There was a time when you or your real estate agent would snap a few quick listing photos with a cheap disposable camera, and that was good enough. But not anymore, thanks to the rise of the Internet and digital photography. With nearly 90% of home buyers in Texas beginning their search online, listing photos have become one of the most important factors in determining whether or not your home will sell. High-quality listing photos impact the sale of your home in several key areas: whether it sells at all, how quickly it sells, and the selling price.
General Observations About Listing Photos
According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of buyers who searched for homes online reported that photos were the most useful feature on the listing sites they visited. But it’s not just any photos that make an impact. In today’s real estate market, listing photos must be high quality to stand out. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned investor, having professional photos is essential for attracting the right buyers.
If you decide to take the photos yourself, it’s crucial to use a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. While smartphones have come a long way in terms of photo quality, they still don’t quite match the level of professionalism that a DSLR can offer. Sellers who use DSLR listing photos are far more likely to sell their homes within six months than those using point-and-shoot cameras. For example, homes in the $400,000-$500,000 price range that use DSLR photos have a 64% chance of selling within six months, while only 46% of homes with point-and-shoot photos sell within that timeframe.
This trend also applies to higher-end properties. For luxury homes priced over $1,000,000, the percentage increases to 35% for DSLR photos, compared to only 30% for homes with point-and-shoot photos.
Another tool that has become increasingly important in today’s real estate market is virtual tours. Virtual tours and virtual reality experiences allow realtors to provide an immersive, professional showcase of a home’s features. This is especially important for buyers who may be searching for homes from a distance, such as out-of-state or international buyers. High-quality digital images and virtual tours give buyers a complete, accurate idea of what the home looks like before they even step inside.
So, if you’re hoping for a quicker sale and higher return, investing in professional DSLR listing photos is a wise move.
Listing Photos for a Quicker Sale
As a general rule, homes with professionally photographed listings tend to sell faster, at a higher price, and with fewer obstacles than those with poor-quality images. Since nearly all buyers begin their search online, listing photos are one of the first things they see. Homes with clear, appealing photos get more attention, leading to quicker showings and faster sales.
Here’s some statistical proof that backs this up: homes priced around $400,000 that have professional listing photos sell three weeks sooner than homes with low-quality photos. For homes priced at $1,000,000, quality listing photos reduce the time on the market by up to four days.
When it comes to home buyers in Texas, speed matters. Many buyers are eager to find a home and move in quickly, and high-quality listing photos give them a clear idea of what they’re getting. Buyers can make more informed decisions faster, which means they’re more likely to schedule a showing and make an offer soon.
Quality Listing Photos for More Money
Another significant benefit of using high-quality listing photos is that they can help you sell your home for a higher price. Homes with sharp, clear photos have a much better chance of selling at or above list price compared to homes with poorly lit or blurry images.
Studies show that homes with the sharpest photos (those in the top 10%) are 44% more likely to sell at or above the list price. In contrast, homes with photos of average sharpness only have a 13% chance of selling at or above list price. This statistic clearly shows the importance of professional photos in attracting buyers willing to pay the asking price—or even more.
To achieve the sharpness and clarity that buyers expect, it’s essential to use a high-quality camera, good lighting, and proper framing. A professional photographer can ensure these elements are taken care of, leading to more appealing, accurate images of your property.
Whether you’re selling a charming starter home or a luxurious estate, sharp photos are crucial for making your listing stand out in the crowded Texas real estate market.
The Best Online Platforms for Listing Photos
After investing in high-quality listing photos, it’s important to make sure you are displaying them on the best platforms to maximize their sales impact. Popular listing sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin are the go-to destinations for most home buyers in Texas. However, these platforms are only effective if your photos are of top quality. Make sure to upload clear, well-lit photos that highlight the key selling points of your property.
In addition to traditional listing sites, don’t forget about social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where you can share your listing photos with a broader audience. These platforms allow you to create targeted ad campaigns, further increasing the visibility of your listing.
Using these platforms in combination with high-quality listing photos helps you reach a wider audience of home buyers in Texas, which can increase your chances of selling quickly and at a better price.
Ready to Sell Your Home in Houston?
Now that you know how essential listing photos are in today’s real estate market, are you ready to sell your home in Houston? Professional photos can help you sell faster, at a better price, and with fewer hurdles. If you’re ready to list your property, we can help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your home ready for the market. Whether you’re selling a family home or a luxury property, we have the expertise to guide you through every step of the process.
Give us a call at (713) 635-9000 or send us a message to get started today. Don’t let poor listing photos stand in the way of a successful sale. Let’s work together to make your property stand out to home buyers in Texas!