How to Close More Transactions in One Simple Step
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
In real estate, a picture is worth more than you can imagine
The Property Photo.
Why is it such an elusive thing?
Here at InvestorLoft, we work with multiple MLS services and feeds from across the United States and notice one glaring thing, time and time again:
Property listings with no photos.
The headline to this week’s blog post is no bait-and-switch – it’s the plain truth. If you want to close more transactions, you MUST post property photos along with your listings. A Realtors’ Association study stated that 83% of buyers considered photos to be “very useful” information. We’re not really concerned about the other 17%, are we? You’re in business to earn a living and it’s likely real estate is what you love – so get those photos posted. It’s easier than you might think.
Whatever your reason is for putting your listings up without photos, they’re not good excuses. There are a ton of solutions to help you make your listing more visually appealing. Let’s face it: humans are visual creatures We gravitate towards things that:
- Catch our eye, and
- Keep our attention.
- Front view of the home
- Living Area
- Kitchen
- Master Bedroom
- Backyard
- Any other interesting features that makes your listing stand out from the crowd.
- OBEO – (formerly 360House.com) Not only will they take your photos and record a virtual tour for you, but they’ll also help you come up with savvy online solutions designed with a homebuyer in mind.
- Got Kids? Everyone knows a responsible teenager or college student looking to earn a little extra cash. How easy is it to speak with your client, set up a photo time, and have your Eager Beaver head over to the house with a digital camera and take 10 shots of each view listed above? Your Eager Beaver can review the shots with the client on-site and then bring them back to you pronto for uploading.
- Go Local. Do an online search for “real estate photo” or “realtor photo service” plus your local area. You might be surprised what you come up with.
- Get a Digital Camera! You don’t have to break the bank to get a killer point-and-shoot digital camera. Here’s a link to digital cameras from Best Buy for under $149! Also, try to find one that has a “wide angle” or “fisheye” lens setting for those tight spaces like bathrooms. A wide-angle shot can really open-up a room and make smaller spaces come to life.
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