Every since we started to place color pictures in newspaper ads I always knew that it was important to take the best picture I could. Now, with the internet allowing you to put 20+ pictures of the exterior and interior of home it is more important than ever!

According to a company called Redfin Corp., a Seattle-area real estate firm, Sales listings taken by higher-end single-lens-reflex cameras (SLR), preferred by professionals, garner higher prices than those properties whose sellers use point-and-shoot cameras.

Redfin analyzed listings in their market area and it was easily determined that houses with better photos sold from $934 to $116,000 more. The study directly compared point and shoot cameras to digital SLR camera’s. SLR cameras with their high quality lenses were a clear winner. The study also showed that properties with better photos (the more the better) got more online clicks.

Only about 25% of the photos in the mls are shot with high quality SLR cameras.

All Coccia Real Estate Group’s photos are taken with Olympus SLR camera with a wide angle lens.

The Fall Workshop is yet another opportunity to meet relocation professionals and finally put a face to old friendships developed over the phone. The relocation department of Leading RE is again the top selling Relocation Network in the county. The fall workshop was used to introduce new software and cutting edge training materials such as instructional videos and an entire website dedicated to upgrading the professionalism of the Realtor.

“I was thrilled to attend the Fall Workshop”, said Christopher Coccia, “It is always great to brain storm with the top people in your field and to have such candid conversations about what works and what does not is very valuable!”

Debby McCabe added, “I am always surprised how Leading Real Estate Companies of World Seminars consistently educates and invigorates me and my staff. I can’t wait to the attend next years!”

Not so long ago I remember talking to people about the state of the Real Estate market in East Hanover, Florham Park and Hanover Township. It is the same story no matter what part of the country you visit – supply has far exceeded demand. We can be thankful that home prices have not declined to the extent of many other counties in New Jersey. Lately the market is changing….

March through the end of June is a Realtor’s favorite time of year – Spring. The snow melts, the sun shines, the grass turns green, etc., etc. This year we can add that the “buyers have returned!”

Buyers are beginning to feel comfortable taking advantage of a Federal Government funded $8,000 tax credit, historically low interest rates and home prices not seen for nearly 8 years. Now is the time to be a homeowner and the media is finally singing that tune!

MSNBC said, ““Buyer traffic has been rising, and real estate offices are getting phone inquires about the tax credit,” Yun said. “By early summer we should be seeing a positive impact on home sales from record-low mortgage interest rates in addition to the stimulus provisions.” This is just what my office is seeing in our market. The phone rings more, my agents are showing more homes, writing more contracts and more homes are being placed under contract.

If you are thinking of buying a home call us today. We will walk you through every step of the way!