Real estate agents everywhere have taken note of just how enormous an impact the internet has had on the business. Gone are the days of cold calling, billboards and business cards. Even the way eager buyers look for their dream house has changed -- which is why having great photos for your listings is more important than ever.
Once upon a time there was only way for a home buyer to go and see a property, they actually had to go and see the property. But online listings have changed that forever. People can now look through hundreds of listings in one sitting, which means the photos of your listing make all the difference with their first impression.
Reason #1 - Everyone Likes Pictures
Nearly 90 percent of the information that goes to your brain is visual because our culture is visual. This all translates to online marketing, too. Eighty-five percent of the time the reason why most people click on a link or product is because of the image.
What that really means is: if the photos on your listing are lackluster, the average internet browser will just scroll right past it. Photos are your attention grabber.
Just look at how much nicer a home can look with just a little change in angles and lighting.
Reason #2 - Beautiful Images Say 10,000 Words
The internet may very well have shortened everyone’s attention span, so you only have a very short amount of time to catch someone’s eye. The best way to do that is with a beautiful image, not words. In fact, the better the image, the less words you’ll need.
Great listing photos are not only the most important factor in getting online browsers looking at your listing, but they also have numerous benefits to agents and the sellers.
Listings with outstanding photos often demand a higher asking price. Studies have also shown that listings with professional looking photos sell faster, which keeps the seller happy as well.
The Wall Street Journal has outlined just how important listing photos really are.
Reason #3 - Brand Yourself as an Expert Marketer
Professional property photos can also help agents with their brand, ensuring that they can present and market homes better than anyone else. Great photos or marketing can help showcase an agent’s effectiveness and prowess in the real estate business.
When neighbours or online browsers see how masterful you can showcase a house, they’re more inclined to hire you to sell their own property as well. Also, if there is competition for a listing, great photos can be the defining factor to help you win that listing.
Reason #4 - Photos Get You Clicks
Studies have shown that blogs with images get a whopping 94 percent more views than blogs without. The same principle is applied to listings. Listings with outstanding, colorful and clear pictures, get more attention. Period.
As an agent, you are the marketing expert when it comes to property, so it’s essential to understand the benefits of marketing photography and how to use it. The only photos that should be used are properly lit, high resolution photos.
That's A Wrap!
If you want to reach the next level as a real estate agent, it’s time to put away your camera phone, invest in some professional photography equipment and learn how to make all of your listings eye-catching and beautiful.
If you want to get an even more in depth look at the impact of professional photography, check out this special bonus tip for making your listings look even more luxurious!
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