By 
Before The Internet
Many times a homebuyer’s first impression of the home would be when they drove by the home the first time. They would take the time to scope out the neighborhood, nearby restaurants, and determine what the traffic was like at the time. Other times, the homebuyer may have gotten a Sunday newspaper, looked at the list of homes that had Open Houses that day, and determine if they wanted to attend an Open House. A real estate agent would get obtain a copy of The Real Estate Book and would contact the buyer about a new property they read about.
Want to Go to an Open House This Weekend?
Even though I still think curb appeal, great home descriptions, and realtor/public open houses are good ideas, the majority of home buyers start their search online. This can either be on their computer, mobile device, or even tablet. If a home within my client’s homebuying parameters comes on the market, they are notified immediately if a new home on the market, or one that has had a change in price. You don’t want your home to be rejected by a buyer because of bad real estate photos.
Amount of Photos
I have had sellers who have two theories about the number of photos you have online.
- Fewer photos, more showings. 1 have had clients who believe that the fewer photos you have of the home online, the more showings you will have. This is because the sellers believe that this will lead people to schedule an appointment so they can see the rest of the home.
- More photos, more showings. I have had clients who want to put every feature of their home online. On the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Database, the maximum amount of photos is 48. On some websites like Realtor.com, an agent can upload up to 100 photos. This way, the people who are viewing your home potentially will view it longer, because of the increased amount of photos.
However, regardless of the number of photos online, I strongly believe quality photos do matter. Now, in order to have quality photos, I still need your help in order to make your home "Camera--Ready". After you have photos done of the home, I will send them to you to review. Please use these photos as a guide to maintaining your home’s “Camera-Ready” look.
Everyone is busy. Buyers, Sellers, REALTORS®. That is why uploading quality photos online is so important. This is the most current way to make a great first impression. I recommend not listing your home online unless photos are done. We only have seconds to capture the attention of buyers.
Bottom line, as the seller, I want to represent you. If you want to go through every photo of your home and handpick which ones you want online, I have no problem with that. If you want every single photo I have online, I will do my best to make it happen.
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
