Southern Belle Photography

Grand Strand Real Estate Bulletin: Sell More Real Estate in 2017.

Sell More Real Estate in 2017

Topics

-Hire a professional photographer

-Virtual Stage vacant properties

-Real Estate Seminars and Conferences in January 2017

- 6 Ways for Real Estate Professionals to sell more homes

-6 ways to get a new listing within one month

-12 Ways to supercharge your home's online listing

-Southern Belle Photography Real Estate Packages & pricing

Photography has never been more important to selling real estate than it is today!!!

There are thousands of homes, condos, apartments, vacation rentals and business properties listed for sale or rental every single day.

In every listing, the photographs must help the viewer imagine themselves and their family within the space. Thus, the pictures need to create a sense of home, a sense of adventure, or a sense of family. At Southern Belle Photography, our photos capture what life would be like every day in that home, condo or vacation rental!!!

We have had many realtors state that their listing sold faster and for more money because of our photos!!!

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER?

1. More online views. According to a study done by Redfin, listings with professional photos received 61% more online views than their competitor listings done with cell phones or point and shoot cameras.

2. Better first impressions. For 95% of online shoppers, the first thing they look at is your listings front exterior photo, before moving on to the other photos or listing details. Make that first 20 seconds really count!

Higher selling price3. . Homes marketed with professional photos have a higher perceived value and sell for more money. THATS RIGHT, according to the Wall Street Journal, these listings gain anywhere from $934 to $116,076 at the closing table!! Add those stats to your listing presentation when you're competing with an agent who takes his or her own photos.

4. More likely to sell. That’s right, according to Redfin, home with professional photos are more likely to sell than those with point and shoot images. The study showed an increase across all price ranges, varying from 5% to 17%,

5. Sell faster. Redfin's study also showed that listing with professional photos sell faster. Time varied by price range, but in the $400,00 range, homes sold on average 3 weeks faster. That’s a staggering stat!!!

Your Image6. . Your Branding. You should care about your image (s)! That’s right, your homeowners have hired a professional real estate agent to market their home. Don’t you think you should hire a professional photographer to take the listing photos? Set yourself apart from the other agents out there. What does your brand say about you?

7. Win more listings. Let’s face it, there is a lot of listing competition out there. Having a beautiful portfolio of previous listing professional photos just may help you win that listing. Especially when you combine it with the state previously mentioned.

8. Social Media Content. Visual content is all the rage in social media these days, and having a library of beautiful professional photos in a huge asset. Use those photos on sites like Pinterest, Instagram, Google + and Facebook to attract interest and gain referrals.

9. Save time. Great photography not only requires time at the photo shoot, it requires time for editing and uploading. Most realtors are at their best when listing, showing and selling properties. So why take time away from what you do best to shoot and edit photos? Instead, hire Southern Belle Photography to do what we do best!!!

10. Higher quality results. Let be brutally honest here. Owning a professional DSLR camera does not make you a photographer any more than owning a set of watercolor paints makes you an artist. Professional photographers do photography for a living. They went to college for four years to gain the skills necessary in producing great photos. They practice often, and they know lighting, angles and composition. They know how to take an ordinary room and make it look extraordinary.

11. Trigger Emotion. Beautiful photos trigger an emotional response. And emotion sells. In fact, for most buyers, emotion is about 80% of the buying decision. Buyers use logic to choose price ranges, locations, and home size. But from there, most consumers will rely on emotion to choose the house they visit in person and ultimately purchase.

Virtual Staging

Marketing a home can be a challenging business. Marketing a vacant home can be even more challenging. 90% of home buyers search for their next home online. According to the national association of realtors 85% of those buyers say that photos are the most important factor. What do your photos say about your vacant listings? Are they grabbing the buyer’s attention in the critical first 5 seconds? Remember they are viewing numerous homes online and deciding which ones to visit. Therefore, so many real estate agents have turned to virtual staging properties. This transforms any photo of a vacant room to a beautiful staged room without lifting any furniture. Our unique cost effective software will drive buyer traffic, knock out competition and gets your vacant property noticed. 83 % of staged properties sell for the asking price or above. Homes that are staged sell 75% faster than those that are not. It’s hard for some buyers in imagine living in that space. Virtually staging cost less than hiring a stager to come in stage your property. Using an advanced 3D rendering technology, we will be able to offer amazing homes virtually staged. We use designer furniture such as tables, couches, beds, rugs, tv's, lamps, and many more other furniture items to make the home look fully furnished and much more appealing.

Pricing:

$195 for 3 photos

$240 for 4 photos

$275 for 5 photos

*$50 each additional photo

Real Estate Seminars & Conferences January 2017

Sell More Real Estate in 2017- Craig Proctor

Free Training Webinar

Tue Jane 3, 2017 11:00am ET

Tue Jan 3,2017 8 Am PT

Mike Ferry's 2017 Retreat

Mon Jan 16, 2017

$295.00

Mike Ferry's 2017 Prospecting Clinic

Thur Jan 26, 2017

Boca Raton FL

$395.00

Real tools for Real Estate with Pierre Rattini

Lead generation methods using paid traffic

Jan 11, 2017 9am-10:30am

CCAR Large Classroom

Professional Standards Training

Jan 13, 2017 10am-12:30pm

CCAR

2017 License Law Update

Jan 13th, 2017 1:30pm-3:30pm

CCAR

Certified Negotiation Expert/ Mastering Email Negotiation

Jan 18, 2017 9:00AM-4:30pm

CCAR Large Classroom

$299.00 Pre Registration

$349.00 Day of Class

Register at this link: https://www.cvent.com/events/cne-2-myrtle-beach-sc/registration-fc206207def04cd0b2f193bb8d46541e.aspx

Tom Ferry 10x Your Business

Jan 25, 2017 8am -4pm

Free Full Day Event

Orlando FL

6 Ways for Real Estate Professionals to sell more homes

One of the most popular sayings in the real estate industry is 20% of the agents do 80% of the business.

Whether you're new to the game, looking to join the 20%, or resistant to slipping into the bottom 80%, here are 6 ways to help increase your sales.

1. Target local search terms: 69% of home shoppers who take action online begin their search with a local term, such as the name of a neighborhood

Because of this, brand related referrals have dropped from 64% in 2008 to 22% in 2013 of a broker's referral traffic. So, focusing on demonstrating your local expertise through neighborhood content landing pages will provide you with a competitive edge against major brand competitors within your respective communities. 2. Strengthen your local expertise: When a home shopper searches for "safety in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina" competitors' strategies will mostly consist of static crime rates, if anything. Take advantage of this by having blog posts on hand and ready that answer home shoppers' questions, such as "Safety in Myrtle Beach: What You Need to Know" or "Moving to Myrtle Beach? 10 Tips to Stay Safe." Developing these posts may seem time consuming, low priority, or easy to procrastinate on, but the payoff will be increasing your competitive edge, website traffic, local credibility, and conversions. 3. Hone in on properties: For 52% of homebuyers, finding the "right" home was the most difficult step in the home buying process3. Once visitors arrive to your blog or local content landing pages, offer them direct routes to your local listings, each correlated with their respective information such as crime rates, school districts, and transit options. In the end, having as much content for each home possible will increase the chances of you selling more homes to your visitors.

4. Pay attention to Google: Google changes constantly. Paying attention to algorithm updates (when announced) will help you understand why website traffic or search rankings may be down, or even how to further boost it. For example, Google's Panda update labels websites with identical content as being low quality. While this affects the countless Realtors who offer listings without unique content or customization, your local content landing pages and content-rich blog posts show your local expertise and can help elevate your platform to the top of the search results. To start understanding Google better today, look into Google's Hummingbird, Panda, and Penguins. 5. Obtain leads before your competitors do: 78% of home shoppers visit more than three sites before reaching out. Providing lead capture forms is a great way to pick up these leads before they reach out to your competitor. One example on how to do this might be offering highly demanded, localized content such as "South Beach, Miami's 2017 Home Shoppers Guide." This content not only generates increased mind share and credibility, it's designed to obtain contact information from your leads and generate more contacts for you to sell more homes to. 6. Provide your leads with content that counts: It can take weeks or months before home shoppers find a home or even reach out. In the meantime, reach out to them on a periodic basis with listings that have opened up in a highly ranked school district or within five blocks of mass transportation. This not only retains your relevance among past traffic, it keeps you top of mind for when they're ready to purchase. These strategies, when exercised properly, can help you improve your relevance to home shoppers when they first search for a home, increase your consideration when they are deciding between using you or a competitor, and ultimately help you sell more homes.

6 Ways to get a new listing within one month

Let’s skip the small talk and jump into getting you some listings.

1. Expired listings. These are some of the easiest to get because you already know they are a motivated seller. There are two types of expired listings you will deal with that you will have the possibility of listing. First you will come across the owner that had it listed, needs to sell, but their listing with the first agent expired. These people are ready to list again right away, you just have to convince them you are better than their last agent. Unfortunately it’s not always the last agent’s fault. Many of these types of sellers are unrealistic about pricing or the condition of their home and these are things you will have to overcome.The second type of seller is the one that wants to take some time and regroup. Possibly do some repairs to the home, or wait until the spring, etc… These are long term prospects and the way to get them is by keeping in touch. I personally do this with a 6 month series of postcards that go to all the expired listings in my target area.How to get expired’s to list with you. As I just mentioned I send a series of postcards. For listings I am extremely interested in I also send one or two hand-written notes. If you have more time on your hands, the best way to get an expired to list with you is go straight to the house and talk to them in person. Bring a very nice listing packet. The second best way is to try to get them on the phone. I just find sending out the postcards more scale-able. I can double the amount I send with minimal extra time needed, but if I double the amount of doors I knock on it uses up a tremendous amount of additional time.

2. sale by owners. This is much the same approach as we discussed with the expired listings, in fact I use many of the same mailers. You can find for sale by owners on Craigslist and on Zillow. For those of you that have the time, again it will get your foot in the door much faster if you drive to the house and actually meet the owner in person. It’s not for everyone, but those that are good at it can do very well.

3. Out of state owners. It is pretty easy to search the county website and find properties that are owned by a person living out of state. Especially in a time like now where property values are starting to increase, you will find owners that moved away for work but couldn’t sell. Now the market may have changed enough that they are ready to list with you and move on. Just look up their phone number on the Internet, or write up a letter to mail to them.

4. Referrals. I know, I know, I go on and on about referrals. But it’s for good reason. They are usually the easiest way to get your foot in the door. I have about 400 contacts in my phone. Do you think if I called every single one over the next 30 days and asked for a listing referral I’d get at least one listing?

5. Builders. Especially the small to mid-size builders. Get a list of all the local builders in your area. Invite each one of them to lunch (you are buying of course!). Have a very nice professional marketing packet printed up to show them. Explain to them how much better you will market their homes than anyone else can. After the lunch is over email them to thank them for their time, the write a handwritten thank you letter and drop it in the mail to them. If you met with 2 builders a day for the next 30 days do you think you could get a new client?

6. Investors. A lot of investors flip properties, so in this case you will most likely have to sell them a house first, and then get a listing. But that is OK, right? The easiest way to get investor leads currently is through craigslist. Just take the current HUD listings and post them on CL (you are allowed to do this, check your local MLS guidelines). Put basic info on the house. Right after that type “I specialize in finding foreclosed homes and investment properties. Email me at myemail@gmail.com to be added to my property update list. I only email out good deals.” Trust me, this works. Post about 5 to 10 HUD listings each day and your list of investors will grow so fast.

12 Ways to Supercharge your homes online listing

Follow these tips to engage potential buyers who prefer to shop online.

More than 90% of all buyers start their home search online. That means sellers now have the chance to really soup up their listing, adding all the bells and whistles to help their home jump off the screen.

Here are 12 tips to supercharge your online listing.

1. It all starts with the photos

Yes, buyers do judge a “book” by its cover, and the photos of your home are the first opportunity you have to attract interested parties. If they’re not good, it can spell disaster for your hopes of a quick sale at your ideal price. Always make sure your agent is going to hire a professional Photographer before agreeing to have them represent you. Professional Photography is critical for snagging buyers. Make sure you and your agent have as many shots as possible; The MLS only allows 25 Images but Trulia accepts more and posts almost as many as you like. Remember the more images you have gives you a better chance in selling your home. Buyers want to see the whole house, the neighborhood, the amenities, Hiring a Professional Photographer can help sale your home.

2. The money shot

It’s that one quintessential snap that says, “I want to see more of this house!” By Hiring a professional photographer they will know the right angles, lighting, and best features to capture. When we get our own photos taken,

we all have “good sides,” and houses do too.

3. Kitchen features

The number 1 most important room in the house is the kitchen, so give it lots of love in the listing. Highlight new appliances, granite or marble countertops, built-in wine storage, walk-in pantries, etc. And give brand names for upgraded items like a Viking range or Sub-Zero refrigerator. Is there lots of light? A large cooking or prep space? An open floor plan that allows easy access to the dining room or den? Is it perfect for family gatherings or parties? Mention it!

4. The baths

The second-most important room in a house is the master bath. Detail special features such as spa tubs, walk-in showers, dual sinks, and spacious dressing areas. Note: A full bath has both a tub and a shower; a three-quarters bath has a tub or shower only; and a half bath contains just a toilet and sink.

5. The upgrades

This is your chance to talk about any of the elements in the house that have been recently upgraded or remodeled. We’re talking about a new roof or electrical system, fresh carpet, converted and finished basements or attics, upgraded closets, re-plastered pools, and so on. Remember, all of these updates allow buyers to keep more money in their pockets when it comes to budgeting for future repairs.

6. Brag about the original details

A huge number of properties that come on the market are older or existing homes, not new builds. It’s important to highlight and celebrate their architectural details and character. A craftsman from the ’20s might have original built-in bookshelves. An original Spanish Colonial from the ’30s could offer up arched doorways. And a Mid-Century Modern from the ’50s would want to boast about floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

7. Give a green light

Green features are the rage these days — and for good reason. As utility bills soar, any eco-friendly upgrades are a welcome plus. Make sure you mention them in your listing. Solar panels on the roof, self-programming thermostats, additional insulation in attics and crawl spaces, and tankless water heaters all make your home a highly attractive, low-maintenance (and lower-cost) option.

8. You are selling a neighborhood, not just a house

It’s all about location, location, location, so talk about your ’hood. Can you walk to public transportation? Are there outdoor amenities nearby like hiking trails, bike paths, or a community pool? How about the nightlife, restaurants, and shopping? Is this a safe, low-crime neighborhood? If you don’t know, take advantage of Trulia’s crime map to find out. And don’t forget the importance of nearby medical centers and hospitals.

9. Talk about your neighbors behind their backs (in a good way)

Brag about your block if you love your neighbors. Tell potential buyers how great and friendly they are. If you’re on a quiet cul-de-sac that holds a block party once a year, let it be known. A great sense of community is a hot commodity.

10. School time

I can’t tell you how many homebuyers with young children want to find houses in good school districts. In major metropolitan areas, it’s an especially big deal-sealing feature. If your school district is rated one of the best in the city, get that info into your listing. If you don’t know, find out how your school district is rated.

11. Know what’s trending

It’s important to know your market — and the features buyers in your price range are looking for. Search comps for popular keywords, then make sure you’ve added the applicable words to your online listing too.

12. Outdoor living

In many areas of the country, indoor/outdoor living is crucial at least six months of the year. And yet, listings barely give that feature a mention. Show off all the outdoor living spaces your home offers, like a rocking-chair-ready front porch, a sizzling outdoor kitchen or grilling area, wraparound decks, and grassy backyards. Flaunt fenced, private outdoor play areas for children and pets, flower beds, and fruit trees, and instead of simply mentioning the “pool,” try inviting buyers to “sunbathe on the generous deck overlooking the sparkling pool.” When it comes to the great outdoors, create an image in buyers’ minds and sell an alfresco lifestyle — not just a backyard patio.

Southern Belle Photography

Real Estate

Packages & Pricing

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY PRICING

photography prices are not based on the square footage of your home and there is never an extra charge for weekend shoots. Instead, agents can select packages based on the number of images required to effectively promote a given property. If you do not see a package below that fits your needs, please contact me.

There is a sales tax of 8.000% that will be added to each package.

There is a travel fee of $0.57 a mile after 25 miles.

If you want to add additional images to a package there is a $5.00 fee per images.

* These are Southern Belles Photography's Popular Packages

Simple

Package-$95

10 Images

Photo Editing

Photo Enhancement

Receive Branded Photos for Advertising

Receive Non Branded Photos for MLS

Media Package Included...

Media Package-Featured in the New Listing Blog on Southern Belle Photography's Website

Media Package- Advertised on Southern Belle's Social Media Sites

File Size Medium

Digital Delivery

25 Miles of Travel Included

24-48 Hour Turnaround

Basic Package-$100

15 Images

Photo Editing

Photo Enhancement

Receive Branded Photos for Advertising

Receive Non Branded Photos for MLS

Media Package Included...

Media Package-Featured in the New Listing Blog on Southern Belle Photography's Website

Media Package- Advertised on Southern Belle's Social Media Sites

File Size Medium

Digital Delivery

25 Miles of Travel Included

24-48 Hour Turnaround

***Signature Package-$125 (Top Agent Choice)

16-25 Images

Photo Editing

Photo Enhancement

Receive Branded Photos for Advertising

Receive Non Branded Photos for MLS

Media Package Included...

Media Package-Featured in the New Listing Blog on Southern Belle Photography's Website

Media Package- Advertised on Southern Belle's Social Media Sites

File Size Medium

Digital Delivery

25 Miles of Travel Included

24-48 Hour Turnaround

Platinum Package-$150

26-35 Images

Photo Editing

Photo Enhancement

Receive Branded Photos for Advertising

Receive Non Branded Photos for MLS

Media Package Included...

Media Package-Featured in the New Listing Blog on Southern Belle Photography's Website

Media Package- Advertised on Southern Belle's Social Media Sites

File Size Medium

Digital Delivery

25 Miles of Travel Included

24-48 Hour Turnaround

Bronze Package-$175

36- 45 Images

Photo Editing

Photo Enhancement

Receive Branded Photos for Advertising

Receive Non Branded Photos for MLS

Media Package Included...

Media Package-Featured in the New Listing Blog on Southern Belle Photography's Website

Media Package- Advertised on Southern Belle's Social Media Sites

File Size Medium

Digital Delivery

25 Miles of Travel Included

24-48 Hour Turnaround

Elite Package-$335

-You receive a $80.00 Discount Original Price $415.00

-Images

-Tour

-Home Staging

46- 55 Images

Photo Editing

Photo Enhancement

Receive Branded Photos for Advertising

Receive Non Branded Photos for MLS

Media Package Included...

Media Package-Featured in the New Listing Blog on Southern Belle Photography's Website

Media Package- Advertised on Southern Belle's Social Media Sites

File Size Medium

Digital Delivery

25 Miles of Travel Included

24-48 Hour Turnaround

Virtual Slide Show Tour

You will receive link address….

-Tour

-MLS Version

-MLS Strict Version

-Statistics

-Photo Delivery

-Google Map

-Google Map Street View

-Complimentary Agent Profile

Virtual Staging of 3 Rooms

Southern Belle Photography

Andrea Ames

843-353-7067

SouthernBellePhotography4u@gmail.com

Facebook.com/SouthernBellePhotographyByAndrea

Grand Strand Real Estate Bulletin: Sell More Real Estate in 2017.

Let’s skip the small talk and jump into getting you some listings.

Follow these tips to engage potential buyers who prefer to shop online.

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