First we judge with our eyes. It may not be the most appropriate method however, human beings look first, then reason later.
Photos are really not a "nice to have" option for listings. I have a client who is about ready to make an offer on a condo. They are out of state but we notice one more listing in the same Rockledge, Florida condo complex.
She asks for photos. I have already shown several condo units in a previous trip. My client is a visual person.
Nothing in the MLS except "canned" photos. Actually the photos are not photos but rather "graphic representations" the builder used in their marketing materials. Nothing that connects the prospective buyer to the "THE UNIT."
I call and find it is owned by a real estate agent. When will real estate agents learn that buyers search the Internet? When will real estate agents learn that photos are not "optional?"
I had to make an appointment for this afternoon so I can go take the photos myself. For a price I will sell them to the owner/listing agent!
If you are selling your home, insist your agent take photos. Discuss a virtual tour of your property for the agent's Internet marketing campaign. If your agent will not take more than a photo of the front, find one who will!
Gary Waters, Floirda licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida - putting buyers and sellers together in Brevard County, Florida. Contact me at 321-693-3850 or by email to agent@movng2brevard.com.
Gary L. Waters PLLC, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region.
Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.
Gary,
You have to go take photos because the listing agent is too lazy. Graphic designs might be necessary pre-construction but that isn't your situation!
You're wonderful to go the extra mile for your buyer.
On the Internet, the number ONE thing that people are looking for is Pictures Of Houses for Sale.
Good post
Hi Gary:
It's real estate 101 to have photos...
I don't understand why some agents think that photos are optional...
It amazes me the number of agents who only post one or two photos, expecially those that post dark under exposed pictures. With photoshop, there is no longer any excuse for this.
Irene - Thanks. I took the photos and now I know why they were not in the listing - a great view of parking lots!
Maureen - I think Irene nailed it - laziness. Thanks.
Toula - You would think that photos were covered on day one!
Scott - You are right. Even Craigslist allows a search that excludes listings with no photos! Thanks.
I don't know what is wrong with some agents and the problem is getting worse. Today I was searching the MLS, several, not one or two, but several only had one pictureand one was an aerial shot focusing on the rear of the property. I am to the point where I will not show these properties; if the agent is too lazy to list the property properly than this is an indication to me that he will handle the transaction the same way. Maybe they are hiding the true condition of the house.
Lois - It is frustrating for sure. Oh yeah, the overhead shot - love those that come straight from the appraiser's web site here! Thanks.