Blue Skies In Birmingham
Published February 17th, 2007 in Birmingham MI Real Estate, Metro Detroit, Seller Information.I’ve long extolled the importance of good internet marketing for homes. Multiple photos and virtual tours are a must. Buyers want to see pictures. I usually manage to get decent images with my digital camera, but I have no control over the Michigan weather. I haven’t done any scientific research, but my guess is that in the winter we have more gray sky days than blue sky days in South East Michigan. Gray skies don’t necessarily look the greatest. On the other hand, sunny skies can create lots of shadows that don’t end up looking the best either.
Last week I got Photoshop Elements and our handy tech guy in the office, Travis, helped me to begin to contend with the uncooperative weather. I present, for your viewing pleasure, the before and after pictures of our Birmingham listing at 975 Fairfax.
All we did was change the sky and remove a stick in the front lawn. Could I have captured a similar image on a different day, definitely. Am I deceiving a buyer by retouching the photo–NO WAY. I did not alter anything of significance in the image. I would not remove a fire hydrant or a utility pole as much as it might improve my photo of the home. I might take a car out of the driveway because I don’t feel they belong in listing photos and they are only there temporarily.
In the end, I want to put the best foot forward for my sellers and give potential buyers a fair impression of the home I have been entrusted to market. The gray sky did not do this lovely home justice.
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______________________________________________________________Written by Maureen Francis
SKBK Sotheby's International Realty, 248.430.4450
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Nicely done Maureen. A simple enhancement which makes a pretty big difference.
Nice tip Maureen,
Since we have 350 days of sun in Tucson, I might have to try and use it to put a few clouds in the sky. : )
From the weather I’ve been hearing about back there it would seem your Scoop on Michigan RE could be taken two ways.
I’ve done the same thing. We don’t get as much sun and blue skies as other parts of the country…though, it’s gorgeous today.
Now…I have a for sale by owner on my block. Do you think you could use this technology to erase his yard sign and make mine appear?
Sure, Jonathan. Would you like a “sold†rider on it while we are at it?
Well done. It still amazes me how many agents not only fail to bring out the best in a photo but still make the same old mistakes of photographing the laundry, the overstuffed closets and cluttered countertops.