A picture tells a thousand words, as they say. So why do so many estate agents get it wrong? Choosing an estate agent that’s committed to providing the best estate agent photography is essential. Here’s why.
1. A visual world
We now live in a visual world. Everything is judged on how it looks. And this can’t be any clearer in the context of property. Our team estimates that 80 per cent of those looking to buy a property in Surrey and Hampshire prioritise good photography when it comes to their search. Whether you’re looking to buy a property or book a stay somewhere, it’s always the imagery that grabs your attention. So, when instructing an estate agent, always make sure they get they professionals in.
2. DO drone on
Warren Powell-Richards has a rule when it comes to drone photography – and that’s that every single property we represent gets it. Technology has advanced incredibly over recent years and drone photography is now more accessible than it’s ever been. This means that there’s no excuse for not using it. The result is fantastic and it really adds value to all visual elements of property marketing – whether the end result is used as a static shot or as part of a film.
3. Bright and breezy
Timing is everything. And generally speaking, the perfect time to take photography of your property is when the sun’s out and it’s a clear day. Of course, photo editing (within the parameters of the Estate Agent Act, of course) is an extremely powerful tool, but you don’t want to start with a grey, miserable and damp-looking canvas. If your estate agent insists on taking photographs on a grey and rainy day, then it might be worth a rethink as to who you’re using.
4. Faster sales, higher prices
Data suggests that property listings with professional photography not only sell faster, but also for a higher value. A photographer in the South West of England even claims that homes with high-quality photography sell 32 per cent quicker and receive 61 per cent more views online. Whilst we can’t directly comment on their findings, our 17 years’ experience of being of an estate agent in Surrey and Hampshire leads us to agree; good photography sells property.
5. Emotional connection
In days gone by, estate agents adopted a ‘nuts-and-bolts’ approach to photography. It was all about the rooms and space in their literal sense. These days, it’s so much more. If you’ve seen closeup shots of shiny bathroom taps, or portrait lens shots (with soft focus) of a carefully arranged row of wellies, next to a neatly stacked woodpile, then you’ll know what we’re referring to. Good property shots don’t just sell the property. They also sell a lifestyle. By using a photographer that’s as creative as they are professional, you’ll be able to quickly and visually amplify your property’s appeal.
6. Give the audience what it wants
We now know that good professional property elevates your home at the time of sale. We also know that it’s likely to help sell your property faster. Finally, we know that people now expect to see high-quality photography when looking for a property. So, give prospective buyers more of what they want. Make sure that your estate agent is generous when it comes to the quantity of shots they showcase. Nobody wants to click on to a property listing only to be met with a limited selection of images. Make sure there are plenty, all of which show your property in its strongest light and that blend practical perspectives with creative perspectives.
Don’t miss your shot
There are many things to consider when it comes to choosing an estate agent. Whether you get on with them, or feel that they will best represent you and your property are very important – but they’re also less easy to establish quickly. When it comes to photography, it’s black and white (pardon the pun); they either use good photographers, or they don’t. Make sure you pick one that does.
For a Surrey and Hampshire estate agent that prioritises photography, get in touch. Contact your local branch of Warren Powell-Richards to arrange a no obligation valuation of your property. Alternatively, find your nearest Warren Powell-Richards office here.
