The typical American homebuyer invests around 8 weeks in their quest for a home, ultimately shortlisting nine properties, yet only examining four either in person or via a live virtual tour, or 3D floor plan. As buyers streamline their selections, sellers face the risk of their homes not making the final cut. Below, we’ve compiled these facts as part of our continuous series on real estate statistics. As evident, visual media emerges as a crucial component in driving consumer interest and showings, ultimately resulting in successful transactions. In the realm of real estate, visuals play a pivotal role in attracting potential buyers to properties. In most cases, high performing agents leverage professional real estate photographers to capture properties effectively.
Yet, what sets apart a professional photograph from a regular iPhone shot? Smartphone photos may possess decent camera quality, but the distinction lies in their impact: a vital difference that justifies the investment in professional photography.
Consider this: Your property’s first impression might be your only chance to engage potential buyers and seal a deal. Imagine scrolling through your feed and halting at an image that resonates deeply, evoking an emotional connection. That image wasn’t random; it was carefully curated to resonate with your desires—crafted by a professional. To seize this potential connection,agents hire real estate photographers to elevate their property listings.
This prompts the question: What makes real estate photography so pivotal?
According to The Wall Street Journal:
When browsing properties for sale, the majority of homebuyers dedicate 60% of their time to viewing listing photos. In contrast, only 20% of their time is allocated to reading the listing description and agent details combined. This data underscores the significance of prioritizing the quality and appeal of your property photos over the description itself. Given that individuals tend to skim through detailed descriptions, the photos become the focal point and hold the highest engagement for potential buyers.
In Real Estate, A Picture Is Worth $1,000 or More (picture)
The reliance on photos in the decision-making process of the average homebuyer cannot be overstated. To captivate their attention and etch a memorable impression, the significance of high-quality images, particularly in real estate, cannot be overlooked. Photos stand as the primary gateway to seizing your customers’ interest.
Furthermore, the impact of professional real estate photography extends beyond mere visual appeal; it significantly influences the selling price of your property.
Consumers gravitate toward professionally presented images, prompting increased clicks and inquiries—a direct correlation between visual excellence and customer engagement.
Research from Ruby Home Luxury Real Estate states that:
- Listings with pro-quality listing images close between $934 and $116,076 higher than comparable listings with low-quality photography (According to the Wall Street Journal)
- Homes marketed with professional photos sell faster, which is clearly desirable for home sellers and their agents.
- Real estate listings that include professional photography sold 32% faster, spending 89 days on market compared to 123 days for other homes.
- Agents who use professional real estate photography make double the average gross commission income compared to agents who don’t use professional photography.
How professional photography can yield higher profits
Evidence from real estate studies consistently demonstrates that homes showcased with superior-quality photos tend to command higher asking prices in the market.
Moreover, agents who hire real estate photographers and professional media services often secure double the commission compared to their counterparts who do not.
In essence, it’s a win-win situation.
Broadly speaking, consumers are inclined to pay a premium based on their perception of a brand. And when it comes to projecting your brand image, nothing speaks louder than the caliber of your product photography. Therefore, properties boasting crisp, professional-grade images not only instill trust in homebuyers but also stimulate their willingness to invest at higher prices.
Essentially, professional photography expedites the sales process by accelerating property turnover on listings. In today’s digital age, potential buyers browse through a myriad of property listings. The challenge lies in capturing their attention, compelling them to pause and explore your offering, letting them evaluate how your property aligns with their needs. High-quality imagery emerges as instrumental in achieving this goal, so it seems ideal for more agents to hire real estate photographers and utilize these services to maximize their profits.
Add-ons to enhance your real estate listings
Moreover, consider add-ons such as floor plans, 3D video walkthroughs, drone services, and more. These will assist potential homebuyers in envisioning themselves in their future homes. Most real estate photographers offer these packages, so ensure to discuss your specific listing requirements with your real estate media provider.
- Homes with aerial photos sell 68% faster (Ruby Home Luxury Real Estate)
- 403% more inquiries are driven from listings with video (source: NAR Realtor).
As a bonus, inquire with your photographers about repurposing some content for social media. Not only will this generate additional interest from potential buyers, but it will also position you as a distinguished real estate agent capable of elevating your real estate practice.
If you do not currently have a real estate photographer, we recommend checking out this directory.
Find a real estate photographer in your area who can assist you with all your real estate imaging needs. P.S: CubiCasa Preferred Photographers include a floor plan in every listing! Find the right photographer for you here.
Try CubiCasa now
