Is your property marketing too good?

These conversations got me thinking about a client I was chatting with last week.  She was saying how estate agents property marketing misleads.  She is finding many estate agents photos “too good” and their use of descriptive words rather exaggerated.    

Fakebook v Fake Marketing 

It concerns me how fakeness has now hit the world of property marketing. We all know  facebook is often joked about as fakebook.  After all how many of us really have such perfect lives?   People only show the parts of their lives we want them to see.  They show us the best moments.  The most flattering photos.  The fun they have.  They only share their successes.  They miss out the failures, the blood and sweat, the snot and tears!   Would you agree?  I only have to look at my own facebook page to know this is true. 

When it comes to the marketing of your home however,  it’s really important your home is shown in it’s best light.   They say stories sell and facts tell.  But what happens when the story isn’t 100% true?   What happens when it misleads?   How many agents tell you that they sell the most houses?  Or that they achieve the highest prices?  Question them.  Can they back it up?  This is when you really do need to see the facts!

Fake Marketing has also hit photography.  You only have to look at photos of famous people which have been airbrushed.   Take a look at the two photos below.  Can you believe they are of the same house?  

Your time is precious.  You might not have the time to trail around numerous houses trying to find the ideal one hence we rely heavily on what we are shown, on what we read, the photos we look at.  What happens when they mislead us?  Our expectations are risen toohigh,  our hopes are dashed.  We become disappointed and frustrated.  We feel let down and ultimately we blame the agent.  I believe rightly so!   

My Advice

If you want to sell your home, keep it real.  Photos should be eye catching but honest in order to grab the right sort of attention.  Your brochure wording should reflect the true condition of your home.  However, if in order to get the best price, all parties, you and your chosen agent need to really make an effort.   Show off your home to it’s best light  (simple home staging works a treat) and make sure your home looks like the photos on viewing day!

Over the years we have helped over 8000 families move locally.  Can we help you?  Please get in touch.  My name is Michelle Gallagher and we are here to help.