Quality Photos Set My Listings Apart

3/4/2009

Knox County Ohio is a very competitive community when it comes to selling residential real estate.  There are a tremendous number of homes currently on the market and the reality is that many of these homes will remain unsold.  Most people believe the reason a home doesn't sell is strictly due to the listing price but the reality is that it is often a result of weak marketing and bad photos.  

Bad Real Estate Photo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is an example of how many homes appear on real estate websites and inside the Knox County MLS.  The quality of this very dark photo is actually not uncommon especially when viewing the interior photos of homes and their virtual tours.  Dark photos are not inviting and they tend to make the rooms look much smaller.  Home buyers are not attracted to homes that look or feel dark or small.  A photo like the one above can instantly eliminate buyer interest in your home and it will generally cause your home to remain on the market longer and it can cause your home to remain unsold.  The bottom line is that poor photos can hurt your home sale. 

Sam Miller Real Estate Interior Photo Example

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The difference between the upper and lower photo is very obvious.  There is no doubt that if the home owner had a choice between these two photos they would select the 2nd photo over the top photo every time.  The reality is that sellers always have this choice available and they should select their real estate professional based on the the number of homes the agent has  sold, the agents track record and their reputation, their use of technology to attract interested buyers, the quality of their photos, virtual tours, videos, websites and make sure you choose your agent based on the agents ability to market your home. 

Here is a helpful online blog article that highlights the difference between photos taken with a basic digital camera lens angle, a slightly wider angle lens and an ultra wide angle 10 mm lens.  You will be blown away by the differences an ultra wide angle lens can offer.  This is a must see photo comparison because once you see the photos you will understand why you should ask your agent what type of camera and lens they use when marketing your home.

Sam Miller 

Sam Miller

Sam this is another great example of the difference the photos and the Realtor can make in a listing and sale. I was just having this conversation last week with John after reading your post on camera lenses. I'm trying to convince John to let me get a Fish-Eye lense to use as a marketing tool and listing presentation kicker!

Allen F. Hainge (3/9/2009)
Great post...as usual! Once again, I and others learn from you, my friend!

Sam Miller (3/5/2009)
Thanks everyone for all the positive comments. Real estate digital photography is certainly a hot topic in this market. I plan to build on this topic a bit further for the benefit of sellers and real estate professionals. Sam

James Nellis (3/5/2009)
Sam- I completely agree... with more buyers shopping online you have to "wow" them upfront- 1 bad photo could lose the sale!!

Mark Porter (3/5/2009)
Sam, once again, great entry on digital imaging and great expansion on your wide angle lens topic. Your marketing & stats really show the difference a little extra effort can make when selling homes!

Joe Lininger (3/5/2009)
The differences between these two pictures are striking. Good exposure is so important.

Jeremy Chubb (3/4/2009)
Great blog with great information. The second photo looks 10 times better then the first.

Kirk Greer (3/4/2009)
Sam, great blog and how true you are. We have been playing with lighing also. Just got an agent that is into social media and video. Hoping to improve our tours. Kirk
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