At the beginning of the year I made a decision. It was a decision based on our current economic situation. A decision that I was encouraged NOT to make. I'm glad I did though.
That decision was to restructure my packages and prices and include a 10 image package I like to call "mls express", for realtors who want great photos, but don't want to pay much for them.
February and March were busier than the previous year, but April has more than doubled! I've had so many realtors comment on what I've done. They truly appreciate it. I think it's mostly the fact that I've acknowledged that there is trouble with the economy and I've tried in my own way to do something to help them. I want them to succeed, because ultimately, their success is my success.
With this move, I feel like I've become one with them, and we're on the same team. I'm not trying to take them for every last penny. I'm just trying to help them generate more interest in the properties they sell, so they will sell quicker. I provide an honest, valuable service at reasonable prices.
As a real estate/interior photographer, it's my job to showcase the homes I've been asked to photograph. That means; show the size, the spatial relationship to other parts of the home, the colours and lighting in the home and the layout. I'm able to accomplish that with my experience, my equipment, the latest technology and passion for my profession.
Many of the realtors I work with like to take their own pictures first. Sometimes they can make it to a property before I can get there and sometimes.... they just like to take their own pictures.... not quite sure why?
I recently saw some pictures one of my regular clients took prior to me getting there. He did the best he could with his point and shoot camera.
I went in and did what I usually do and he loved the results. I later asked if he'd mind if I used his photos as a comparison between quick point and shoot pictures vs. professional images. ( I'm always trying to find ways to convince realtors of the importance and value in professional photography.)
He agreed! Yay!
Here are our results
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
So, which shots would catch your attention as a buyer?
Have a great day!
Linda
I've recently created a new marketing strategy in light of these tough times. I sent out some thoughts and new ideas to my local realtors in the form of a snail-mail deliverd letter, personally addressed to each and every one.
Here is the letter;
Our uncertain economy combined with the current real estate market calls for a proactive marketing approach. This is the time when you and your listings need to outshine the rest. It's time to stand out and get noticed. First Impression Photos is the first step to achieving that goal. For 2009 I've streamlined the list of services & prices to help you get off to a great year selling real estate. I want you to succeed, because ultimately, your success is my success.
Photographs are always the first element that connects with the buyer. It's the handshake ... the first impression. It's the one thing that cuts through the visual clutter to capture the buyer's attention. Everything in your marketing campaign relies on and revolves around the quantity and quality of the photographs.
Now, it's more affordable and easier than ever to capture the attention of prospective buyers and sellers with the new "mls express" package. You can be guaranteed to have 10 of the most appealing, eye catching, creative photos of your listing for as little as $89.
First Impression specializes in creating dramatic photographs for real estate professionals who recognize the importance and value in professional photography. What makes First Impression's photos different? Experience, an artistic eye, the use of innovative products and professional equipment, but most of all - passion. By creating and delivering high-quality photographs and services, I whole heartedly believe I provide an essential and irreplaceable value to my customers.
My belief is in the power of creating an identity for yourself, and the credibility it brings to you, to your image & to your business.
My passion is creating images that evoke emotion, thought and identity.
My dedication is to quality, service and you.
Call today and get your marketing dollars working for you!
Linda
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Where you need me, when you need me.
Now that the busy holiday season is over I can concentrate on business again. My goal this year is to really put myself out there! I want to reach all the people in my area that have no idea who I am and what I do, and make Linda Sabiston of First Impression Photos a house-sold name!
I have created a gorgeous glossy brochure with just enough of my high quality images to make people want to see more, as well as some well thought out wording to grab even the most sceptical. I've also streamlined my services and prices.
I'm also going to reach beyond realtors to hotels, business', builders, developers, architects, designers etc...
These shots are for the builders of this home. They were so pleased they'd like me to do a few more of their custom builds.
I wish you all the best in 2009.
First Impression Virtual Tours is a Sunshine Coast company dedicated to providing high quality real estate photography and 360° interactive virtual tours to realtors, business owners or anyone else!
First Impression 360° Virtual Tours and Photography is Now Offering Virtual Tours to REALTORS all along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia! 
To see more images check this out.
First Impression 360° Virtual Tours and Photography is a locally owned and operated company in Gibsons, British Columbia and is committed to providing the best customer service, quality and dependability when it comes to your photography needs.
We use the latest technology to offer the highest quality virtual tours available in the industry. Completely supporting high definition 360° images, partial panoramic images as well as still images, links to real estate and personal web sites, printable flyer option, emailing option, custom branded tour window... these tours are sure to impress!
First Impression Virtual Tours has been created to assist buyers, sellers and realtors by minimizing open houses, providing clear crisp property images and increasing peace-of-mind; a calm, stress free client is a happy client.
By decreasing the amount of time realtors have to spend during the marketing process we are increasing the time they have to do what they do best...sell, sell, sell.
Are you new to virtual tours? If so, you will find that virtual tours are perhaps the most cost effective and consumer-friendly online marketing tool on the Internet. They save you and your clients time and money, by eliminating repetitious showings, non-qualified buyers and travel costs, and provide a 24/7 open house to an unlimited number of potential buyers.
According to a REALTOR.com® visitor survey last year, consumers are 74 percent more likely to view a listing with a virtual tour than a listing without.
Give your listings the representation they deserve!
View a recent tour.
We also create single property web sites. Clients have the choice of a dedicated street address www.1698oceanbeach.com or our web site link www.firstimpressionphotos.com/slideshows/Clark
Millions of consumers are now searching for travel destinations, accommodations and business' on the Internet, particularly with 2010 just around the corner.
Your web address has almost become more important than your street address. Internet marketing using virtual tours and high quality photography, attracts more people to your web site, is interactive and more interesting to look at, which keeps visitors there longer increasing the likelihood of sales or bookings. This not only increases your business, it will also increase tourism in your town or community.
First Impression will help you market your business, B & B, travel and tourism destinations by introducing them to the world, through virtual tours on the internet. Viewers to your website will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of scenes, as if they were walking through them. They will hear soft background music and be watching clear, crisp high quality images which will evoke that emotion to contact you.
Virtual Tours are a fantastic marketing tool that will put your clients fears at ease, by letting them experience your products, destination or B & B before they commit. Thus, making their decision less stressful and encouraging them to book sooner and more frequently. Imagine, the convenience of showing your clients their holiday accommodation / destination options using 360° images instead of still, flat photographs from brochures.
At First Impression Virtual Tours and Photography we realize not every property or business is suitable for a virtual tour.
But, they would all benefit from high quality images. Let my experience and eye for composition create visually appealing photos for your presentation in print or on the web.
We use only the best equipment and technology;
Nikon D90 with a wide angle 10 -20mm lens
Professional grade tripod with dual levelling head.
Optimization of photos in Photoshop for print or web use
Over 15 years experience
Take advantage of this rapidly growing online activity by offering the most effective internet marketing tools available!
I am very pleased with the prompt professional service and the quality results I received from Linda Sabiston of First Impression Virtual tours and Photography. My vendors were also very happy with the material Linda provided and it was ready to go in record time!! I would highly recommend her services!
Kate McQuaid - Kate McQuaid - B.A. History
Real Estate Professional Prudential Sussex Realty
kmcquaid@dccnet.com
After listing the beautiful C-Breezes Waterfront B&B&Spa property , I knew I wanted to market it in a unique and powerful way, After meeting Linda from First Impression Photography I knew I had found the way. Linda was able to capture the personality and special qualities through her photography talent and blend it all together with lovely music to create a slideshow marketing piece. It is truly a great way to project the almost real thing to potential clients and collegues. Thank you very much Linda for spending the time and going the extra mile for us, a job well done!
Sincerely Tina Kaizer Remax Oceanview Realty Sechelt, BC
____________________________________________________________________________________
Prompt, quality service from a knowledgeable professional is what I receive each and every time I hire Linda Sabiston of First Impression 360° Virtual Tours and Photography to provide photographs of my listings. Linda's passion for her work is obvious in the photographs she takes and it is this high standard that I value, and hire, within our local service industry to assist in the marketing of my clients' homes. I have worked in the Sunshine Coast's Real Estate Industry for 20 years and in that time I have seen many service providers come and go but Linda has set a new high standard that I admire. Keep up the great work!
Bruce Lasuta
Prudential Sussex Realty
www.brucelasuta.com
"Personalized Service"
1-888-385-3295
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