Real Estate Photos

High-quality images serve as the anchor to any listing be it residential, commercial, or other type of real estate. In the real estate world, first impressions are crucial, and premium quality photos are crucial to engaging potential customers’ interest. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports, photos are the top factor in a potential buyers’ first impression and that for upwards of 87% of those potential buyers’, photos are the primary factor in their initial assessment. Realistically, should a listing not draw a potential buyer in initially—on that first pass online—they may never return to dig deeper. Additional data points to listings selling faster and for higher sales prices where high quality real estate photographs were displayed. So, if no other media services are leveraged, investing in quality photos would seem to take top priority.

For professional real estate media services, quality equipment is a must. Although photography equipment comes in all shapes and sizes, real estate photography is optimally captured with digital single lens reflex (DSLR) and mirrorless cameras, with smaller and lighter bodies, making them easier to transport and definitely make sense when continuously moving around a property to capture the best angles, lighting, and shots. With the lens options for these cameras, photographers are also able to capture the wide angles needed to shoot larger-sized rooms. Additionally, with these types of quality cameras and the appropriate settings and editing techniques involved, no flashes are required making these ideal for the real estate photo shoot.

Of course, there are no cookie-cutter answers or instructions which will work in all cases, but there are some best practices which typically can make a considerable difference and have proven to be successful over time. Extra Mile Real Estate Media – Real Estate Photography San Antonio will do their best to provide this direction to the real estate professional or homeowner. To begin with, there is no substitute for a clean property. It is difficult for a potential buyer to focus on the good points of a location, especially in photos where there are so many other options, when they are distracted with a dirty or unkempt property. A thorough cleaning, inside and out – to include the yard and pool if applicable, will go a long way in allowing the real estate photos to look their best. When a property is clean, it is set up for the best opportunity for capturing exceptional photos to ultimately attract a potential buyer. Another top priority is to eliminate clutter. Simply put, minimize what remains in the property, allowing the photos to capture the potential of a property. Without distractions of clutter, potential buyers can imagine their own possibilities much easier.

In certain circumstances, it might make sense to take some steps to stage the property in preparation for your real estate photos.  This entails evaluating a space for the best possible layout and arranging furniture in a way to give a room an appealing layout. If the property is vacant, there is the option to physically stage it with simple, classic furniture and furnishings or virtually stage it which is more cost effective and becoming more and more popular. Again, there are no stock answers which work all the time, so common sense and wisdom is advised. For the exterior of a property, it might make sense to put some work into the location’s appeal. By taking the initial step back prior to the photo shoot and assessing any needed changes, simple steps might be identified such as ensuring the lawn is freshly cut, free of leaves or excessive weeds and any shrubbery and trees which look unkempt are trimmed so the house be seen clearly. Power washing the driveway can help brighten up the pictures, especially if there are unsightly stains and certainly impacts the first impression as well. Also adding some color, such as a few potted plants to highlight the entryway are all options to consider prior to having your real estate photos done.