Photos Matter. A Lot.
June 1, 2008
I was at a new listing with my photographer the other day. He takes the photos, and I play assistant: holding flashes, stopping ceiling fans, opening blinds, clearing counters, holding the pool cleaner hose out of the shot, that sort of thing.
So I’m hiding in a nook with my Seller in the kitchen, just outside of the photographer’s 
shot, ready to spring into action to move something on or off the counter, and my Seller turns to me and says:
This sure is different from what the last agent did.
Turns out, the last agent came over with a 
disposable camera, snapped a few shots, and went on their merry way.
So yeah, I can see how this would be different.
I think having good house photos when you’re trying to sell is one of the most important things. If your home doesn’t look 
attractive and inviting in photos, then no one is going to want to come and see it.
Good real estate photos takes some skill too. Personally, I know the kind of shots that I want, but I don’t have the camera equipment or the patience to learn how to do it. I hire out my photography, and it’s hardest working money I spend on a listing, 
hands-down.
I won’t post the old agent’s photos to protect the (not so) innocent, but I think my photographer’s work stands alone, even without showing you the other photos for comparison purposes.
I don’t care if you’re selling yourself or if 
you’re listed with another agent. Demand good photos. I don’t care about the list price of your home either. Every home needs superb photography, from the $90,000 condo to the million plus mansion.
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8 Responses to “Photos Matter. A Lot.”
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Gorgeous!
It’s a sad state that every day I see properties that expire from the MLS with not one single photo. The listing has been live for a minimum of 3 months and the agent didn’t even bother to show up with a camera- not even a disposable camera!?!? Someone needs to fire them.
I’m no professional photographer, but I do pay attention to what I’m doing, and I do think about what I’m doing, and if all that fails, I take a boat of photos so I’m guaranteed to get a few good shots. It costs nothing to delete the junk and save the good stuff.
I couldn’t agree more! Seeing how close to 80% of home shoppers utilize the Internet when searching for their next home, it only makes sense to have good pictures to go along side the listing info. In my opinion, photos sell homes.. so real estate agents should take time to stage rooms and yards for pictures. Or better yet, do what you have done and hire a professional!
Your photographer is very talented and knows how to use light to highlight the property. Most photographers would overlook the low light/night photos but you miss a unique “romantic” perspective on the property.
Good photography can make or break the amount of activity you get on a listing. You obviously have a handle on how to do a good job with your photos.
It amazes me sometimes the lack of effort agents put into something so simple.
“Turns out, the last agent came over with a disposable camera, snapped a few shots, and went on their merry way.” — Housechick
Ouch!
You gotta dress to impress. When potential homeowners view a home it’s either “love at first sight” or “honey, let’s get outta here!”
When you go out on a date, you dress your best don’t ya? The home’s gotta do the same thing.
Housechick…I’m with Joseph. Your photographer is VERY talented!
[...] says “Photos Matter A Lot”. I’m not going to [...]
[...] Photos matter. A lot. Kelly Koehler believes the investment put into good listing photos is worth every penny. It still amazes me how dark and blurry some listing photos are, if you’ve ever viewed a home which is much nicer than the photos made out then the agent is not doing a great job. Read more at The Housechick Blog. [...]
[...] Photos Matter. A Lot. [...]