Photos - Do You Use A Professional Or No?

Carol - I take my own because I do have the equipment and also the interest. For those that don't, I highly recommend using a pro.

Hi Carol, I am fortunate to have purchased my own equipment 2 years ago.  I know what it is like to not be able to afford the equipment an time to take lessons, but if you ever have  chance, take a class and then learn what you need and over time you might be able to get one piece at a time, until you can do it yourself and not have to spend that $115.

Carol, A professional has the eye and knows how to capture the best angles, lighting and frame the photo. The photo-editing skills help a bunch too.

Good morning Carol. Depending on what I am attempting to accomplish, often I will use a professional. These results have usually been better.

Hi Carol.  It depends upon the time constraints.

Carol, best advice is to use a pro! There are exceptions, but a majority of the time a pro is recommended! Enjoy your day!

Hi Carol.  If I could have it done for $115, I would do it!  Here it would cost me over $200, and that's a lot for my modest listings.  I compensate by taking a LOT of photos and then editing the best ones.

Photos are where it all starts Carol! A bad listing photo can kill any hopes of a deal.

Almost every real estate agent in the universe speaks passionately about the advantages of buyers and sellers using a professional to represent them.  Some of us still believe that we should use an amateur (ourselves) to visually represent a listed property on brochures and the internet.  Consumers who hire a professional deserve photographs that are not PTBA's (photo taken by amateur).

The better the photos, the better the marketing results.  Some agents do a great job taking their own photos, but most do not.   I include in my services my "after" pics for my clients to use in their listings.  My photos are usually better than the pics the agents take....however, my photos are not the high quality of a professional photographer. 

We have done both, but I must say although the ones taken by the Pros were much better, the houses did not sell any quicker. We now usually use a Pro for luxury homes only, but sometimes we do use them for a Condo too...

Great point, I think having great pictures is a key component to getting a house sold.  

We usually get a profesional photographer to take picutres of our "million dollar + " listings.  We also have  great aeriel photographer for some of our listings.

I have gone the different route of learning Adobe Light Room V which has done wonders for enhancing my photos. 

I think it fascinates me and is kind of artsy so I enjoy the transformations.