What’s the difference between properties that are listed online for weeks and those that sell immediately? One criterion usually stands out clearly: the quality of the presentation and the property photos. With the help of professional real estate photography, you can optimally showcase your properties and ensure a higher-quality presentation.
When does it make sense to use professional real estate photos? Using professional real estate photos is almost always a wise decision because they allow your property to be showcased in its best light. High-quality images enhance your listings and can help speed up the selling process. This is particularly important in highly competitive markets and when dealing with high-end properties, where a premium presentation can make all the difference.
Professional real estate photography offers numerous advantages for agents, such as enhanced credibility and an increased likelihood of faster sales closures. In this article, you’ll learn when professional photos truly add value and in which cases you might opt for self-taken images.
- Why is visual presentation so important in real estate?
- When are professional photos particularly worthwhile?
- What are the advantages of professional real estate photos?
- What is the difference between professional photos and homemade photos?
- What are the costs – and when is the investment worthwhile?
- What alternatives are there for small budgets?
- What mistakes should be avoided in real estate photography?
- Which technologies and trends are revolutionizing real estate photography?
- Conclusion: When are professional photos the best choice?
Why is visual presentation so important in real estate?
When potential buyers browse online for properties to buy or rent, the decision is often made very quickly. Within a few seconds, they determine whether a property looks appealing enough to make it to the “next round.” The visual presentation plays a crucial role in forming that first impression. If the first photo convinces them, this initial step is accomplished, and they are motivated to explore more of the property.
A convincing first impression is primarily created by high-quality images. When these images manage to evoke emotions, potential buyers and tenants immediately feel an attraction to the property. Well-crafted photos have the ability to generate emotional imagery in the minds of prospects, which can positively influence their decision to purchase or rent.
Multiple studies highlight the importance of a high-quality property presentation. In the 2024 NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Study, 66% of home buyers indicated that photos are an essential criterion when searching for homes online, underscoring the vital role of professional imagery in capturing interest and engaging potential buyers.
When are professional photos particularly worthwhile?
Professional photos add value to all types of properties—in some cases, they’re even essential for a successful sale. This is especially true in two situations:
- In highly competitive markets, where supply exceeds demand, an outstanding presentation allows you to differentiate your property from other listings. This elevated visual appeal makes your property more attractive and encourages multiple potential buyers to take a closer look.
- For properties that are challenging to market, professional photos play a crucial role by emphasizing a property’s unique strengths. By highlighting its standout features, any shortcomings are relegated to the background, which in turn increases the likelihood of a positive decision by potential buyers or tenants.
- Luxury real estate and high-priced properties: To justify premium prices, it is essential that luxurious properties are presented in the best possible light. High-quality images exude professionalism and credibility, clearly demonstrating that the property is worth its price. This refined presentation not only captures the attention of discerning buyers, but it also reinforces the exclusive nature of the property, making it more appealing in a competitive market.
Moreover, professional staging is crucial for properties that are still under construction or require renovation. In these cases, along with professional photos, virtual home staging adds significant value. This technique allows the property to be digitally furnished or renovated, enabling you to showcase its full potential and helping potential buyers visualize future possibilities.
Studies have demonstrated that professional real estate photography significantly enhances sales prospects. A RubyHome statistic, for instance, indicates that properties featuring professional photos sell up to 32% faster and can command higher prices compared to those listed with lower-quality images.
What are the advantages of professional real estate photos?
Many different criteria ensure that a property creates an excellent overall impression. Small details often have a big impact. A professional photographer understands the essential elements that make for high-quality images and offers these advantages, among others:
- Perfect lighting for a pleasant ambience
- Ideal angles and perspectives that emphasize the advantages of a property
- Professional image editing that presents an object in a natural and advantageous way
Professionals with extensive experience in real estate photography know exactly what appeals to prospective buyers and what details are essential to showcase your property effectively. Even unique architectural features are naturally highlighted, ensuring your property is presented in the best possible light.
Professional real estate photos also send a clear message: They position you as an expert and build trust. This signals to home buyers that you have professional approach and industry experience.
What is the difference between professional photos and homemade photos?
Professional real estate photography is a craft that must be learned. DIY shots are often immediately recognizable at first glance and in many cases leave a poor impression. Here are some typical characteristics of DIY photos and professional shots in comparison:
- Inadequate lighting vs. optimal light: The right lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere and enhances rooms.
- Unfavorable perspectives vs. ideal viewing angles: The right angles show rooms at their best and make them appear spacious.
- Disturbing elements in the picture vs. a tidy and orderly apartment: A clean and orderly property makes a welcoming impression.
- Blurry images or poor quality vs. high-resolution images: High-quality images indicate professionalism.
Professional photographers not only prevent your property from being devalued by presentation errors but also manage to bring out the absolute best in an object. They work deliberately to showcase a property in the most favorable way possible and succeed in capturing its unique character. Only in this manner can potential buyers develop an emotional response, which in turn helps properties sell better.
What are the costs – and when is the investment worthwhile?
To obtain professional real estate photos, you should plan a specific budget. Depending on the size of the property and the additional services desired, prices can vary—from a few hundred francs to amounts in the four-digit range. However, keep in mind that this investment often pays for itself, as it increases the chances of faster sales and better prices.
At Visualista, you can get real estate photography of the highest quality starting at CHF 299 per apartment. Depending on the property, you receive between 20 and 40 professionally edited photos (both interior and exterior shots) at this price point. For a house, you should budget CHF 399. Furthermore, you naturally have the option to book additional services, including:
- Drone footage: CHF 399
- 2D floor plan: CHF 99 per floor
- Virtual Staging: ab CHF 149 pro Foto
- Virtual tour: from CHF 299
If you’d like to book several of our services, one of our packages may be worth it. Compared to booking the individual services, you’ll save money and get the most out of your property presentation.
Include the cost of real estate photos as a fixed part of your marketing budget. In almost every case, the investment is worthwhile: it increases the value of your property and optimizes your sales process. In our blog, you can learn in detail how professional real estate photography speeds up the sale.
What alternatives are there for small budgets?
If a professional photo session is absolutely out of your budget right now, you can still take some great photos of your property yourself. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:
- Use the right equipment: Rent or borrow a professional SLR camera. Even newer smartphones take high-quality photos these days. A tripod helps prevent camera shake.
- Make sure you get a good exposure: Turn on all the lights and choose a time with good natural light (e.g., morning or evening sun). Shoot in manual mode and set the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture correctly. Also, make sure the view out the window doesn’t appear overexposed.
- Consider perspective: Use a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the room as possible—at least two walls should be visible in interior shots. Point the camera straight to avoid unflattering converging lines.
- Familiarize yourself with image editing software: Programs like GIMP are available for free and offer the essential features for editing real estate photos. Don’t overdo it.
Of course, it’s also possible to use a combination of DIY photos and professional shots for your property presentation. For example, you might choose professional photos for the initial images and supplement the listing with high-quality self-taken photos. This approach allows you to immediately capture the attention of potential buyers while still saving some money.
What mistakes should be avoided in real estate photography?
To create professional-looking real estate photos, numerous things must be taken into account. Here are some common mistakes amateur photographers often make:
- Untidy and unclean
- Personal items in the picture
- Poor lighting
- Unfavorable image sections, e.g. too close
- Excessive image editing
Make sure the photos authentically convey the character of the property. Don’t promise more than the property can actually deliver, to avoid disappointing potential buyers.
Before taking pictures of your property, spend some time familiarizing yourself with real estate photography. Pay special attention to preparing the rooms properly, as this is essential for showcasing your property in the best possible way. In our blog, you can find an in-depth article on how to avoid the most common mistakes in property presentation.
Bright bedroom with large window front and stylish furnishings
Nowadays, you have a multitude of options available for presenting your property. Among others, the following technologies help you market your property more attractively:
- Drone footage creates a great overall picture, which adds significant value, especially for luxurious homes and properties with large grounds.
- 3D tours and virtual walkthroughs offer potential buyers an immersive experience. Additionally, property viewings become more flexible and easily accessible.
- AI-based image editing, such as virtual home staging, optimizes the presentation of properties in need of renovations or that are unfurnished.
All these trends give potential buyers an even more in-depth look at your property. Consequently, your listings become more appealing and engaging. This ensures that your offering reaches more potential buyers, which not only extends your reach but, ideally,
Conclusion: When are professional photos the best choice?
In general, professional real estate photos are always a good choice. For high-priced and luxurious properties, as well as markets with strong competition, they are even an indispensable tool in real estate marketing.
With high-quality images, you can not only showcase your properties in the best possible light, but also strengthen your brand as a real estate agent. By positioning yourself as an expert through effective property presentation, you gain the trust of potential buyers.
Use professional real estate photography to optimally showcase your properties and close deals faster. Learn more about Visualista now and discover our services!
