Before & After House Photos
A couple weeks ago my phone started its inevitable slow and painful death. After a few moments of complete panic without access to maps or anyway to access some listings, I realized a new phone was in order.
Sorry, to its legions of fans; but, I'm not really an Apple girl and am more of an Android user. In buying the new phone I knew that I needed a good camera so the new Samsung Galaxy 8+ was the way to go. On-line users touted its fantastic photo quality. I must agree, the pics are pretty spectacular.
Given the quality of their cell phone, some agents assume they can short-change their sellers by taking photos of their listings themselves. Especially listings in the lower price range.
Yesterday, I listed a charming home in a lakeside community. Many of these homes were cottages around the lake and have been modified over the years. When I arrived at the house, it was clean and organized so I decided to snap some pics with my snazzy new phone. I didn't rearrange anything or remove any personal items...I just walked and clicked.
For most agents, this is the sum total of how they begin their marketing for a new listing. They run in, often don't even turn on lights, take a few pictures and call it day. Friends, this is not a full service agent. If you are paying a full price commission, you should expect more--so demand more.
But, it's not just about the angles and lighting and camera equipment. A big part of my job is to set the stage for the photographer so I spend the hour before the shoot rearranging, editing personal items, even cleaning. Oh, the stories I could tell you....
I just received the professional photos from the photographer we use for this new listing. While my Samsung photos are good--and a million times better than some photos I see on-line--you can see just how much better the professional photos are.
Agent's Phone Photos | Professional High Quality | |
---|---|---|
I certainly can't be bothered to get out of my car and take the picture. And besides, you probably only want half a garage, right? | We moved the car out of the driveway and captured the whole house and garage. | |
The home is very tidy, but had some excess furniture that shows awkwardly in photos. | We removed some items on the fireplace, personal photos, and furniture to show off the space. Now, you notice the fireplace and high ceilings. | |
Close doors? Not necessary when you are a busy agent and want to get to the next house. | The photographer knows to stand farther back, ensure all other doors are closed, the space is clear & lights are on. | |
You only really need half a kitchen, anyway. | Professional photography allows buyers to see both sides of the kitchen. | |
This room is so bright and spacious yet it shows dark and narrow in agent photo. | With professional equipment you notice the sliding door and skylight. | |
Personal items and dark corners. | The photographer can bounce light into all corners of the room giving a brighter appearance. | |
Many agents will stand in the doorway of the room and take the only picture. | My photographer noticed the better shot was from the opposite corner. |
Presenting your home the right way is just the first step to a solid marketing plan. If the first step is wrong, how will the other steps go?
To learn more about how we will market your home , click here.
For price and details about the new listing:
406 Forest Drive, Island Lake, Illinois 60042 | The Edgewater Home Team | Weichert Realtors, McKee Real Estate
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