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Where are the real estate photos?

By Doug Francis

real estate photos House sellers Fairfax Virginia

Photos of their kitchen sold the buyer – a cooking blogger!

Have you ever wondered why some online listings have fewer real estate photos?

This seems like a problem circa 2004, but even yesterday I ran into this totally ridiculous problem on three properties with two different buyer clients.

  • The first listing was new on the market. Total photos: 0, as in zero. Since my client is a commercial airline pilot and literally spends 20% of his life at 34,000 feet, I stopped by with my handy iPhone to snap some pics and email them along to him.

Here is the deal for the seller in Herndon… most real estate sites collect data on a listing once and if your real estate photos aren’t there then you’re SOL.

  • The second listing has been on and off the market in Ashburn since last summer. Total photos: 7, as in 10-3. Since my clients have looked at a few hundred homes online, they had two comments that I have heard for years.

“We thought something was wrong with that home”

“Those photos are terrible ~ the house is much better than that!”

  • Northern Virginia real estate photos

    Looks like a dollhouse fireplace

    The third listing just popped up the other day too. Total photos: 25, which is acceptable. Since I teach my clients to look at photos but still understand that it is essential to physically see the house, their feedback was humorous. The agent must have purchased a groovy new camera with a wide angle lens because every snapshot was slightly distorted by the 14mm lens (that’s my hunch).

An essential part of a strategy to sell anything these days is good photography

I believe that the people at Apple recognized this trend when they decided to develop the Retina display, because the average blog reader isn’t as nerdy as they were five years ago when they would read a 1,500 word post and then craft a comment. People have become “scan-aholics” opting for Pinterest, Facebook, eBay or Instagram.

Visuals win-the-day in 2013

One of my brand strategies has always been to use the best photos from minute one when marketing homes. Using a Cannon DSLR with a variety of lenses, I know that it may take ten shots to get one that I like which can be considered a quality real estate photo. And maybe I talk about this topic too much, because I had an agent call me recently to try and schedule me to photograph her listing.

Needless to say, she was embarrassed!

In summary, missing, few or just bad photos happen because the marketer (agent) doesn’t care. Maybe I’m a perfectionist but photos are a big part of my “brand identity”.  Getting a home ready to sell is essential before anyone should start snapping photos… no matter how great a camera they have. Really. A great photo of a dirty house still stinks!

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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