Why are high-quality real estate photos so important for selling?

Buying real estate without photos

Have you ever wondered what it's like to meet a girl online without having her photo? A similar question can also be asked in the context of buying real estate, believes Alexander Sundukov, who recently became the owner of an apartment in Bulgaria through the "Tranio" platform. He emphasizes:“High-quality photographs provide much more information than even the most detailed text descriptions.”

Lack of trust in images

However, not all buyers fully trust the photographs. Nadezhda Komarova, who recently became the owner of an apartment in London, shares her experience:“The photographs were not a decisive factor in my choice. While reviewing the offers, I noticed that 80% of the properties looked significantly less appealing in reality than in the pictures.”Nevertheless, it should be acknowledged that high-quality images can attract customers, while poor-quality photos can deter potential buyers and negatively impact sales.

Recommendations from "Tranio" for improving photographs

Experts from the "Tranio" platform have compiled a series of recommendations to help improve the appeal of real estate photos and avoid common mistakes:

• Never publish ads without images.
• Try to include at least 10-12 quality photos of each item.
• Remember that "a picture is worth a thousand words."

The significance of images in advertisements

Photographs play a key role in advertisements. Classic works also support this idea:“An image will give me a clearer understanding than a description that takes up a whole tenth of the book.”“— claims one of the characters in Turgenev's novel.”

The desire of customers to see the product

When buyers are looking for something, whether it's clothing, household appliances, or cars, they want to see what they are about to purchase. Alexander Sundukov notes:“I wouldn’t even pay attention to ads without photos.”Jakob Nielsen, a renowned expert in web usability, emphasizes in his work:“Images are the most powerful form of conveying information, as people respond strongly to visual representations.”

The importance of high-quality photographs

Research confirms that high-quality real estate photos are one of the key factors attracting attention to your listing. Dr. Michael D. Zeiler, who leads the IBERE Research Institute in the USA, noted in a 2002 study:“In most cases, it is the photographs of the properties that are the first thing visitors to real estate websites notice.”

The impact of photographs on market value

In 2008, Paul Ernesto Carrillo, an economist from George Washington University, conducted a study on the impact of images and virtual tours on the real estate market. He concluded that the absence of photographs significantly lowers the market price of a property and prolongs the sales process.Adding at least ten photos can increase the value of the deal by 1.7%These figures highlight the importance of quality property presentation.

Conclusion

Considering all of the above, it is clear that a lack of good photographs can lead to missed potential buyers and a decrease in the value of your listing. No amount of information, no matter how detailed, can have the same impact as a suitable image that allows clients to "see" the property. Make sure your listings include high-quality photos of the properties, and your chances of a successful sale will significantly increase.

The partners of the company "Tranio" unanimously express their support for the common position. Vestard Rosenberg, who manages Baltic Sotheby’s, emphasizes:“The lack of quality visual materials always has a negative impact on the deal-making process.”Realtor Ilya Bitkov from Coldwell Banker expresses similar thoughts:“In today's world, where more and more clients are turning to the internet to search for real estate, simply listing a property for sale is clearly not enough. It is essential to make it appealing with high-quality photos, detailed floor plans, and virtual tours.”.

Quality photographs as a key to success

Experts strongly recommend adding at least 10-12 images to listings that showcase different angles and spaces of the property. It's important to carefully consider the order of the photos in the gallery so that they create a coherent visual representation of the offered property. Among the key characteristics of the photos are their appeal and informativeness. Try to ensure that the images are not only visually pleasing but also contain the necessary information for buyers and renters. The visual appeal of the images plays a crucial role in attracting clients. As Nadezhda Komarova states:“I only selected apartments for viewing from those that impressed me in the photos.”.

Factors for a successful photoshoot

“We pay special attention to capturing the beauty of the object and its surroundings as much as possible in the photographs.”“Ilya Bitkov adds. He also mentions that many factors are taken into account:”

• weather conditions;
• orientation of the facade in relation to the cardinal directions;
• the state of landscaping on the site.

Often, to create the most successful shots, techniques such as aerial photography, evening photo sessions, and others are used. Tireless editing of the images also turns out to be an important stage.

Moderation in editing

Nevertheless, it is important to maintain balance and not to overdo it with retouching.“Sometimes companies present photos of real objects, but they look as if they are 3D graphics models — and the buyer is unable to understand whether this is a genuine image.”“— notes Maria Tsvetkova, manager of Cybarco. Alexandra Sundukova also expresses dissatisfaction with such photos:”“I’m stopped by the demonstration photos from advertising catalogs: it’s immediately obvious that they’re not real.”Even high-quality 3D models can appear cold and less convincing to potential clients.

Informative content as the main priority

For many clients and partners of the company "Tranio," the informativeness of the photos is of utmost importance. Dmitry Sirin, who reached out to "Tranio" with the intention of finding a place to relax, claims:“It would be great if we had photos of all the rooms, preferably from different angles and perspectives.”This approach allows buyers to better understand what they are considering, thereby ensuring a higher level of trust and interest in the presented items.

Conclusion

Quality visual content is the foundation of successful deals and attracting the attention of potential buyers, which is especially important in the highly competitive real estate market.

Introduction

In the real estate world, there is a belief that even a positive impression of a property can quickly be ruined if the images do not reflect reality. This can create difficulties for those viewing the property, as they have to guess whether the furniture is a continuation of certain interior elements shown in previous photos.

Expert opinion

Oksana Salfali, head of London Relocation Consultancy, shares her experience, noting that many clients during property viewings often compare the photos in brochures and on online platforms with the actual condition of the homes. They point out that many of them look much more appealing in advertisements than they do in reality.

Recommendations for photo subjects

Marina Kuzmina, project manager in the foreignreal estate division of Knight Frank, offers important recommendations. She asserts that property photos should be informative and honestly reflect the current condition of the real estate. It is very useful to have a collection of images:

• facades
• bedrooms
• living rooms
• other important rooms

For country houses, it's especially important to showcase the plot, while for new buildings, it's desirable to capture the entrance areas, wellness centers, and fitness spas to give potential clients a complete picture of the property being offered. One should not forget about the views from the windows, as they can also play a critical role in the perception of the real estate.

The surrounding space is important.

From Alexander Sundukov's perspective, the most important aspect is the environment. He emphasizes that he primarily focuses on:

• What does the building look like?
• what surrounds him
• What is the situation in the area?
• How is the adjacent area arranged?

This is of utmost importance to him. An abundance of photographs only helps to create a more complete picture of the property. While interiors can be changed, facades require a more careful approach. Therefore, it is worth entrusting the shooting of the properties to professionals in order to obtain high-quality images. Experienced photographers specializing in real estate will help achieve impressive results.

Prices for professional photography

The prices for professional photography services can indeed be impressive. According to information presented in the online publication A Photo Editor, one interior photograph can cost up to3500 dollarswhile external shots can reach up to12,500 dollarsand even higher. Nevertheless, many realtors understand the importance of investing in professional photography for their properties. As notedDavid OgilvyOne of the key figures in the advertising industry of the 20th century, stunning photographs are significantly more expensive, but they also attract much more interest.

Working with professionals

Oksana Salfali also notes that professional realtors often cannot take quality photographs of their properties themselves. They only work with professional photographers who have experience in shooting real estate that is being sold or rented. Technical aspects are also an important element of the process.

The importance of professional real estate photography

A competent photographer understands many nuances that an amateur might not even consider. They prepare the shooting location in advance, carefully organizing the arrangement and decoration of interior items. Key factors include the choice of composition and angle for the shot, as well as the proper setup of lighting and placement of accents, which allows for the creation of high-quality photographs. In the final stage, the professional processes the images on a computer, achieving a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and naturalism.

The difference between amateur and professional photography

The difference between the work of amateurs and experienced photographers is obvious at first glance. Photos taken by non-professionals often contain mistakes that can deter potential buyers and present the property in an unfavorable light. Some of these shortcomings include:

• messily cleaned rooms;
• the presence of dirt and stains on the surface;
• unwanted elements, such as food scraps and unwashed dishes;
• open trash bins and laundry on display;
• burnt-out light bulbs;

Additionally, the photos may include inappropriate people or animals, as well as reflections of the photographer or their equipment in glass and mirrored surfaces, which also detracts from the overall impression.

Problems with perspective and lighting

Distorted perspectives, curved lines, and incorrect proportions can distort the actual perception of space. Photographs can depict rooms:

• or as too small;
• or as extraordinarily large.

Insufficient lighting also creates a problem, leading to dull or blurry images, which significantly worsens the overall perception. Roman Grigoryev, the manager of Longrad, notes:“We only work with qualified photographers who specialize in real estate photography.”

Collaboration with professionals

Numerous real estate agencies regularly hire professional photographers. According to Marina Kuzmina, each Knight Frank office has a specialist who goes out to take high-quality photos, and then the company's experts select the best ones for use in advertising materials. High-quality photographs become especially important in the premium real estate market. Ilya Bitkov shares his experience:“In the segment up to 1 million dollars, I use my own professional camera, but as soon as it comes to more expensive properties, we invariably turn to the services of a professional photographer.”

High standards of quality

Vestard Rosenberg adds:“At Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty, we have very high standards for the quality of photographs. We only collaborate with true professionals in their field, experienced photographers.”Poor photographs can significantly reduce the chances of a successful sale.

Training and resources

Learn from the examples of successful professionals by effectively using the available resources. Follow the recommendations of specialized platforms dedicated to real estate photography. Familiarize yourself with various textbooks and materials to acquire the skills needed to create high-quality images.

The importance of high-quality photographs in the market

Large international platforms that deal with real estate sales place special importance on the quality of images in their catalogs. Some of these resources only use photographs taken by their own professional photographers to ensure a high standard for presenting properties to the market.

Victoria Kabissova's experience

Victoria Kabissova, responsible for working with Russian-speaking clients at Rimontgó, shares her experience:“All the photographs featured on our website are created by professional photographers who are part of our team. No outside individuals are allowed to post images on our platform.”There are many online platforms that offer the services of professional photographers.

For example, the Airbnb platform, which specializes in rental housing, offers newcomers a unique opportunity to take advantage of a free professional photoshoot to list up to four properties for sale. Websites like Housetrip can also provide similar services, but for a fee.

Requirements for uploaded images

If online resources allow users to upload images, they usually adhere to strict quality requirements for these photos. Typically, the resource sets:

• Minimum dimensions of uploaded images
• Restrictions on adding watermarks and external inscriptions
• The necessity of adhering to certain guidelines

For example, the HomeAway site accepts photos with a resolution of at least 400 by 300 pixels, while Kyero requires at least 350 by 350 pixels. American photographer Larry Lorman, known for his work in real estate, emphasizes the need for large images and recommends that their sizes be at least 800 by 600 pixels.

Photography standards from Leanga Costablanca

Yuri Konstantinovsky, head of the client relations department at Leanga Costablanca, notes:“We strictly adhere to the established standards for photographing real estate.”The main requirements include:

• The presence of an image of the building's facade and the view from the windows.
• Holding photo shoots in sunny weather with fully open windows
• Capturing all internal spaces
• The absence of clutter in the house
• Shooting the pool from the water surface level

Moderation and recommendations

Before the photos become available on the website, they go through a preliminary moderation stage, during which low-quality images are filtered out. Items with high-quality photos generally rank higher in the catalog. Many platforms also provide helpful tips and reference materials on how to create quality images.

For example:

• Airbnb recommends taking more photos from the corners of the rooms.
• Rightmove suggests shooting interiors at half the height of the ceiling.
• HomeAway recommends updating photos according to the season.

Number of uploaded images

Every day, over 4,000 images of real estate properties are uploaded to the Trulia platform. Considering the importance of quality visualization, many companies strive to provide their clients with the best service and adhere to photography standards.

Thus, the quality of images plays a crucial role in successful transactions.Experts believe that attractive photographs can be one of the key factors influencing the decisions of potential buyers.

Image quality

The quality of graphic materials for posted advertisements is our top priority. We strictly do not accept publications without photographs, and we also do not allow the use of three-dimensional models that may be misleading. Additionally, images should not contain collages, unusual effects, or unrelated objects. Our advertising placement guidelines on the "Tranio" platform clearly outline the criteria for the submitted photographs.

All uploaded images undergo careful manual review. If they do not meet the established requirements, the author of the ad receives a notification detailing the shortcomings and recommendations for improvement.

Additional visual materials

The importance of adding other visual materials to photographs cannot be underestimated. For example, creating video presentations, virtual tours, or floor plans significantly enriches the perception of the presented object. Although photographs are the primary means of visualization, sellers and renters often enhance their listings with virtual tours and videos.

As Ilya Bitkov notes, video marketing in the real estate sector is rapidly evolving in the USA. A study conducted by Paul Carrillo shows that properties with virtual tours find buyers 20% faster than those without. Moreover, according to statistics from Mark Robertson, founder of Reelseo, having a video presentation can increase the property's value by 5.7%.

Remote viewing of objects

Some real estate companies offer the option of remote viewing: an agent with a webcam conducts a tour of the property while the potential buyer receives real-time images and can communicate with the company's representative.

The interest of potential clients is not limited to just the visual aspect — they seek additional information about the layout, including detailed floor plans with room dimensions and other characteristics.

Interactive diagrams

Some real estate platforms offer users access to interactive floor plans and 3D models, allowing them to view the property from different angles.

The role of three-dimensional models

It is worth noting that three-dimensional models of buildings cannot fully replace photographs; however, they serve as an excellent complement that helps potential buyers better understand the layout. The quality of photographs, video materials, and other visual components is just one part of an overall strategy aimed at attracting buyer interest.

Factors influencing decision-making

When making a purchasing decision, people consider a variety of factors:

• the price
• geographical location
• list of key characteristics
• text description
• special terms of the deal

The reputation of the realtor and the overall impression from communicating with them are equally important. Be sure to ensure that the photos align with the text description and other elements of your listing, creating a harmonious perception.

The importance of the visual component in real estate

The constantly changing realities of the real estate market require sellers not only to adopt innovative approaches but also to provide high-quality visualizations of their properties. The introduction to the world of online dating through the lens of images clearly demonstrates how important the visual component is in our decisions. From the experiences of Alexander Sundukov and Nadezhda Komarova, who explored their explanations in unique purchases, one thing is clear: photographs can both attract and repel.

Quality and quantity of photos

When creating a listing for the sale or rental of real estate, it is important to pay attention not only to the quantity but also to the quality of the images. Research confirms that having10-12 photosDemonstrating different aspects of the object can significantly increase interest from potential buyers.

• One should not underestimate the impact of professional photo editing: it can make an image more appealing, but it's important to maintain reality and avoid going to extremes.
• As Paul Ernesto Carrillo put it, the lack of good visual representations can prolong the sales process and lower the price.

The balance between beauty and reality

Therefore, it is crucial to remember that at every stage, from the presentation to the virtual tour, it is necessary to maintain a balance between beauty and showcasing the actual condition of the property.

Successful sales start with quality content.

As the author of this article, I am convinced that a successful real estate deal starts with high-quality photographs that not only please the eye but also convey a sense of trust about the future home. Ultimately, successful sales depend on how well we can showcase the potential of our offering.

Therefore, paying special attention to visual content is the key to success in any deal. It's important to remember: in this case, an image truly is worth a thousand words.