Why Hire a Real Estate Photographer?

Yes, it is true. A picture is worth at the very least 1,000 words. But why can’t I just take a few quick pictures and post them myself for my new listings?

There is no doubt in my mind that this is true ~true in the same way that I can sell my own home. The question is, how successful will either of us be? I’ll admit that I know some home owners who have sold their own home, and some realtors who take amazing photographs – in both cases they are exceptions to the rule.

When I need to get my taxes done, I am going to go to an accountant. I could likely do them myself, but I want an expert to try to maximize my return. I want someone who pays attention to new trends, knows what things that should be watched. I want an expert in their field.

There are a lot of things that often go over looked when it comes to real estate photography. Have the pictures been optimized for all availible media that you plan to use. This is to say, you don’t want to be using the same picture for your profile sheets as you would for the internet advertising – sizes need to be changed as well as focal points. You will not get the detail nor the depth of field without the image being optimized.

Did you know that in about 80% of all home purchases, buyers have looked on the internet firsteven before contacting a realtor? The pictures placed in your listing will only get one chance to make a good first impression. Why risk damaging your reputation with substandard photos?

An image has less than 8 seconds to make an impact. That means that the first sight of that image, even before the potential buyers sees the real house, can help to lure them in deeper, to seek the features and benefits, to make a phone call to the Realtor to enquire further. Reading this paragraph has likely taken you more than 8 seconds…that is all it takes. Why risk it?

That brings me to an interesting point. I’m often hired to take photographs of spectacular properties – I’m talking $750,000 to over 3 million. These properties are relatively easy to shot as they are generally incredibly well kept – they have great lighting, views, the landscaping is immaculate, etc.

But when we approach the average home at about $350,000, the first marketing tool that goes is the professional pictures. What we need to keep in mind is that by eliminating the pictures, that initial visual impact goes as well.

If there is a high inventory of homes, isn’t great if your property shines above the others available? Isn’t it a competitive edge for your listing to capture the eyes and imaginations of your potential buyers? So, the higher the inventory of homes available in a price range means that it is more important that your listings stand out!

Realtors have a wide array of tools available to them in order to match homes to buyers. Pictures that are taken to accent the property, to show it in an extrodinary light are but one offering. My next article will outline yet another tool that is available…Virtual Tours and where the future is for them.

I hope that reading this has given you a bit of insight. I am only expressing my opinions, but at the same time, have also researched to support thes opinions. Should you have any comments , I invite you to contact me directly.

Before you list your next property, be sure to check out portfolio to see if your photographs compare, and how inexpensive this service is.