2015 Listing Management – Don’t Do A Drive-By Photo Shoot

In Miami or any other big city, when you refer to a “drive-by”, it involves a shooting that can result in death. In real estate, when you take little or no time to do a shoot (photo shoot), it can result in the death of your listing. If you’re taking photos with your phone, you may be killing the best chance to get the right buyer to come by and make an offer.

The most important part of your job when representing sellers is to get the highest possible price. And, your sellers will never get the best price if you don’t carefully plan your photo shoot. The photos are the presentation of the home to the world, so it is absolutely critical that they look good. Never post any pictures that wouldn’t make you want to purchase the home if you were a buyer. Listed below are some do’s and don’ts you should apply to your listings.

1. Don’t use your phone to take photos. Do use a professional photographer with a wide angled lens.
2. Don’t assume your photo shoots will go as planned. Attend every photo shoot yourself.
3. Don’t be distracted during the shoot. Do insist that each room is carefully staged.
4. Don’t assume shampoo bottles, soap, toasters and dirty clothes give you listing a nice “lived in” feel. Do personally remove all signs of clutter whenever possible.
5. Don’t photograph electrical cords or TV remotes. Do turn on every light whenever possible.
6. Don’t assume the yard looks ok. Do mow the lawn and possibly even plant a few flowers.

 

Use common sense. Keep in mind that your listing photos are a buyer’s first impression of the home and are also a direct reflection of you as an agent. Make sure that the home (and you) are being presented to the world in the best possible light, photo by photo.