When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter more than you might think. In today’s digital age, most buyers start their home search online, which means the photos of your home are the first thing potential buyers will see. If your listing photos don’t make a strong impact, you could miss out on valuable showings, offers, and ultimately, a higher sale price.
Here’s why working with a real estate agent who understands the importance of professional photography is crucial to your home-selling success.
1. Professional Photos Capture Your Home in the Best Light
It’s not just about having a camera with a higher resolution—it’s about knowing how to use it. Professional real estate photographers understand how to make a home look its best by utilizing proper lighting, staging, and angles. They know how to showcase each room’s potential, highlight key features, and minimize any potential flaws.
In contrast, photos taken with a phone camera often miss the mark. While they may capture the general idea of a room, they don’t necessarily highlight the best features or create a welcoming, polished atmosphere that will make buyers want to see more.
2. More Showings = More Offers
Homes with high-quality photos tend to get more attention online. Buyers are drawn to well-lit, professionally taken images that showcase a home’s best features. Homes with poor photos can easily get overlooked, especially in competitive markets.
Better photos often result in more showings, which means more people walking through your door, and ultimately, more offers. And when multiple buyers are interested, you’re in a better position to negotiate for a higher sale price.
3. Better Photos Lead to Higher Sale Prices
It’s simple—homes that look more appealing online tend to sell for more. High-quality images convey a sense of professinalism and attention to detail that buyers appreciate. They also help buyers envision themselves living in the space, which can increase their emotional connection to the home.
Studies have shown that homes with professional photos sell for an average of 32% more than homes with amateur photos. This difference can make a huge impact on your bottom line.
4. Guidance on Preparing Your Home for Listing Photos
Another critical factor that separates professional photographers from amateurs is the guidance they provide before the photo session. A good real estate agent knows how to work with their photographer to make sure your home is staged properly and ready for its close-up.
Whether it’s decluttering, rearranging furniture, or adding a few fresh flowers, small changes can make a world of difference in the final photos. Unfortunately, many agents don’t provide this level of attention to detail, which can lead to photos that don’t fully capture your home’s potential.
5. How to Ensure You’re Getting Top-Notch Photos
As a seller, it’s important to ask your agent about their process when it comes to listing photos. Here are a few questions you should ask:
Who takes the photos? Ask if they use a professional photographer or if the agent is taking the photos themselves.
Who edits the photos? Professional editing can make a huge difference in how the photos look.
Can I see examples of past listings? A top agent will be happy to share examples of their past listings so you can see their style and the quality of their photography.
Examples: Bad Photos vs. Good Photos
Bad Photos:
Dark, poorly lit rooms that feel cramped and uninviting
Cluttered spaces with little sense of the home’s potential
Crooked or unclear shots that make it hard for buyers to imagine themselves in the home
Good Photos:
Bright, airy spaces with a focus on key features like fireplaces or expansive windows
Clean, tidy rooms with a well-thought-out flow
Shots that highlight the home’s unique selling points, such as a beautifully landscaped backyard or a modern kitchen
When you list your home, you want to make sure it stands out from the competition. Professional photography isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It plays a huge role in attracting more showings, generating more offers, and ultimately getting the highest possible sale price. As a seller, it’s essential to ask your real estate agent the right questions about their photography process and ensure they’re providing the best service to showcase your home in the best light.
Remember, the quality of your listing photos can be the difference between a home that sits on the market and one that sells quickly for top dollar.
At The Vince May Team, we understand the importance of high-quality photography in selling your home. That’s why we offer an in-house professional photographer who specializes in real estate. All photos are then edited by a third-party professional with expertise in real estate photography to ensure the best possible presentation. We also use drone aerial shots when it makes sense to highlight your property’s features from above. This full-service photography package is included when you work with an agent from The Vince May Team—ensuring your home looks its absolute best for potential buyers.