The photo limit for the Point2 Standard level is 15. Pro and Premium = 36.
( http://nls.point2.com/Content/FeaturesServices/FeaturesServices.asp )

I just came this close to blowing the anti-spam math quiz of 9+3. I apparently need more sleep.

They don’t with my package, but I’m not sure about the others. I’ve just emailed a P2 contact to find out if the same number of images can be uploaded with each of their packages and I will let you know. It’s a good question.

Norm, does Point2 upsell the ability to include more photos with a listing?

I was just thinking that it might be great if VAR visited other conventions to see how other organizations run their own conventions. That way you could see bigger options and smaller options.

Now I know this would be difficult, but lucky for VAR, they are in Richmond and Richmond has lots of conferences. This weekend I will be attending a conference at the Richmond Convention Center. There will be 5-7,000 people at this event. I know VAR has considered going this route in the future. Here’s an opportunity to see how it works. Yes, this is a homeschooling conference, but set up is set up.

If anyone from VAR would like to meet me to walk around this conference for a couple of hours, let me know and we’ll try to work it out. The conference is Thursday – Saturday.

Pretty much the same sentiment echoed to the NAR, stop giving away so much money to charities and start helping members with some actual benefits (10% of car rental does not qualify) like health care, etc. The national advertising sounds like a broken record too “it’s a great time to buy…it’s a great time to buy…it’s a great time to buy”…you’re making people stop believe the honest agents that only say it when its true.

Point2 did some research on photos which suggested a pretty strong connection between “inquiries” and the number of photos displayed with a listing. I’m not sure how scientific it is but it’s certainly interesting.

http://www.teamfisher.com/blogs/norm_fisher/archive/2007/01/13/a-compelling-case-for-more-photos-on-your-home-listing.aspx

I think that the average consumer is inclined to associate a lack of photos with “laziness” as Barry has here, and I guess that’s the real rub if you never have an opportunity to explain your rationale.

Our MLS requires one photo. Most would argue that’s not enough, and in most cases I’d agree. That said, I think that minimum service requirements should be left to the broker, and not the association. I have no problem with my competitors appearing “lazy” online. If a prospective seller is convinced that photos are important there is all kinds of online ammo that can be used to prove that you’re the better agent.

Kudos for getting things back on track. Another thing I’d like to send to our board:

-@the subject
We currently have a comfortable surplus budget wise. Ideally, this should go back to the REALTORS and when you actually feel the crimp of the market a bit, what truly is important and needed will become more clear. It does for us.

2. Local AOR should take an active role in redeeming previously disavowed marketing meetings (“Broker Tours”) and promoting the purpose and value of those meetings (“know the inventory”) to members.

3. Local AOR should take an active role in redeeming hopelessly bloated and aimless affiliated groups (WCR is better than most, but there is still room for improvement locally) to reduce the cost of meetings (“Do we really need to meet in a ballroom when the board has a boardroom and classrooms?”) while increasing the efficiency (less self-congratulations, better speakers) of those meetings.

In this market, the focus of the board should be on helping members pull together while saving money and increasing value.

Sort of a shame that with all of the Association business available for discussion, most of the non-photo comments revolve around MLS issues – which is, in most cases, a different organization with a different staff structure. Its sort fo sad that with a great question like the one that Ben started this post with, the level of knowledge about the Association’s mission is so low, that there were only a couple of Association related responses – rather then MLS requests -

I guess my request of Staff would be to fix that, but frankly, in the words of Beuaty and the Beast. “its a tale as old as time…”

After sifting 140 comments you have mentioned your show 12 times which includes the two times here.

I point that out because you would do the same, however, let me say this. In every circumstance it has been in keeping with the topic on hand, and never blatant.

Let’s call it what it is and just be damn honest about it- we’re all promoting something, and we all hope to gain something, life ain’t free, and hell if you can elevate the individual (including yourself) in the process then it’s a winning situation – there are top level producers in this medium, AG and Real Estate Radio are two of them, and we share many of the same followers- the bottom line is those followers are better off having had two sides to the coin. They’re biggins, they’ll find the middle.

Now, here we are, off topic, when the question was- “Agents” I can deliver a message for you to your associations- what would you like it to be?

I suggest we let the agents talk to a trusted messenger and save this show for another day.

In 140 comments I’ve never stepped into the middle, but on this one, I’ll take the last word and this subject is back on task.

Best, Benn