"Packaging" is a very big thing in marketing. We say "curb appeal" all the time, and the good listing agent gets everything looking great for that "first impression" as you drive up and then enter. In today's info-internet world, your first impression is the MLS photo... sometimes with the garage door open, the recycling at the curb, and the sun directly behind the house. Potential buyers may *pass* on a great home simply because it's on-line *look* is lousy. Perception is Reality.
I often say that sometimes the only difference between Professional quality photography and Amateur, or the unprofessional kind, is just the time spent by the Photographer to get more shots, variations, and angles to choose from. Given the power of the Internet to distribute your digital photos worldwide, and given the way that almost all real estate customers start their interaction by looking at photos, doesn't it make sense to have only the best quality images available? - and lots of them!
The power of images in marketing is well known. Challenge yourself to shoot more and better photos. Take that walk around the house and shoot from different angles. Try some of the inside shooting tips in previous lessons - take the time to turn on all the lights. Think about the best features of the property and then shoot 'em! Skip the stuff that doesn't look good. Don't include a photo that is low quality or ugly - it drags down the rest.After you have good shots, use them! Learn how to upload direct to the MLS via the Net - you can now do it on-line if you are part of RMLS. Go to http://www.rmls-mn.com for more info. Start using creative packages available out there to build everything from multi-media shows on disk, to on-line http://visualtours.com , to good ol' fashioned feature sheets and cards that you can print yourself in color!
Use your "exclusive photographic marketing program" to separate yourself out from your competition and help you to show potential sellers why they should list with you for full service (and full price! :) Make the digicam part of your listing presentation. Make it a part of your "Relocation" service for buyers. Keep it handy for great testimonial and web site grab shots that happen every day! - if you're prepared.
If you haven't guessed by now, lesson 8 was your pep talk to get out there and start shooting more! I look forward to starting another educational series soon - why not drop me a line with your comments and ideas for upcoming topics?
View Lessons #1-7 at: http://mnrealty.com/education/digicam.htm