Is your home only worth an amateur snap?
Occasionally I try my hand at some DIY. Maybe fixing something simple, sometimes some basic tasks like making a small veg bed. However, owning some tools and sawing some wood does not make me a carpenter or a builder. If it’s a straightforward job, I can get by. But I certainly wouldn’t offer my services to other people and definitely wouldn’t charge them for it! I’m sure handymen (and women) are breathing a sigh of relief at that revelation.
Quite often I’ll see some posts on social media from estate agents of a new home on the market with pictures they have taken themselves using a smartphone. I don’t think they’d call themselves photographers but it is notable that they will use these photos as part of service that a client will in some way be paying for. Yes, smartphones might be just as expensive as some professional cameras, and the lenses have improved significantly, but - to paraphrase Dr Ian Malcolm, don’t be so preoccupied with thinking whether you could use your smartphone to consider whether you should.
Don't (photo) shoot the messenger!
Now, before people start firing off messages of complaint, let me add some clarity that I’m not suggesting that a quick snap, or a selfie stick tour around a property don’t have their place as part of a package of marketing - not at all! These candid snaps, and the “in the moment” tours can add a bit of realism and strip away any pretence that can appeal to some people.
However, if iPhone snaps are the main images you’re going to use, then it suggests you don’t think it’s a home worth showcasing. Either the estate agent doesn’t want to ensure that your home is seen in the best light (or are trying to penny pinch) or you don’t think it matters. A poor photo can seem like a poor house. I think there are three key reasons for using a professional photographer.
CLASS AND QUALITY
When it comes to selling a property - much like most things in life - first impressions are crucial. The quality of the photographs that represent your property can significantly influence how many potential buyers will consider viewing it in person.
Professional photographers can capture the essence of a property in a way that amateur photos cannot. They know how to use light, including the best time of day to take the pictures to maximise natural light, and also what angles will best illustrate a room. *Quick hint - You can often tell if an Estate Agent doesn't use a professional photographer if all the pictures are taken from the corner of a room, most likely using a wide angle setting.
On the other hand, poorly taken amateur photos can make even the most stunning property appear uninviting, cramped, or dark. In the world of online property listings, where buyers can easily scroll past your property, professional photography can make the difference between your home better, me being overlooked or becoming a must-see.
There’s a reason why actors will invest in a professional photographer over a quick selfie for their headshots - not only will the quality be better, but they will also be objective in knowing what shots are the most flattering.
2. SHOW ME THE MONEY
One of the most compelling reasons to use an estate agent that invests in professional photography is the financial return it can offer.
Despite surveys and studies showing that quality photography has a significant impact on the houses people want to view and Estate Agents saying how important the photos are, a surprising number still don’t invest in quality, professional images. Whilst the data suggesting properties sell for HIGHER PRICES when using professional photography is a bit dated and centred around the American market, I can give numerous examples of where I’ve been asked to value a house that hasn’t sold with a another agent and when I look at marketing and brochures, it’s clear the photos aren’t helping show the property off. Once we re-market with new imagery (and some other marketing tweaks) there has been an uptick in interest and then a successful sale.
Moreover, professional photography can help position your property as a premium listing. Buyers often associate high-quality photos with high-quality properties. This perception is crucial in a market where buyers are often willing to pay a premium for homes that appear well-maintained and move-in ready.
Additionally, professional photographers can offer services such as virtual tours, drone photography, and twilight shots, which can further enhance the appeal of your property. These advanced techniques can give your listing a competitive edge, particularly for properties with unique or desirable features.
3. ALL THE HOME’S A STAGE
All of my properties are photographed and videoed by Francis Ambler, a professional photographer who specialises in property who I have worked closely with for over 15 years. His expertise and background in architecture is crucial in capturing the images that best illustrate a house. We spend a lot of time discussing the flow of a house and even re-arranging furniture to highlight the features of a room. This staging of the house for photography can take us a few hours but it is invaluable.
As well as taking care and time and using his knowledge and experience to find the best angles for each room, Francis also takes a series of “lifestyle” shots that will often highlight parts of the home that people wouldn't otherwise pay as much attention to - the type of shots that provoke a feeling or emotion.
I can say without a doubt that his photos and videos have certainly made a difference in finding great buyers and achieving the best price for my clients. Wouldn’t you want to show your house in the best light? And after all, isn’t your house worth more than the same effort someone uses to post a picture of their breakfast?
You can hear my podcast interview with Francis where we talk about some of these examples in more detail by clicking right here.
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