Are you an agent selling homes or a homeowner getting ready to sell? Well, I want to talk to you about why it’s important to get great photos of your home, or your client’s home. Is it worth spending the money? What should you look for when you hire a photographer?
Forbes Magazine suggested “not listing your home at all” if you weren’t going to have quality photos taken. Why? Well, CBS said homes with high quality photos get a 47% bump on asking price per square foot over those who don’t. PR Newswire said listings with professional photographs sell 32% faster, spending only 89 days on the market compared to 123 for other homes. They also said 83% of buyers said photos were very important and when I recently did an online survey in my area 100% of those surveyed said they started their home search online with a company like Zillow. All of this means that the first look a buyer takes of a house will probably be the photos they see online. Finally, according to inman.com agents who outsource photography earn twice as much commission as those who do not yet only 35% of agents use professional photographers. That’s money left on the table for both the agent and the homeowner.
So now you know it is important. Where do you go from here?? First, find a photographer. Ask that photographer what they are shooting with. If they say their phone stop things there. At the very least they need a DSLR camera and a wide angle lens. Ask to see a sample of their work. Are all of the vertical lines of the room straight and can you see what’s outside the windows when they have a view. Does the home look light and bright? Did they bother to tuck in exposed sheets and put down the toilet seat? These things seem simple and yet, I see homes online who’s photos make me feel like I’m on a sinking ship.
Find out what other services the photographer offers. Can they do a walk through, a twilight shot or, if your property is in an amazing location or even has a beautiful roof, can they do drone photos or a drone video?
Finally, set up a date for them to come to your home when you can give them a little time that is kid and pet free and after you or your client has made the home camera ready. Speaking of which. That’s our topic for next time. When is your home picture perfect enough for someone to want to move right in?
Til next time!