DMD Client Highlight: Century 21 Realty Solutions

Legend has it that when the founders of Century 21 finally settled on the name, it was based on the idea of nodding to the future while also giving the feeling of already having been around for a very long time.

Little did they know then that nearly half a century later, this firm would be the most recognized name in real estate – even as far out as the Alaskan backcountry. And the very reason they are so well-recognized even into the outreaches of Alaska is the level of professionalism each and every member of this firm upholds.

Folks like Michael Droege, a lifelong Alaskan more interested in fundraising for St. Jude’s on his birthday than anything else. Krystal Rogers, Team Leader of Wasilla and Owner bringing more than 18 years of experience to helping thousands of families relocating to this state. And Larry Burke, a former military man himself, who continues to demonstrate the loyalty and integrity ingrained in him through his service to the country.

These are the people keeping the Century 21 mission alive, and paving the way for newer agents like Ryan Kowal, who is already greatly praised by his own growing list of clients.

They bring knowledge and heart to homebuying, and DMD is so impressed with the way these guys work with us and other local-market vendors. We don’t know of any other company that so openly works to share with and educate everyone on the ins and outs of the industry.

We are always honored to be called on by any one of the agents throughout the handful of branches in the Anchorage area, and look forward to sliding into that “Century” mark with them… in another 50 years.

Century 21 Awards Gala 2019

Why Real Estate Photographers Love Staged Homes

Real estate reality shows are amazingly popular. And why not? Everyone imagines buying the home of their own dreams and living their best life in that perfect neighborhood. The shows are a kind of voyeuristic wish fulfillment.

But even with the bombardment of real estate programming, the saturation of real estate apps, and other consumer-friendly interior design software – all tools helping homebuyers dream bigger more easily – we still see couples walking into the next viewing, talking about how they can’t envision anything beyond the terribly outdated wallpaper.

Apparently, it’s just the way we’re programmed.

We need a visual – especially in the digital age of homebuying. In fact, Redfin reported that for homes under a million dollars, listings with high quality photography sell for $3-11k more on average than those that do not. A big part of providing those high-quality listing photos is having something great to capture.

How do you do that?

Setting the Stage.

Before

After

One of the most important jobs of a real estate photographer is to help create a photographic story for each home. It is far easier to build a good story around a staged room than one that is a completely blank canvas.

Professional stagers use conceptualization techniques in order to help potential buyers walk in and envision the property as their home. Ideally, they can see themselves living and entertaining in the space. Likewise, a staged home provides the perspective and depth that a photographer would otherwise not be able to show in a room with nothing in it.

Editing the Room.

Images should be composed with a central focal point and framed with clean lines and complimentary backdrop elements. Doing this is a lot easier when a professional has come in to clear the clutter.

Just like a good book editor, home stagers are able to “edit out” all those mundane details of everyday life that don’t add anything to the story of the home – details that can sometimes even detract from the overall vision.

Essentially, they highlight key features and minimize the weak points of a home, ultimately lending to the lifestyle the seller is pitching.

More Equals Less.

RISMedia noted last month that more photos equal less time on the market, stating, “a home with one photo spends an average 70 days on the market, but a home with 20 photos spends 32 days on the market.”

When a home has been professionally staged, it is far easier for us as real estate photographers to find more picture-worthy spots and angles.

Passionate People. 

Like photographers, graphic designers, and really any other kind of artist, professional home stagers do the work because they love it. The best stagers put their passion about creating the story of the homes they work on above everything else.

For instance, About Face Staging not only provides turnkey professional home staging for resale and new construction, but a variety of consultation services. Northern Lights Staging is another one specializing in occupied home staging – scenarios where sellers are retiring and need to be comfortable staying in the home, but the market and location calls for targeting younger first-time home buyers or families with young children.

Both firms offer varying price points based on a client’s resources and budget, and those are just two examples out of many great staging companies out there.

Ultimately, what it comes down to is the fact that professionally staged homes enable us to do our job better – something that’s good for everyone.

The Annual Galas: Great Things in 2019 – Beginning from the Inside

They say great things begin from the inside, and two of our clients in particular really know what it means to celebrate their internal teams. It’s one of the reasons we love working with each of them so much!

Both Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group and Century 21 Alaska Premier Group opened the year with an annual gala to honor their efforts over the year behind them, and to raise a glass to everything planned for the one ahead.

Here’s an inside look at how these Alaskan real estate groups kick up their heels!

KW Alaska

Every January, Keller Williams Alaska celebrates their associates for the change they effect in our little community. It’s an evening of cocktails, dinner, and awards.

This year, they really heated the Alaskan winter up, taking the team to steamy Cuba with a Havana Nights theme.

Century21 AK Premier Group

This firm is the epitome of professionalism, and they pride themselves in educating their clients about all the details involved in homebuying. They’re sort of the big brother/big sister of the industry, taking newbies under their wing until they’re ready to fly.

It’s so good to see these folks come together to recognize one another for all the accomplishments they’ve achieved. (Not to mention they clean up pretty nice!)

Here are DMD, we consider ourselves lucky to know and work with each of these real estate families. We can’t wait to see what the rest of 2019 will bring for all of us.