HomeVisit Keeps Buyers' Eyes on Your Listings

Visuals are a key way for real estate agents to differentiate themselves and their marketing in a highly competitive real estate market. Ninety-five percent of buyers start their home search online, according to the National Association of Realtors 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. As buyers scroll through listings, they're more likely to pause on information that includes photos and videos that capture their attention.

Studies show that photos are essential to attract buyers online, with 87% of buyers saying they relied on photos to help them decide to make an offer on a home, according to NAR. An earlier study by Redfin found that professionally photographed homes have a 47% higher asking price per square foot compared to a home photographed by the homeowner or a real estate agent. According to a recent Google/NAR study, 85% of buyers and sellers want to work with an agent who uses video marketing. The study also found that listings that include a video get four times the inquiries of those listed without a video.

Even though most real estate agents are aware of the benefits of upgrading their marketing online and in print with better quality images, they don't always have time to find the professionals they need. In fast-paced housing markets, competition can be heated for the best photographers, videographers and producers of marketing materials.

Multiple Listing Services and Imagery

While all agents turn to their MLS for data and property insights for their buyers and sellers, numerous MLSs now provide additional products that help members sell their properties. HomeVisit®, a division of CoreLogic®, now integrates with MLSs for a streamlined experience for agents. Instead of tracking down photographers, waiting for photos to be uploaded and printed brochures and mailers to be prepared, agents can access HomeVisit directly through their MLS.

Listing agents need high quality photos, 3D tours, videos, and print materials for every property to inspire interest and offers from buyers. For special listings, a dedicated property website, aerial photos, and evening beauty shots can maximize the pool of buyers. Finding the right professionals to provide those products can be time-consuming for busy real estate agents. Hiring unknown or less experienced companies can result in poor quality images that may not generate the desired attention. Even a great general photographer may not have the specialized skills needed to maximize the appearance of a real estate listing.

HomeVisit photographers go through a specialized certification process so that every property photo they take includes the best possible lighting and angles. Agents can be confident that the end product will be as expected.

Agents who are members of an MLS that integrates with HomeVisit will be able to go directly through the MLS dashboard to access services such as:

• High quality photography for both online and print use. HomeVisit's Fusion Photography system creates single images from multiple shots, lighting effects and processing for more clarity and color.
• Photo editing. Photos can be edited to remove items such as utility poles, cars, and trash cans; switch gray skies to blue, and can remove pets or passersby to be compliant with MLS rules.
• 3D modeling. HomeVisit utilizes Matterport cameras to create 3D immersive tours of listings.
• Floor plans. The same scan that produces 3D modeling provides professional quality floor plans that can be seen online or in print.
• Video tours. High-definition videos are now expected by many buyers who prefer to tour a home virtually before checking it out in person.
• Aerial photography. Videos taken from the sky above a house can showcase its surroundings and architecture from new angles to capture attention.
• Property websites. Properties with special features deserve a dedicated website where prospective buyers can find all the images and details they need.
• Print materials. Whether an agent needs to mailer, a flyer or a brochure, in-house production experts can quickly produce high-quality marketing materials.

These services can be found from individual contractors and companies, but the ability to secure them quickly and conveniently through the MLS can be more efficient and reliable.

To view the original article, visit the WAV Group blog.