Question: How hard was it to post a photo?
Answer: Not Very. If you can read a blog...you can post a photo.
Question: Why don't all agents put photos in the MLS system?
Answer: I simply don't know, the local MLS in the Metro DC area provides a photographer to shoot one exterior photo at no cost...so cost isn't the issue. Maybe they want to keep it a surprise.
Question: Do you think there is an advantage to having no photos?
Answer: Not really, my buyer clients don't want to even think about listings with no photos - there are so many choices right now: no photos = no viewings.
Question: Does more photos mean more viewings?
Answer: Absolutely...the use of Virtual Tours is on the rise and statistics show consumers will click more on multiple photos. Many clients decide to view homes based on photos and with a lot of competition good photos mean sales.
Question: How do Pictures = Sales?
Answer: The consumer is very visual and homebuying is emotional. If the consumer can't see it or touch it - they are extremely unlikely to purchase it. Especially something as unique and personal as a home.
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Licensed Associate Broker in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, CNHS. A top producing, tough negotiator who likes to win!
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I read somewhere that the addition of at least 5 pictures exponentially increases your chances of selling. Why wouldn't there be pictures? Laziness...that's all.
I have to tell you, I want to call the agent sometimes and ask WHY no photos. They are not doing their client any good by not posting photos. In WA State they have to have at least one photo and with some agents that is all you get. I don't know if their lazy or don't know what their doing.
Thanks for the blog.
I think that you're right, but it's also very difficult to take good interior photos. I just spent $1500 on camera equipment and still can't get a good photo of a smaller room. It looks like I'm going to have to spend another $500.00 to get a super wide angle lens .
Bob Mitchell
ValueList Real Estate Services, inc.
If an agent wants me to show their listing they had better have at least one if not some pictures. I'm not wasting mine or my clients time. My feeling is if they won't post any pictures there has got to be a reason.
You are 100% correct. No photo usually equates to no visits. No virtual tour is fast replacing no photo. Our clients use the internet more each day. If an agent lists a home and does not have a solid web presentation they are not meeting the basic standard of representation. Great post and great point.
jmac
I take an average 0f 20 to 30 photos of a listing. Then I pick the best ones for the MLS. sometimes we play with them a little lightening or darkening . If there are more than 10 that I like I use them in the virtual tour. I,m told I take good Pictures I have about $200 worth of equipment. To not post pics is just plain Lazy.
Some agents may not post multiple pictures due to incremental costs. However, there are innovative ways to circumvent this and get mulitple pics in front of buyers.
Your right on the money! There is no reason why people using MRIS (like you) shouldn't have at least ONE photo--its free! but I feel that agents should at least buy the minimum photo package offered by the MLS (MRIS - MD, VA, DC, DE, WV, and PA) is 6 photos....Now I do believe that MORE photos can hurt some listings--its true that there is just SOME listings that SHOULDN'T HAVE 20 photos, but 6 is beneficial...
Yvette--don't you just love the listings around here that are $1,000,000 and only have 1-6 photos MAX --and that they are all of the exterior---what are some agents thinking?
I've had my troubles convicing some of my clients to take multi photos--they would want me to do a brochure with 1 photo...I now refuse to do a brochure with less that 3 photos! (unless it is a real dump)