If you live almost anywhere except a tropical climate, your seasons change.
In fall and winter, the trees lose their leaves or they change color. The grass
isn't that brilliant shade of green that shows it is in growth mode. Fall and winter
are times of rest for the plant world but not for Grand Rapids MI real estate agents.
With mulitple listings to advertise, one needs to keep on top of seasonal changes.
Many times I have seen home photos listed in our local MLS with snow in the yard
in the middle of the summer. Or now, when we have 1 foot of snow on the ground,
lots of listings have summer photos with trees in leaf and flowers blooming.
Would you make an assumption that the home with the green grass and flowers in the
listing photo today is not being represented by an agent who is on top of his/her game?
We would. That is not what your listing looks like or what the neighborhood looks like today.
It is important to represent the home you have listed appropriately. And buyers
want to know what the yard and landscape looks like in the fall and winter.
This home was listed at the end of October when the trees had lost their leaves
and flowers and shrubs are dormant.
It looks very different in this photo coated in snow with the Christmas wreaths up
taken about 6 weeks later.
This home was listed on October 21st, 2009.
It looks very different today with snow as a major component of the landscape.
Keep your listing photos up to date. Winter in Grand Rapids Michigan is one of those
times when being green isn't a good thing.
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,
the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in
West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
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I agree, that we must stay on top of the seasonal changes with our listing photos! Great reminder!
Tony and Darcy, We try to keep current photos on all our listings.
Great advice! As wonderful as spring green looks, snow on the ground and roof is beautiful too! Each season has its beauty.
Your snow photos are great - good advice to keep the photos current.
Debi
Great contrast of pics Terry. It is often a rarity that agents here go back and take new pics when the seasons change.
Nice photos Terry and Bonnie. I agree about keeping the photos current - especially if it's now summer, and the lawn is still showing snow. ;-)
Myrl, We just think that the seasonal photos are more appropriate.
Debi, We thinks we need to but not everyone agrees.
Melinda, Everyone need to do what makes the client happy.
Teri, with today's market it just reinforces the fact it has been on the market for a long time.
Terry and Bonnie,
People like to look at homes the way they are today, and the wrong pictures can show a lack of enthusiasm in my I for a real estate agent not keeping up on things.
Tom, It is so easy with today's technology I can't find a reason not to do it.