Your Realtor can definitely pay for an enhanced listing on Realtor.com, I believe they are called "Showcase" homes. In our (second) Realtor's marketing plan, that was one of his listed strategies, an enhanced listing on Realtor.com. It does cost more, but I think you get an additional five pictures and more text.

(In the link the second home on the page is in my old neighborhood--they are overpriced....some sellers are still living in 2005!)

Here is a link that might be useful: Realtor.com 22039

Hi Donna,

First of all, even if your agent is limited to one picture, it doesn't mean that has to be of the front of your house. I've seen ads with no exterior shots or with a single picture of a spectacular view. You should insist she use a great interior picture instead, unless she has a better reason to use the exterior shot.

As for contracts with Realtor.com, yes, there are different types, but it gets a little complicated. Realtors don't pay per listing; rather the ability to enhance listings with 6 photos is an annual service that must be paid up front. What fee your agent would pay differs bewteen different locations, different broker contracts and your agent's number of listings, but it generally isn't cheap and may not be feasable for your agent right now. Enhanced listing ability isn't compatable with all MLS's either, so it might not be possible for your agent to do it where you are. Finally, if your agent's broker isn't enrolled in enhanced listings, I'm not sure your agent could sign up as an individual or not.

My best suggestion is to firmly let your agent know your position on the photo, and ask if she could consider enhancing her listings. (If possible, it could do great things for her business, too, and benefit you both!) It's unreasonable for her to keep a sub-par picture up if you've communicated your unhappiness with it and she agrees it's sub-par, but there may not be anything she can do about the number of pictures on Realtor.com.

Are you listed on any other websites? How many pictures are you allowed on the MLS? You should also ask to get more pictures out there in other places.

Finally, I usually evaluate how showings are going at the 2-week point based in part on web traffic. If a listing has been viewed 900 times on realtor.com but no one has called, there is a problem with your picture. If it's only been viewed 4 times and no one's called, it is more likely a problem with price, description, or wording. Ask your agent if you can get that information from them, as well.

I wish you the best of luck! In many markets, 17 days is not time to stress yet... hang in there!

Jane

Laura1202,

Thanks so much. I thought that was the case, but needed ammunition. Beautiful homes in your old neighborhood, but those prices;-)

Donna

Jane,

Thanks for the info. I will ask how many (if any) hits the home has had. The realtor has her own site, she is the broker, and there are several shots there, so I need to find out if anyone is looking at them anywhere.

We did have an agents OE with good attendance, and I guess I had hoped it would generate some interest. Guess I am just really tired of cleaning so that my dogs can mess things up and I can do it again. I'm vacuuming 3 times a day and just killed the vacuum.

You guys are the best - I think I just need to vent and you all are willing to listen.

Donna

Donna, get a sanitaire! They work miracles with dogs!!

And ditto what others said. Your realtor can pay for more. I have virtual tours and everything. Have you seen your MLS listing? Is she using the max 6 pictures allowed there and have good text?