The Importance of High-Quality Real Estate Pictures

Did you know that there are approximately 2 million active real estate licenses in the US? With such high competition in the real estate industry, it’s important for realtors to stand out. Fortunately, there are various tools available for real estate agents and firms to differentiate themselves, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media campaigns, and blogging. However, one of the most powerful ways to clinch a real estate sale is through photography.

As visual creatures, humans are more likely to be attracted to well-presented properties, increasing the chances of receiving a call or inquiry. In this post, we will discuss the importance of high-quality real estate pictures and why they are a necessary component of a marketing plan.

1. Firstly, online photos are the first impression that prospective clients get of a property, and first impressions can be lasting. When 85% of customers turn to the internet to find local businesses, it is essential to have professional photos that showcase the best aspects of a property. Poor-quality photos can quickly dissuade prospective homebuyers, especially if they look amateur or DIY. However, high-quality photos make every property look dazzling and represent every detail of the property, deepening homebuyers’ trust in an agent’s services.
   
2. Secondly, professional real estate photos can guarantee a faster sale. In fact, homes represented by high-quality real estate photos sell 32% faster than those without. This is because professional photos display properties in their best possible light and give potential buyers a sense of higher value and quality. This, in turn, can result in fewer negotiations and a faster sale. On average, homes with high-quality photos are on the market for around 89 days, compared to 120+ days for other homes.
   
3. Thirdly, with purchasing a home being a time-intensive and emotionally taxing process, homebuyers will do anything they can to simplify the process. As such, it is crucial to market high-quality homes in a streamlined, personable fashion to cater to busy buyers. Displaying high-quality images of all properties online can help homebuyers maximize their time allotted for showings and open houses, enabling them to coordinate the pre-approval process with local lenders.
   
4. Lastly, homes with high-quality photos sell for more. According to a study, homes that sell above $200,000 are likely to sell for $3,000 – $11,000 more if they have professional property photos. Professional photos can boost the apparent value of a home, which can compel homebuyers to visit the property sooner. This can shorten the market window, and as such, homebuyers may feel a sense of competition and make an offer at the asking price or even above the asking price if the competition is fierce.

It’s important to note that specific types of professional photos can compel higher selling prices. The same study that discovered this statistic found that homes with DSLR photography and extra-crisp images are more likely to sell for a higher price. Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR) are more advanced than standard digital cameras and can use various types of lenses and capture more precise images. Sharp images don’t incorporate any fuzzy or vague elements, and a sharper image can be obtained by using a DSLR camera, appropriate lighting, and a solid lens, along with some light photo editing.

In conclusion, high-quality real estate photos are a must-have for realtors who want to stand out in a highly competitive industry. They are the first impression that prospective clients get of a property, can guarantee a faster sale, cater to busy buyers, and can even result in a higher selling price.

Therefore, investing in professional real estate photography is a worthwhile investment in any marketing plan.