Technology has revolutionized how nearly every industry does business, but few have been as dramatically impacted as real estate. As we move through 2016, the digital world and the internet have become the primary "front door" for almost every homebuyer.
The Rise of the Mobile Consumer
Current data shows that 95% of all consumers interested in real estate will turn to the internet first. Perhaps even more importantly, the majority of these potential buyers are accessing listings from a mobile device—a smartphone or tablet—while on the go. This shift has changed not just where people look, but how they look.
The "20-Second" Window
Researchers have discovered a fascinating (and slightly daunting) statistic: on average, a person viewing a home online spends only 20 seconds looking at the very first photo.
If you haven’t captured their attention in that fleeting moment, you may have lost them forever. In the fast-scrolling world of mobile apps, your "Digital Curb Appeal" is decided in the blink of an eye.
Why Photos Trump Remarks
In the past, Realtors spent a great deal of time crafting long, descriptive marketing remarks. While a good description still matters, in 2016, it’s the images that really count. A buyer will almost always look at the photo gallery before they read a single word of the text.
Quality Over Quantity
However, simply having more photos doesn't always lead to a better response. My suggestion to sellers is simple: If it isn’t an attractive, high-quality photo, leave it out. A dark, cluttered, or blurry image can actually do more harm than no image at all. Remember, in a competitive market, first impressions aren't just important—they are everything.
