I spend several hours daily searching for properties. I search for properties for my clients, I search new listings to know what is going on in the marketplace and I search properties for myself to add to my dream board.
What I don’t understand, is why there are so many BAD photos on some of these listings. I’m by no means a professional photographer, but I do have a great camera and take a lot of pride when listing a property for sale. I’ll move things around to get the perfect shot and when needed, I’ll hire a professional photographer that can capture what I can’t.
I love looking at homes with great photos. I cringe at the bad ones. Some look like they were taken from the car (the side mirror in the corner of the picture gave that away), others take pictures of items that won’t even stay with the home (That picture of the close up flowers on the table doesn’t add any value to the home). No one wants to see the inside of a toilet in a bathroom picture and a cell phone that takes grainy pictures should NEVER be your method of photography!
According to the National Association of REALTORS® PROFILE OF HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS 2015, for 42% of recent buyers, the first step that they took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale. Among buyers who used the internet during their home search, 87% of buyers found photos and 84% found detailed information about properties for sale very useful.
With that kind of a percentage, wouldn’t you expect to have a high standard for the way your home is being presented? I’d think so. I always send my listing to the seller to review. If there is anything they’d like added or changed, I appreciate the constructive criticism. I want them to be more than satisfied with my work. Most of the time I’ll get silly comments like “Patricia, our home looks so great, we may not want to sell afterall!” That’s what I strive for.
As a seller, I’d expect nothing less, so why would I not want that for my clients? If your home is currently for sale, take a look at how it is being presented online. If you’re not satisfied; say something. The objection is to get is Sold. Listing Agent’s don’t get paid until the job is done, so maybe they will thank you.
Considering selling in the future? I’d love to talk.
Patricia Chavez, CCIM, ABR, MRP
Keller Williams Heritage
Residential, Commercial & Military Relocation Professional REALTOR®
(210) 504-9920
