Front View
In the very near future we will be adding FMLS listings to the corporate website. What this means is that when a search is performed by an interested buyer, both of your listing numbers (MLS and FMLS) will show up one on top of the other. If you use the same photo in both listing services you appear to be spamming the buyer by putting your listing in twice.
As you are taking your pictures of the front of the property take several photos from different angles. When you save them to your computer save them as the property address and add the number 1 to one of the views and 2 to a different view. You can always then use 1 for FMLS and 2 for MLS. You can use whatever numbering or lettering system works best for you; however it is important to be consistent and not use the same front view in both listing services.
Interior Photos
Preparing a home for photos is no different than preparing to get your portrait made. You wouldn’t consider having your portrait made without a bit of grooming would you? To generate knock out photos of your listings advise your sellers to groom their house for its portrait. Here are a few ideas:
• De-Clutter and De-personalize Bye Bye Refrigerator Magnets
• Pet food and water bowls out of sight along with the pets
• All carpets vacuumed and floors swept
• All dishes washed and put away along with counter tops cleared
• Bathrooms cleaned and no towels hanging from the shower door
• Newspapers, magazines and mail should be out of sight
• Cushions and throw pillows should be neatly arranged
• All beds should be made
• Book bags, leashes, toys and shoes all have a place and it is not in your photo
Exterior Photos
• Driveways and walkways should be swept or blown
• The lawn should be recently cut and edged
• Landscape beds should be freshly trimmed, mulched and weeded
• Hoses and garden tools should be put away
Some of these items can be done as you are taking your photos however your seller can help you while helping themselves by making the photos of their home standout.
I agree with all the information. I especially liked the idea of taking the exterior photos from two angles for the two listing services that will show up on our e-web engine sites.
Thanks for stopping by Tamra. With taking the front photo from 2 different angles actually makes it look as though you have 2 different listings.
Couldn’t we just pull from one of the MLS instead of two. The same problem exists on REALTOR.com. Also is there any way we could putt from Athens MLS as well?
Thanks for your comment Tim. The primary problem is that neither FMLS or GA MLS has all the listings. In order for our prospective clients to see all the listings in this market we need to provide both. This is where the picture problem for the front of the home comes in to play. The suggestion to take the photo from different angles was to help the agents understand what the buyer is seeing.
Could you imagine the internet without pictures…Most people are visual…I believe the old saying hold especially true on the world wide web…A picture is worth a thousand words…
Another little thing I do is to prioritize my interior photos. Not all sites will display all of the photos, but having the most complimentary photos possible in the #2, 3, 4 and etc position helps.
They are the ones with the best placement on websites and most likely to be viewed.
Eric~Thanks for that super tip. How many photos does your listing service in Louisville allow you to include? In Atlanta we have 2 different services, one that allows 12 photos plus a virtual tour and the second that allows 16 photos plus a virtual tour.
We get 20, but (for example) Realtor.com only gives you 4 (unless you pay the extortion errr…enhancement fee–grin) and they use the first 4, so by prioritizing and loading the front photo as 1 and three awesome interior shots as the next three, you maximize your odds for showings…
Well sir I see that it doesn’t matter what part of the country you are from, extortion knows no geographic boundaries. You are so right about prioritizing the interior photos of listings.
BTW feel free to share this forum with your fellow REALTORS in the Louisville area.
Very valuable information. I’m updating all of my photos right now!!
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