer at least a few additional photos, and get a competent person to take those photos.

Consumers are looking for exterior and interior photos. Why? So they can move into the home mentally, and determine by a visual graphic image if the home is what they are seeking. Why would we not use what the public is looking for most? They are certainly not looking for text descriptions!

Since text fields for an MLS description of the property are limited to a bare bones basic description, multiple photos or virtual tours could enhance and expedite the sale of listed properties greatly. They did not develop the phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words” for nothing! If that is the case, then the more photos online the better! In plain English that means… your listings should sell quicker for higher prices, and your stats should improve greatly. You should have fewer days on market, and higher LP/ SP ratios. From a satisfied client’s viewpoint, this should translate into great testimonials, and referrals!

One thing that irritates me about pictures is the darkness. You don’t want your clients having to take the time to save the photo on their computer and then lighting it up with a photo editor, just to see what the room looked like. Listing agents are doing a great disservice to their clients if they don’t include good pictures.

Here are some suggestions to improve your listing photos:

• If you do not own a digital camera… buy one.
• Always use an online virtual tour of the home.
• Take several photos of each area, and choose only the best shots!
• Accentuate the homes positives. Hot buttons: Kitchen, family rooms, master suites, and yard views.
• Remove clutter from the home before shooting pictures. Stage your photo shots.
• Have room colors neutralized before shooting photos.
• Take photos on sunny days and have all the interior lights on.
• No personal marketing or branding in your online IDX photos.
• Post the maximum amount of photos into your MLS system that you are allowed.

Contact: Kathy Goldman
Real Estate Virtual Assistant