Comments on: More and Better Pictures, Please

By: Jim Duncan

Jim Duncan — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:34:39 +0000

I saw that.

By: patient buyer

patient buyer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:01:34 +0000

Unbelievable fresh example from CAAR… one (not even a photo ) and seven words to describe a property. Great representation!
http://www.mycaar.com/(l1ggwvb0r23jdxeip1oti055)/propertyDetails.aspx?mls=467181

By: anonymous

anonymous — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:29:42 +0000

Agreed, it is tough to photograph homes . . . especially when the seller is trying to entice a buyer to come look at one that is a wreck and overpriced. I would suggest lowering the asking price if the home “looks like the 1970′s or is a real mess”. Firesale prices can be the ultimate draw for such fixer uppers. And there are many that fit in this category in C’ville.

I just looked at a 35 year old home priced at $515,000 that obviously needed a new roof, replacement of rotted masonite siding, waterproofing in a damp basement, removal of large trees too close to the house, a revamp of baths, and new plumbing/mechanical systems.

The few pictures were a dream and featured the brickwork, garden and new kitchen cabinets, but deceiving. The home is probably worth half of what it was listed for. Price matter and pictures should be numerous and objective, IMHO. It was a total turnoff to take the time to tour without the benefit of advance warning as to the home’s condition. At a minimum less flowery sales pitch and more accurate description would be appreciated by most buyers.

By: Doug Francis

Doug Francis — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:17:22 +0000

I consider myself a photographer… but some houses just aren’t very photogenic. Really, it’s tough when the place looks like the 1970′s or is a real mess.

Maybe there is a blog out there with a tutorial, ideas on how to adjust your camera, suggestions like move the garbage can out of the picture, or to come back when it is sunny. Because we know that one photo can make it happen.

By: Jim Duncan

Jim Duncan — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:40:58 +0000

anonymous –

I absolutely agree (obviously) …

Two things –

1) Did you know that you could link directly to properties from my search tool?
2) If you are interested, please contact me offline – I have an idea I would like to run by you.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:54:38 +0000

Listing a home without photos is a waste of everyone’s time and effort. For example here is a new listing and there are many more just like it. A very BIG pet peeve is not being able to see the inside of the house. Also pictures of flowers, sunset, furniture, etc. are not helpful.

http://mycaar.com/(rpqit545mbbdj22emnymex2j)/propertyDetails.aspx?mls=466952

By: Deborah A. Rutter

Deborah A. Rutter — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:28:45 +0000

I think that agents should stick to what they know, and hire out for pictures…there is no excuse not to; it’s and inexpensive ROI, considering that photos get people in the door, and that’s how homes are sold. Every photo and marketing opportunity needs to be optimized for web viewing and browsing. Good photographers bring lighting to a shoot and we all know what lack of good lighting looks like. Most of us don’t cut our own hair…we shouldn’t take our own pictures, either.

By: Erika Eaton

Erika Eaton — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:05:58 +0000

Bad marketing photos are a big pet peeve of mine as well. It's such a disservice to the clients. I've written about this topic on my blog about atlanta real estate.