Always Learning

One of the great gifts of our existence on this Earth is our ability to learn, and to keep learning new things throughout our lifetime. A couple of weeks ago, I was up at Mount Washington for the weekend with some friends, where I learned to snowboard. I spent years on skis, but after notContinue reading “Always Learning”

Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #8

March 10th, 2008 “What’cha Watchin’?” This picture does little to tell the buyer about the size or dimensions of this room. Are we looking at a cozy den or a big, open family room? Think about your composition. And turn off the TV! See all the usual suspects here. –Tim Ayres Subscribe via e-mail, yourContinue reading “Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #8”

Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #7

March 9th, 2008 “Stunning Architectural Features (and clutter)” This is probably a very nice home, and the kitchen looks large enough that good pictures could be taken even without a wide-angle lens. This is just laziness. Always clean your home and remove clutter before your REALTOR® comes by to take the photos. And if theyContinue reading “Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #7”

Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #5

March 7th, 2008 “Next on Unsolved Mysteries: Miniature UFOs Invade a Victoria Home” A not-particularly-good photo of a kitchen is made even worse by shooting with the pendant lights in the frame. This will fool many cameras into under-exposing the shot, leading to a dark photo, and burned-in areas in the frame. See all theContinue reading “Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #5”

Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #4

March 6th, 2008 “Sturdy, Well-built house: this sink has stood the test of the last 40 years!” Bathrooms are difficult to shoot. I used to not even bother unless it was a huge, spa-like palace of a lavatory. But with a wide-angle lens and a decent camera, you can get decent shots of any bathroom.Continue reading “Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #4”

Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #3

March 5th, 2008 “This Listing Sponsored by Ralph’s Furniture” I’m not entirely sure what we’re supposed to do with this shot. How is a potential purchaser supposed to use this photo to decide if he or she wants to view this home, out of the dozen or so others in the neighbourhood at similar prices?Continue reading “Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #3”

Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #2

March 4th, 2008 I’ve been to this house. This picture does not do it any justice, it is actually a very beautiful home. “Even The Simpsons home isn’t this yellow!” Colour correction, people, colour correction is your friend! And try and shoot at an angle, to give the viewer some depth and scale. The twoContinue reading “Horrible MLS Photo Of The Day #2”

New Section: Horrible MLS Photo of The Day

Inspired by this blog, I’ve decided to create a section on my blog where I will select a photo at random from the new listings that pop up daily that will illustrate that some REALTORS® should take some basic photography courses, or, hire a professional to take the photos for their listings. Good photography sells.Continue reading “New Section: Horrible MLS Photo of The Day”

Personal Safety – Complacency Can Kill

Good Morning Professionals, With the news on the front page of the Victoria Times Colonist this morning about the murder of 24-year-old Lindsay Buziak while showing a house, I’m sure we’re all thinking about our own experiences with clients that just didn’t feel right. Remember, if in doubt, get out. That sale isn’t worth it.Continue reading “Personal Safety – Complacency Can Kill”