Real Estate Photography – Create a Memorable First Impression
Real estate photos are an essential part of a listing and often one of the first things a prospective buyer sees. They can either make or break a sale.
Hiring a professional real estate photographer has many benefits. A professional uses a wide angle lens that does not cause distortion and has the experience to get great shots on a cloudy day.
Interior
The interior of a real estate photography studio needs to be well lit and clean. You should have a variety of backdrops available, as well as props to use in photos. For example, you might have some rugs, lamps, or flowers that can add color and texture to the photo. You should also have a white or gray background to help buyers see the details of the home’s rooms.
The best time to take real estate photos is on a bright, sunny day. The light will make the room look larger and more open, which will attract potential buyers. Avoid using flash, as it can cause unattractive shadows and glares. If you are taking photos of the exterior, it is best to do so on a cloudy day, as this will reduce the amount of sun glare.
Most people, 90% according to Redfin, look at listings online before they go out and view properties. If the photos look dark and dingy, they will skip over the property and move on to another listing with better-looking photos. Professional real estate photographers know how to showcase a property’s best features and improve the odds of a sale. They can even create virtual tours of a property that will appeal to potential buyers. They work for a commission from the real estate agent who is selling the property, so they want to get the best possible results.
Exterior
The exterior of a home is just as important as the interior. A professional real estate photographer will know how to use natural light and what angles to capture the property’s best features. They may also know how to take photos of trees, shrubs and other landscaping that will add to a home’s curb appeal.
Real estate photography is not something that can be done on a cell phone or with a point-and-shoot camera. A professional knows how to shoot and edit real estate photographs so they will look great online. They will also be able to edit flaws such as distracting shadows and power lines or tree branches that might be obstructing a photograph.
A home or commercial property that has been professionally photographed is more likely to sell quickly. In fact, studies have shown that listings with professional photos spend ten days less on the market than those without them.
One of the biggest mistakes that agents and brokers make is trying to take their own real estate listing photos. These photos are usually not as good as a professional’s, and they can create an impression of incompetence on the part of the agent or broker. In addition, unauthorized use of real estate photos can create legal problems for the agents, brokers and MLSs. It is important to have a written agreement with the photographer outlining who owns the photos and how they can be used.
Staging
Real estate photos can make or break the sale of a home, so it’s important to use professional home staging techniques. If a property looks empty in the photos, potential buyers may pass it by in favor of another property that looks more lived-in.
Home staging is more than just arranging furniture. It’s also about presenting a lifestyle that buyers are looking for. For example, a well-staged home might feature a cozy fireplace or a beautiful kitchen. It might also have a unique outdoor feature, like a pool or garden.
Staging a home isn’t easy, but it can be done in a few steps. First, it’s important to depersonalize the space by removing personal items and hiding any private documents. Next, it’s important to declutter the space to make it look bigger. Finally, it’s important to take photos from different angles to capture the best details of the home.
Traditional staging is expensive because it requires physical furniture arrangement. It can be even more expensive for realtors who have to hire a furniture rental company and hunt for the right pieces. Virtual staging, on the other hand, eliminates these expenses by using computer-generated images of furnished rooms. This service is becoming increasingly popular among real estate agents because it can save them time and money. The photos can be used on websites, flyers, brochures, and social media.
Marketing
With today’s buyer fatigue and short attention spans, it’s more important than ever to create a memorable first impression. With professional real estate photography, sellers can stand out from the competition and build a strong connection with potential buyers from the start.
A good real estate photographer understands how to capture the innate beauty of each home and neighborhood. They will also know how to stage and light each property for maximum impact.
Using professional real estate photos can increase the number of online views and speed up the listing process. In addition, it shows potential buyers that the agent is serious about their business and will provide quality results.
When hiring a real estate photographer, it’s important to ask about legal rights. Who owns the photographs depends on the photographer’s contract with the agent or brokerage. Depending on the agreement, the photographer may retain all rights or sell them in part.
With a full range of ancillary marketing services, including HDR still photography, drone, and Matterport 3D tours, Lunghi Studio offers high-quality image quality at affordable prices, with fast turnarounds in the formats required for the MLS. The company also provides branded marketing materials for each listing, including print brochures and flyers, and social media images.