Why You Might Need Professional Photos to Sell Your Home
Why You Might Need Professional Photos to Sell Your Home
If you're looking to sell your home quickly and for the best price, the photos you post online could make all the difference. In today’s competitive real estate market, buyers often start their search online, and high-quality images can significantly impact their decision to schedule a showing or make an offer. This is where professional real estate photography becomes essential.
The Power of Professional Photography
Studies show that homes with professional photos sell faster and closer to the asking price. In an internal case study by IMOTO, a leading provider of real estate photography, listings with professional images sold 50% faster and for 39% closer to the original asking price compared to similar homes with amateur photos.
Additionally, real estate agency Latter & Blum in New Orleans found that homes with professional photography received 118% more views than comparable listings without it. These statistics speak volumes about how professional photos can help your listing stand out in a crowded market.
Of course, the quality of your photos depends on who you hire and how those images are used, so finding the right photographer is key.
How to Find the Right Photographer
When it comes to real estate photography, you need a photographer who specializes in showcasing homes. Many photographers focus on artistic shots, but for real estate, the goal is to capture the home in a way that highlights its best features and appeals to potential buyers.
Look for a portfolio that matches your style:
Browse through photographers' portfolios to ensure their work aligns with the type of photos you want for your listing. Pay attention to how they frame and compose interior spaces and how they capture the home’s exterior.
Ask about their equipment:
The right equipment is crucial for capturing high-quality images. A professional photographer should use a full-frame camera to avoid distortion and ensure sharp, clear images.
Editing and enhancement:
Post-production is an essential part of real estate photography. A skilled photographer will enhance the images using advanced software to ensure the photos look polished and visually appealing. If the photographer doesn’t mention editing, it’s worth asking about their process.
The Small Bathroom Test: A Photographer’s True Skill
One way to gauge a photographer’s skill is by looking at their photos of small rooms, like half-baths. These areas can be difficult to capture effectively, but a talented photographer can make even the smallest spaces look inviting. If a photographer’s portfolio doesn’t include small or tricky spaces, ask if they can take photos of your half-bath or similar spaces to demonstrate their expertise.
Key Photos You Need for Your Listing
To get the most out of your professional photography, you’ll want to make sure the photographer covers all the important areas of your home. Here are the key shots that can make a significant impact:
Exterior shot of the home: This is the first image potential buyers will see, so make it count. It’s the most important photo for search engine visibility and will often be the first impression buyers get of your property.
Kitchen: The kitchen is one of the most important rooms to buyers, so make sure it’s captured in the best light and shows off any features that make it stand out, like updated appliances or unique finishes.
Master bedroom and bathroom: Buyers want to envision themselves relaxing and unwinding, so these spaces should feel inviting and spacious.
Unique features: Highlight any special features that set your home apart, such as custom mantels, leaded-glass windows, or built-in shelving.
Small spaces: Don’t forget to include shots of smaller areas, like half-baths, laundry rooms, and entryways. These spaces can often be overlooked, but showing them in a flattering way can help buyers see the full potential of your home.
MLS Considerations
Keep in mind that many listings are posted on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which displays photos in a particular format. Typically, MLS works best with horizontal images, so a good real estate photographer should understand how to frame shots for MLS and other online databases to maximize their impact.
Professional real estate photography is a smart investment when selling your home. With the right photographer, your home will stand out online, attract more buyers, and sell faster—often for a higher price. At Bell Real Estate Photography, we specialize in capturing your home’s best features to help you make a lasting impression in the market. Contact us today to schedule your session and get your home ready for sale!
