Do photos really matter when selling a home? Really do they?

Pictures do matter!

One very nice home here sat on the market for almost a year, while houses around it sold - same fuzzy pictures, just a few, and 2 main shots had the sellers' dog in them.  I am a dog lover, but not everyone is - the image of somebody else's dog's hair in the carpet ....

Absolutely pictures matter.  With most buyers starting their search on the internet if you don't have pictures the chances of them actually looking are pretty slim.

Yes photos really do matter!! I have a hard time showing or adding a home on my list of homes to show if there are no photos in the MLS! Bad photos are better than no photos I think. It appears you proved this with your short sale listing getting an offer after only one day on the market with 17 photos included. Nice work Lynn!

Of course they matter! Buyers think there is something wrong with the place if there are no photos!

Not only quantity.... but mostly quality! Get the right angles, right lighting can enhance the appearance of the home, it will show better online. Get them in the door....

Pictures do matter. When the buyer is creating an A pile and a B pile of houses to tour, better and more pictures could be the difference.

Hi Lynn--delighted to read this post and not have it written by a stager--since we love to harp on this subject, too.  Buyers have so many choices today that their listing photos must grab attention.  I love your line about "violating the customer's expectations of you." 

Is there any realtor in his right mind who would disagree that good photos (and staging) make a huge difference in marketing the property?

Contgrats on a fast sale....

Lynn, your last statement insinuates that the agent must take their own photos.  Taking great photos takes a certain skill set, and dare I say a bit of talent, not all agents will have or be able to acquire.  Being a great real estate agent takes a number of skills, many of which can be farmed out.  With the proliferation of real estate photographers these last few years, I would suggest one be hired.  I know, I know, the cost becomes a barrier, but does the agent have to foot the bill?  The agent doesn't pay to have the home repainted or de-cluttered.  I see professional photography as one of those things that will make the property more appealing to a buyer.  The agent can make the suggestion that professional photography be considered along with the reasons that it's a good idea and then provide a list of photographers to the seller.  If the seller chooses not to have professional marketing photos done, then the agent is forced to do the best they can.  Okay photos are better than no photos, but bad photos are not always better than no photos.  What do you think?

Did you catch the part where I said, have the property owner pay for the pro photos?  What do you think about that?

Photos do matter, but I hate the bathroom photos.  And, if the bedroom is empty, do we need to see it? 

Be creative, but be honest, please.