Articles.

Australia & New Zealand

"We survey each salesperson after every sale and where they believe the first and primary contact was initiated. Similarly we also formally survey each and every buyer a range of questions including where their primary contact with the salesperson was from.
The differences are amazing with buyers highlighting the internet at around 60% and over which is dramatically higher than what the salespeople indicated. "

Glenn Batton, Gen Mgr, Nerang First National Realty 16 Mar 2008 (in this article)

Sydney, 18 March 2008
Australians are spending more time online than watching television! Neilson Report

The Importance of Professional Photography in Selling a Property - Sold Magazine.

" One thing I would recommend is that when you do call in a professional, it would be best to get a photographer who specialises in Real Estate Photography, not someone who photographs weddings or portraits on weekends as well..."

An interesting discussion on the ownership and useage rights of photos.

from Business2.com.au

Top tips for marketing your property online.

... research indicates that buyers like to see: detailed descriptions; as many high quality photos as possible; accurate floor plans; and virtual tours.

Australians searching the internet to find a new home are often female, middle-aged and living in the city with good jobs.

Not only is the property market alive and well in Australia, but the internet is becoming an indispensable tool in the buyers' search for their dream homes.

Trends in the Use of the Internet for Marketing Residential Real Estate in New Zealand

The use of the Internet for the marketing of residential real estate has grown rapidly in New Zealand in recent years, with a doubling approximately every two years.

USA & Canada

6 Home-photo Tips to Draw Buyers - realestate.msn.com

Selling a home used to be all about "curb appeal," or the first impression a property conveys to potential buyers as they pull up in front...These days, a property's "pix appeal," or attractiveness in photos posted in online listings, is equally important.

How to Make Your Home Stand Out - realestate.msn.com

You can help your house sell quickly and at a good price -- even in a slow market -- by following these suggestions from readers.

Making Every Pixel Count - New York Times

Eighty percent of people across the country who bought a new home last year used the Internet while house hunting, and they rated photographs as the most useful tool in their search.

Realtors recommended to hire a professional for marketing photography,

Vancouver Globe and Mail , August 24, 2007