May 2010

Real Estate Photography

The internet has changed the Real Estate industry in a whole lot of ways. It has made is easier for both the public and the agents. One of the most telling statistics is 88% of all buyers starting their home search begin looking online first. Today, buyers are more educated than ever and do a lot of research on multiple sites before starting to actually tour homes. There are a million Real Estate sites out there in cyber space. Some sites are easier to follow, some have better search options, some have more information, and some have a higher page rank. But one thing they all have in common is the person viewing the site is seeing the same pictures the Real Estate agent took for that particular listing. That being said, if almost 90% of buyers start their search online looking at pictures of homes, investing in the proper equipment and taking great photos should be one of the agent’s top priorities.

If you look some pictures online they look like they have been taken with a camera phone. This is a pretty funny blog that I would guess that over 90% of agents use a small pocket camera to take their photos. There have been huge advances in point and shoots over the past, and there are some that take GREAT photos. The biggest problem with point and shoot cameras is the lack of lens length. Most P&S cameras are limited to 25mm to a 35mm lenses. It is very important to have an ultra wide angle lens for interior photography.

I just got a Canon 10-22mm lens (good review here) and it is amazing the difference using an ultra wide angle lens makes. I am now able to get the WHOLE room in the photo. Even small laundry rooms and bathrooms are able to get in the photo. The four photos above were taken using a very high quality Canon DSLR camera.  I wanted to demonstrate the difference between a standard 35mm lens shot compared to a 24mm, 17mm and even the ultra wide 10mm lens shots.  You can really get a good example of see how much more of the room we are able to feature using the wider angle lens that is simply not available on the small pocket sized digital cameras. My dad always taught me you have to have the right tools for the job. In the case of Real Estate photography, he was right!

Here is some of my favorite listing photos. Don’t they just make you want to schedule a showing right now!

433 Breckenridge Court

Beautiful Eco-Friendly/Energy Star home with all the upgraded finishes! Quality built by Watermark Construction Company, 3 bedrooms & 3 and half bathrooms, approximately 1900 square feet, Granite countertops, Stainless steel appliances, Recessed lighting, Van Nostrand custom cabinetry including a kitchen pantry, Bamboo Flooring & 9’ ceilings, Upgraded crown molding throughout. Stacked stone fireplace, Master bathroom features gorgeous tile shower, Pre-wired for security system, 2 car garage, Low VOC paint, Low “E” Windows, Spray Foam Insulation by Ecological Insulation, Energy Star HVAC and hot water heater.

Schedule a showing today! Contact me at 334-444-2431 or ryanledwards@yahoo.com

450 Breckenridge Court

Beautiful Eco-Friendly/Energy Star home with all the upgraded finishes! Quality built by Watermark Construction Company, 3 bedrooms & 3 and half bathrooms, approximately 1900 square feet, Granite countertops, Stainless steel appliances, Recessed lighting, Van Nostrand custom cabinetry including a kitchen pantry, Bamboo Flooring & 9’ ceilings, Upgraded crown molding throughout. Stacked stone fireplace, Master bathroom features gorgeous tile shower, Pre-wired for security system, 2 car garage, Low VOC paint, Low “E” Windows, Spray Foam Insulation by Ecological Insulation, Energy Star HVAC and hot water heater.

Schedule a showing today! Contact me at 334-444-2431 or ryanledwards@yahoo.com

New Listing on Hamilton Road!

 

Great new house on Hamilton Road! The outside does not do the house justice. Make sure to take a look at the additional pictures!

 

This is the view of the living room and dining room. At this angle you are standing in front of the rock fireplace that goes to the ceiling! It’s beautiful!

This is my favorite part of the house! A wonderful deck stretches across the back of the house overlooking the private backyard and land that is owned by Saugahatchee Country Club. It’s your own private get away in the heart of town!

This home is 2 miles from the new Publix and CVS at Ogletree Shopping Center. It is 3 miles from Tiger Town which has Kohls, Target, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Best Buy, and many other stores/restaurants. Fabulous location!

 

Pending or Closed Properties in Auburn, AL; Opelika, AL; and Lee County

Today our MLS reports 20 properties that are either pending or closed in our area. This is great news. We love it when the properties that are sold outnumber the new listings! If you ever want a list of these properties or new listings in your area, please feel free to contact me.

4112 Hamilton Road

You must see the inside and backyard of this home to appreciate! Bordered by Saugahatchee country club on two sides! Great open floor plan with beautiful vaulted ceilings in the great room and kitchen. Built in shelving on both side of the fireplace. Second living room perfect for an office or playroom. Windows and natural lighting galore! Easy access to tiger town, I-85, publix and downtown Auburn.

Schedule a showing today! Contact me at 334-444-2431 or ryanledwards@yahoo.com

Technology and Real Estate

I am a gadget person. I consider myself tech savvy and I have to have the latest and greatest when it comes to electronics. It is important to know and understand new technology and how it can help me be a better Real Estate agent. It is amazing how fast things change in the electronic front. Just 5 years ago I was carrying around a flip phone that I used to make calls and a separate Dell Axim X30 PDA for my calendar and occasional wifi access that I could surf the internet at blazing speeds (sarcasm).

I have had 7 or 8 phones since then and each one has been a major improvement over the last one. I thought I had found the Holy Grail 3 years ago with the original iphone. Then 2 years ago I got the new iphone 3G, then the about 6 months ago the iphone 3GS. Well I can safely say I HAVE indeed found the Holy Grail for my mobile device. The HTC Incredible is absolutely incredible (no pun intended). Check out the Engadget review. If of you grew up in the Nintendo era, it is like going from a Nintendo 8bit to a Nintendo 64. It is truly a great device. It does everything the iphone does and it does it faster and better. The processor is currently the fastest for any phone on the market and it shows. Checking Navica (Our MLS for Real Estate listings) is a breeze and just as fast as searching from my desktop at the office. I no longer have to type emails or text messages. Every program on the phone has the option to speak the text for the messages and it works very well. I do not have to type emails while I am drivingJ. It does exactly what I need to work faster and easier. Currently is offered through Verizon wireless so if you have Verizon and are due for an upgrade, GET THIS PHONE! It is my new favorite gadget (for this month anyway).

BEST PRICED ASBURY CONDO–$130,000

Pristine condo in the back of Asbury! Private back yard. 3 bedrooms, 2 and a half bathrooms. 1500 square feet for $130,000! A steal of a deal!

http://www.navica2.net/displays/?n=324&i=660785&k=PGfD

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