Last night I watched the new HBO MAX movie titled "Fake Famous". The premise of the movie was to highlight the role of influencers on our social media and the steps taken to achieve this status. Those who desire to become influencers generally want to grandularize their own fame and recognition. This is achieved by getting an increased number of likes and followers.
As I watched the development of the documentary it became clearly apparent how significant image is in adding value to what we perceive as superiority. Many of the influencers highlighted were selected to represent the face of a physical product or tangible idea. These individuals were shown in carefully procured photos to convey the actual location or setting mode when in fact, often this is a total snow job.
As a Realtor we are taught the importance of Curb Appeal when we prepare a new property listing. The ideal photos will portray a home that looks picture perfect both when seen online and in person to potential buyers in the marketplace. Increasingly there are Real Estate sights that promote no-show online listing abilities. In addition there are companies that do virtual staging. Virtual staging allows a buyer to visualize how a space may look but should not be allowed to create a false reality of the in-person viewing. How would a consumer know if the property actually has the same physical presence as the online image? Although the convenience of doing the entire process virtually may sound appealing I encourage all buyers to find the proper professionals including a Realtor and Legal Counsel to guide one through the process.
As I watched the documentary I became more skeptical about what I see online in media posts. I believe we can observe images online but if one is a serious consumer it is important to make an informed decision based on true due diligence. Don't just look at the pretty pictures. Do your research.
As a Realtor part of my job is to help and educate my clients. I have been working virtually since the start of the pandemic. During this time I recently earned the NAR e-Pro Designation. I took courses to develop my skills for the latest technologies and security tools. I have learned that what you see isn't always what you get. In real estate, in particular one cannot rely on online images alone. I am always encouraging my clients to learn as much as they can about their intended purchase.
Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. She enjoys coffee, walking her dog, theater/arts, reading, writing, travel and meeting new people. She always welcomes the opportunity to have a virtual coffee now that we are amidst the “new normal”. Check out her website at www.wendybcb.com or her FB page @wendybcb as she posts up to date content to meet the ever changing marketplace.
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