I am both an accredited home stager and a licensed agent, but not selling. (I was thrown under the bridge one too many times early in my illustrious RE career and decided I didn't have the stomach for it, but I digress.) The point is, I know the business from both sides. As a home stager, may I be so bold as to remind you of something I share with other agents when I give home staging presentations in RE offices? They always seem to appreciate hearing this. Here it is.
The online photographs of your listed properties are MUCH more important than your virtual tours. Do you know why? Because the photographs pop up instantly on the page, whereas the VTs take time to load. If those shopping on the internet for a home are unimpressed with the pictures, they are not going to waste time by waiting for the VTs to come up. They have clicked on to the next listing.
Forgive me if I've insulted you by mentioning the obvious, but many agents I come across don't seem to have thought through that one. I want you ALL to know how much I admire you by being steadfast agents in a very tough market. I wimped out, but landed where I am happy and feel I can do the most good.
I'm leaving you with a couple of recent before & after shots. Please partner with your local home staging professional to help you get your next listing sold! Thanks for listening.
Patsy Overton, ASP, IAHSP
Accredited Staging Professional
Patsy@SSSHomeStaging.com 770-843-2307 www.SSSHomeStaging.com
Patsy,
Pictures are so important. That is something that I am working on doing better...and your after picture really is so much better. Thanks for sharing.
What a great statement. Thanks for giving us this side of the story to think about.
Lori - Thanks for your response. I'm learning there is a real art to taking great pictures. I'm still learning myself.
Sheridan - Thanks for your comment. Keep snapping!
Pasty ~ I am a stager/agent as well. Having both has been a great combination for me, particularly my staging business.
While VT's have there place, especially in high-end listings, the impact of the initial photos plays a tremendous part in keeping the prospective buyer interested.
When a seller has an agent who understands this, and when an agent has a seller who understands this - you have a part of a good foundation for a successful transaction!
Susan - Well said!
Sharon - In my area, the agents seem to always spend big dollars for the VTs, but don't seem to be as concerned about the photos. Whenever I mention that in RE meetings they all say, "I never thought of that," so it seems to be good information to pass on.
Hi Patsy,
I'm in the same business as you are and I can't agree more as far as pictures, but not just any pictures.They should be bright,nice and give people good feeling about the property.The light is very important when you take them.I would recommend even to hire a professional photographer in some cases.
Eva