Course Outline
- Chapter 1: Let’s Jump Right into Home Staging! complete
- Chapter 2 Everything I can teach you about Design, Style, Decorating, Landscaping and Curb Appeal
- Chapter 3: PSYCHOLOGY 101
- Chapter 4: The Complete Business Plan A- Z, 1- 10, and soup to nuts!
- Chapter 5: Your Website
- Chapter 6: How I increased my income through the addition of extra services
- Chapter 7: How I increased my marketability and made even more money by attaining my own supply of home staging stuff!!
- Chapter 8: Actual Marketing Materials Contracts and Handouts
- Chapter 9: MLS Photos can be critical!
- Chapter 10: Your first job- The script for everything you should say and do once you find a customer
Chapter 9: MLS Photos can be critical!
MLS Photos are the virtual first impression for most buyers today.
The first photo may be the only photo they see – make it count!
It is essential that each picture shows the home in a positive light. The first photo on the internet is the one that will make or break a possible lead. Prospective buyers are inundated with so many choices when they search homes for sale on the Multiple Listing Services. There are numerous real estate companies as well as national real estate websites that are all vying for that “Click”!
If a particular view of a home is unfavorable do not show it.
If the front of the home is a dated contemporary just show the front door.
If the house is covered with overgrown trees and shrubs don’t show it.
If the view from the windows is exceptional show that.
If the house is waterfront show the water.
If the home has any particularly beautiful view be sure to show it.
If the property is expansive an aerial view is helpful.
If the kitchen is dated don’t show it however if the kitchen is new show it from several angles.
Be sure all personal items are put away and the house is perfectly clean in for the photo shoot.
My opinion is that a professional photographer should be hired to take the photos.
Professional wide angle lens photos get the whole picture!
Professionals can make the rooms seem larger and they get a wider view of the room. Your own digital camera is just not the same as a professional’s camera.
Can’t see the house when photo is taken from bottom of the hill.
More Tips for MLS Photos that will be clicked:
Realtors and stagers please get out of the car and don’t take a photo of a house on the hill from the street.
Get up on another hill or take the photos from the top of the driveway
If this had been taken from the front the tree would block the view. The side is a good alternative.
or get a partial view of the house that is more level. Or use a ladder or camera extension.
If you can’t get the whole house or the front of the house is ugly or overgrown just show the front door, the back of the house or the side. If necessary you can show an interior view. If there is a great view from the front door or back porch show that instead.
If you can’t see the house
Where? What? Why?
why put that photo as your first and most important photo? You only get one second for a potential buyer to possibly give you a click. Make that photo count.
If you are listing a condo or apt don’t put another photo of the actual building that every other listing in that building has as it’s first photo. Think outside the box and give the viewer something unique to distinguish your listing from others.
Please retake the MLS photos or relist the home if major improvements or home staging has taken place.
Be sure your realtor has you home listed on Realtor.com, Trulia.com and Zillow.com
See the Gallery of MLS photo How To’s for more info.