We spend lots of time talking about how most buyers start their searches online. According to National Association of REALTORS® 94% of home buyers start their search online. We also know that buyers eliminate homes because of no or poor photos. Why then, do we put crappy pictures in our listings?
It has been proven that properties with quality photos sell more quickly and for more money. Buyers are attracted to nice images, which makes them want to see the house, then then the house sells. When buyers see poor photos, assume the house needs work then don’t go see it. It’s all very simple.
I really don’t get it. Decent cameras are cheap and usually have enough features to take a presentable picture of a property in which one has been entrusted to market and sell. Good photos can be the cheapest marketing we have. If I decide that don’t want to take my own photos, I can hire a good photographer for less than $100. Not only will they take fantastic photos at a good price, they will load the virtual tours for me to places like www.Realtor.com.
When I refer to bad or poor photos, I don’t just mean the literal quality of the picture. Pictures need to be of well staged rooms, clean kitchens, tidy landscaping, closed toilets and closets. Clutter in photos is just as bad as clutter during a showing. I assume sellers don’t want to lose buyers at the computer screen.
I pulled these photos randomly from my MLS and they are just sad.
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- Put Down the Photoshop
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- A blurry shot for a $2,000,000 property? Oh, clean the kitchen.
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- I think this is a shower.
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- Nothing says I’ve been on the market a long time like Holiday decorations. These are from 2010.
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- Put the booze away! The seller may miss out on a good buyer who is offended by the full bar. It’s also a distraction from the Butler’s Pantry.
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- Turn the lights or flash on. A master bath is often a primary selling feature so show it off!
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- This poor quality is sad at any price point. This living room is from a $895k property which in our market is at the high end. Some buyers may judge the quality of the home by the quality of the picture.
If bad photos are bad then good photos are awesome. Not only are they are tools to entice buyers, they are an integral part of customer service. Service to our sellers, to whom we have a fiduciary duty. The duty to sell their homes at the best price in the least amount of time. Good home photos not only put our listings in the best light, they exemplify professionalism, attention to detail and caring.
I care a tremendous amount about my listings and they people who are selling them. If you or someone you know wants to their Phoenix area home showcased expertly with high quality photographs, contact me at Stacie@realestatedame.com or 602-295-3190