Real Estate Info 

As of 06/02/08, 81% of the homes I photographed have $old in this market.  It was 86%, but I just did a bunch of new listings which skew the figure slightly (short term!). Artsy in a magazine is one thing - I'd rather help you actually $ell the homes.  Apparently I'm succeeding.  I will update these statistics monthly.

The Bad News:  I know the truth.  Despite the advertised appeal of "making millions by next Wednesday," true real estate professionals know it takes hard work, diligence, patience, a plan, and expenses.  Just a few: MLS Boards, stationery, stamps, added car insurance, gasoline, vehicle wear & tear, desk rental, clothing, dry cleaning, client meals & entertainment, phone, advertising, E & O insurance, etc.  Not easy, but potentially tremendous rewards.

The Good News:  I understand where you're coming from. ANY reduced expense is good sense, especially in a slow market.  California has had many  "up periods," only a few "lows," but lows strike hard.  Competing to sell aged listings to fewer people who have the money or financing is hard work.  However:

The first impression of a property is often an agent's website.  52-82% of buyers rely on the internet to find a home; that figure is rising rapidly with gasoline costs!  Shots taken from a car or bathroom sink taps won’t do, and neither will offbalance lighting, unbalanced color, or lack of room detail, composure and/or framing.  Worse, if you provide no photo the MLS takes it -- we all know how THEY turn out, plus I’m told the agent is charged.

Abbreviated  web quote from an agent seeking photo help:  "Don't have a clue ...need pointers so I can take DECENT, PRESENTABLE photos of home interiors ... medium-low light ... Hoping to make a difference in the "crappy-picture-taking real estate world"!!! Please lend a hand so I DO NOT CONTINUE THIS AWFUL TREND ...taken TONS in "Auto" ... playing with the buttons just makes my pics more ugly!"

It is essential to convey space, warmth, liveability and natural lighting to those searching for a home. You're a professional; the photos should reflect that .  I give a naturally lit feel to the home rather than "dark & artsy," without the ugly tungsten cast, giving people you haven't even met reason to contact you.  Average site time is 30 minutes, then 2+ hours of picky editing,  including at no extra charge: cropping, minor color/perspective correction, detail sharpening and removal of private information such as diplomas, photos, etc. No charge for Master CD, extra photos, editing or mileage.