Why use professional images to list your homes?
It’s often been said that 20% of the realtors do 80% of the business. In the current economy, it‘s probably more like 90/10. Most of those 10-20% are in the top of their market because they understand the value of a good online presentation and know how to grab their buyers from the get-go.
Surveys in 2007 showed that 80% of people shopping for a new home started their search on the internet. A first impression is a lasting impression and nothing can make or break a viewers’ opinion of a home faster than the photographs. Most searchers choose to SKIP properties that don’t offer pictures and quickly eliminate many based solely on their poor internet presentation. Buyers today want to see everything! Posting 3 or 4 bad photos in the hopes it will prompt a phone call to see the property in person doesn’t work anymore. People want instant gratification and will most likely skip the phone call and hit “Next.”
A good professional photographer can capture not only the look of a room, but also the feel of the space, something that is priceless to people who are considering living in it. While most realtors can snap their own photos with a point and shoot camera the images are not going to do justice to a $500K listing. The ability to zoom in and out on MLS sites aren’t going to fool descriminating buyers either. They’ll recognize that they’re not getting a good look at the architectural details of the house, but simply getting to see poor images closer up!
The cost of real estate photography is a small investment in the overall sale of the home, especially in higher-end homes where
showcasing details sells. Make your listings stand out. The homes will sell faster, giving you more time to go out and get new listings, which means the photography will pay for itself.
Offering professional photography will also provide added value for sellers and make you stand out from your competition. It shows them that you value the beauty of their home and their business and are willing to go the extra mile for them. The result: They’ll hire you to list their home and they’ll rave about how quickly it sold, saving them time, money and peace of mind.
Another added value of professional photography is using the photos to build your portfolio. Nothing adds credibility in the minds of
sellers when choosing their listing realtor than a website stocked with photos of beautiful homes stamped “SOLD!” If you showcase your success, they’ll recognize your selling skills.
Successful agents know that they can’t be good at everything and value the skills of a professional photographer. Let us help get their attention because the key is getting the buyer IN THE DOOR. Using professionals in your industry who will make you look good will only build your success and give you the time to do what you’re good at -- Selling Real Estate!
Taking your own photos is like me listing my home “For Sale By Owner!”
