The First, First Impression: We're all living in a virtual world

Let's say you decide it is time to stop renting. You are going to buy a house. What is the first thing you do to find your house?

Maybe you already own a house. But you want to upgrade to a better home. Where do you start looking?

Or, let's say you want a vacation home in another state. How do you begin your hunt?

According to research done by the National Realtors Association, the first thing over 70% of you do is go to the Internet to look at houses that are for sale. You go to realtor.com or trulia.com or one of the other listing sites. Or you do an Internet search for 'house for sale' and the name of your chosen location. Then you click and click while you make a list of the properties you find interesting.

Am I being clear here?

Sellers, it is likely over 70% of your potential buyers see your house first over the Internet.

Agents, on average 70% of your client's potential buyers decide whether they want to see a house from the photos they saw on the Internet.

People, it is safe to assume that over 70% of your potential buyers' First Impressions come from the Internet.

First Impressions sell.

So, why are so many photos on the Internet dark? Why are they blurred? Why is the house so messy? Why didn't anybody even straighten up?

On those rare occasions that I have some free time, I go to a realty website, choose a location off the top of my head, and look at the photos. Sometimes, I admire great photos of beautifully staged homes. Sometimes, I nod and smile because, although the house has not been staged, it is neat and tidy and the photos are clear and focused.

The very first photo is taken from the outside and highlights the front door. The next photo is taken from just inside the front door looking into the house. Wow, it is just like I am walking up to and in to the house! Look! There's the kitchen! It looks so clean, so organized. I can imagine myself cooking delicious meals in there. And, oh wow, the master bedroom/living room/dining room! So neat, so light, so appealing. I want to meet this house in person. I can imagine my bed/sofa/table right...there. I think I could live here. Mentally, I am already moving in.

Sadly, a lot of the time I wonder what the agent and the seller were thinking. Sometimes I wonder if the agent and seller were thinking.

All the photos are of the yard? Well, the yard is beautiful. But I kind of have to assume something is really wrong with the house. Otherwise, there would be photos of the interior.

On the other hand, I know something is wrong with this house - look at that sagging garage door! If this is the best they can do, what are they are not showing me?

Why is it so messy and cluttered? The rooms seem so small. I would never fit in there!

Why is it so dark in this house? Is this a flaw in the camera? Too late, my First, emotional Impression is this a dark and obscure house.

Studies show over 80% of potential buyers only see the house the way they see it. They cannot overlook the clutter and the darkness and the needed repairs to imagine a neat, bright home in great condition. Subconsciously, they believe the way it is, is the way it will always be. Their First Impression is their only impression.

Oh sure, a few buyers will overcome their negative First Impression when the see the house in reality. Trouble is, a lot of them don't even want to go see the house. And a lot of them cannot get over that first, not-good feeling. You never get a chance to overcome that negative First Impression. Especially in a Buyer's Market where they have a lot of other choices.

So, what does this mean?

Should you hire a professional photographer to take your Internet pictures?

If your house is high-end, expensive, luxury, and other-big-fancy-words; and/or if you stand to make a really huge profit, yes, plan to hire a professional Real Estate photographer.

If your house is, well, not luxe, you still want to showcase it. You still want give a positive First Impression to the majority of those 70% of potential buyers. Make sure the photos that are taken are good.

Sellers, clean up. Straighten up. Repair. Paint. Stage.

Agents, encourage your clients to prepare before you take photos. Then, make those photos matter.

People, EARN that positive First Impression.



On average, the time it takes to prepare to market plus the time spent on the market, is shorter than the time spent unprepared and on the market.

Coming soon to a blog near you - Curb Appeal: The Other First Impression.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!