Just about every Realtor I know groans and moans when we see bad listing photos. The question we always cry out sarcastically is, “has the seller not SEEN these hideous photos?!” And after that, “how did that agent ever get HIRED to list that home?!”  And what really chaps our hides is when it is a higher-priced listing with embarrassingly bad photos.

And I’m not being nit-picky or overly critical about the listing photos I see posted. I’m talking about agents who post photos where their thumb is in every photo or all the photos are lopsided like the agent was falling over or photos of toilets (don’t get me started on this one!). Seriously sellers, are you not seeing these bad photos of your house?!

But I digress. (Thank you for indulging me on that mini-rant.)

As a listing agent, I will not commit these photography sins for my sellers.

I do take my own photos however I have also invested the time to take photography classes, study specifically architectural photography, art, lighting, composition, marketing, and I’ve invested in the equipment.

I don’t claim to be Ansel Adams however I am at least cognizant of the importance of marketing a home with great photos. Photos are everything in real estate.  We are visual creatures. We look at the photos before we read the text description.

The only clients I have who get excited when they see a listing with no lights turned on, dirty socks on the floor, and out of focus photos are my investors and flippers.

They know that no “regular” buyer would be attracted to that listing. To them, this equals a listing they can come in and make a low-ball offer. And they are usually right.

Here is my approach on listing photos.

This is a typical bedroom.  It has a door, a window and a closet, and nothing else very interesting.

For Realtors who are marketing your home, your listing agent should think what are the most important features of this room with a door, a window and a closet? The window, of course.  And this window overlooks a greenbelt – even better!  A large window letting in lots of natural light and a greenbelt that provides privacy – what buyer wouldn’t want that?!  This simple shot says all of that.

This first photo is taken with a “regular” lens.  Not bad but here is better.

 

This second photo is using a wider lens and with external flashes.

Like my market analyses for my sellers, my photos are honest and true.  No Photoshopping has been done on either of these shots. These photos don’t look fake or overly done. I don’t think a buyer would feel a “bait and switch” when they tour this home in person, as that kind of marketing can backfire on any seller.

Sellers, please don’t accept bad listing photos.  You deserve more from your agent.

If you considering selling your home and you want an honest assessment of your home’s value, marketability and you desire strong marketing, call me today.