Why You Really Need to Photograph That Property You’re Selling
We all know there are a few key things you have to do when selling a home. You need to make sure you’ve set the right price, that you aren’t asking too much or selling yourself short. You need to make sure you marketed properly, that the right people are hearing about it.
But if getting photos of your property isn’t on the list, you could be leaving money on the table.
The National Association of Realtors found that 50% of home buyers found the home they purchased online (NAR, 2018). That means half of your potential buyers are looking for their dream home online. The Wall Street Journal noted that buyers spend 60% of their time looking at listing photos, and only 20% of their time on the description (Storck, 2016). Would you look at the listing with only a description and no photos if you were in their shoes?
Photo by bruce mars from Pexels
No chance. And who would blame you?
We know attention spans are getting shorter and shorter, and you only have so long to grab someone's attention. On the other hand, a listing without photos can lead a buyer to believe there’s something you don’t want them to see.
Using photos with your listing can not only draw those potential buyers in, but it could also bring you more money. The Wall Street Journal noted that listing with high-quality photos can gain anywhere from $950 to $116,000 more on the market (Storck, 2016). That’s not exactly small change.
It was also reported, by CBS News, that homes with higher quality photos receive 47% higher asking price per square foot (Storck, 2016). That’s a pretty big jump for just a little extra work.
It’s not all about the money, though.
Listings with professional photographs sell 32% faster(3), and Redfin reported that homes with professional photos get 61% more views (Storck, 2016). This means you’re selling your property, faster.
In fact, here’s something we received from a client showing their listing using professional photos compared to other listings in his area. He reported that after a few days, he had to take the listing down because he was getting too many inquiries. That’s a problem most wouldn’t mind having.
Now, I’m not trying to push you to go out and hire a photographer for every shoot you may have. You can absolutely take these photos yourself. All you need is a camera, a wide angle lens, and a tripod. Oh, and don’t forget that creative eye.
If you do choose the DIY route, we strongly recommend a DSLR to a point-and-shoot camera. Redfin found that 64% of homes shot with a DSLR sold within six months, as compared to 46% shot with a point-and-shoot (Unger, 2016).
Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels
Example of a DSLR camera
Photo by Patrick Brinksma on Unsplash
Example of a point-and-shoot camera
What if you want professional photos, or you simply don’t have the time to take them yourself?
Consider hiring a professional photographer.
If you’re in the DMV area, we at Changeover Media would love to help! We service northern Virginia, D.C., and southern Maryland.
If you’re not in our area, check out Zillow’s Certified Photographers here. Zillow has a list of certified photographers that you can use in your area, so you know you’re getting high-quality photos.
Head on over to our site at changeovermedia.com to use our easy online booking platform. You can also reach us on social media or via email, the links to which are at the bottom of this article.
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National Association of Realtors. (2018, May 11). Quick Real Estate Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics
Storck, B. (2016, February 6). 15 Surprising Real Estate Photography Facts You Need To Know The Modern Agent - Realtors - Technology - Real Estate - Photography. Retrieved from https://www.agentimpress.me/blog/15-suprising-real-estate-photography-facts-you-need-know
Unger, T. (2016, March 31). Look Sharp: Professional Listing Photos Sell For More Money. Retrieved from https://www.redfin.com/blog/2013/12/professional-photos-2013.html