Helping your property gain more attention, command a higher asking price, and sell faster.
In the world of real estate, first impressions are everything. When it comes to enticing potential buyers, the importance of stunning visuals can't be overstated. And one of the most critical elements of a real estate listing is the property photography. In this post, we'll explore why quality property photography is not just an option but a necessity for any real estate agent or realtor.
A Look at the Current Market
To better understand why quality property photography is crucial to home sales, especially right now, we need to better understand what's happening in the current environment. As of this writing, October 19, 2023, there are multiple factors moving against current home sellers.
Rising Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have risen yet again, for the fifth consecutive week, to 7.57% *
Increased Inventory: National inventory of unsold homes has risen 1.8% during the first week of October 2023 *
Price Reductions: 38.2% of home currently for sale, have taken a price reduction *
With rates increasing, more buyers are waiting on the sidelines for a drop. Meanwhile, more houses are entering the market, with over 1/3 of current listings having to drop their prices.
What Difference can Professional Property Photos Make?
Knowing what your buyers and sellers are up against, it's time to set your listings apart. But are quality property photos really that important when trying to sell a home? Consider this:
Critical Buyer Requirement: 84% of home buyers wouldn't engage or consider a listing that had no property photos, according to Trulia **
Decision-Making Factor: 87% of home buyers said their decision to purchase relied on listing photos, according to the National Association of Realtors **
Faster Sales: Listing that had a professional photographer take photos, sold 32% faster as compared to listing which didn't, according to VHT **
Higher Asking Price: Redfin adds that professional photos commanded a 47% higher asking price. **
Standing Out in an Uncertain Real Estate Market
Now that we understand the current market, and how potential buyers view the importance of professional property photos, let's see how it can help your listings sell faster and demand a higher asking price.
The Power of Visuals
Creating a Lasting Impression: It's no secret that people are drawn to attractive visuals. High-quality property photos capture the essence of a property and create a lasting impression on potential buyers. These images serve as the first introduction to the property, setting the tone for the entire listing.
Highlighting Key Features: Professional photographers have a keen eye for details. They can emphasize the unique selling points of a property, such as a luxurious kitchen, a spacious backyard, or stunning architectural features. These visuals help properties stand out in a crowded market.
Increased Visibility: In the age of online listings, high-quality images are essential. Properties with professional photos receive more attention, not only on listing websites but also on social media platforms and real estate apps. This increased visibility can lead to more inquiries and showings.
The Investment That Pays Off
Return on Investment: While some real estate agents may hesitate to hire a professional photographer due to cost concerns, it's important to view it as an investment rather than an expense. The return on investment in terms of quicker sales and higher selling prices more than justifies the cost of professional photography.
Competitive Edge: In a competitive real estate market, standing out is crucial. Properties with high-quality photos are more likely to attract serious buyers, and this can lead to better offers and smoother transactions.
Quicker Sales: Quality property photos can significantly speed up the sales process. When potential buyers can visualize the property clearly and fall in love with it through images, they are more likely to schedule a viewing and make an offer.
Projecting Your Belief in the Property: Buyers want to see that an agent cares about a property. How your photos are portrayed, is an indication of how you prioritize the listing. A property with poor photos may show a buyer you don't think it deserved your attention or time.
Building Your Reputation: People are attracted to aesthetically pleasing images. The same holds true for property photos. When you take a professional approach with how you list a property, that builds confidence and reputation to your clients and prospects. Be known as the agent who always showcases beautiful properties!
FAQs
Q1: Can't I just take photos with my smartphone? A1: While smartphones have come a long way in terms of camera technology, professional photographers have the right equipment, skills, and knowledge to capture a property's essence and highlight its unique features effectively. Just because you want to sell your own home, it doesn't make you a real estate agent. Same holds true for photography. Just because you have a camera, it doesn't make you a photographer.
Q2: How much does it cost to hire a professional real estate photographer? A2: The cost of hiring a professional photographer can vary, but it's an investment worth making. It's best to get quotes from local photographers to determine the exact cost for your area. Using a service like RealtyListPro, you can expect to get a team of professional real estate photographers, at competitive pricing, with a streamlined system from beginning to end!
Q3: How can I find a reliable real estate photographer? A3: Take the guess work out of it, and place your listing in the hands of a team, rather than an individual. With over 85+ years of combined industry experience, the RealtyListPro team of photographers are experienced and reliable.
Learn more, see pricing, and schedule your photoshoot right from the website:
Conclusion
In the world of real estate, the importance of quality property photography cannot be overstated. The power of captivating visuals, increased visibility, and quicker sales are just a few of the reasons why investing in a professional photographer is a wise decision. While it may seem like an additional cost, the return on investment and the competitive edge it provides make it a necessary and worthwhile investment for any real estate agent or realtor.
* Statistics provided are sourced from Greater Tampa Realtors information
** Statistics provided are sourced as mentioned in statistic
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