5 Tips for Taking Better Real Estate Listing Photos
Ever scroll past a home listing because the photos looked dark, cluttered, or just plain boring? You're not alone. Most buyers tend to make snap decisions based on images, often within seconds. Whether you’re working through your online real estate education courses or simply looking to sharpen your marketing skills, mastering listing photos can give you a competitive edge.
In this article, we’ll explore why great photos matter, share tips for taking better real estate listing photos, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.
The Benefit of Great Listing Photos
Why is taking good listing photos a must? Simply put, visuals drive real estate decisions. According to research from the National Association of Realtors, 97% of home buyers begin their search online, making your listing’s first digital impression more important than ever. Your listing photos don’t just show the space; they sell the lifestyle.
Sharp, well-lit images can:
- Attract more clicks and interest
- Make properties stand out in a crowded market
- Help listings sell faster and for more money
These photos can then be shared online to help generate interest, attract potential buyers, and drive traffic to your listing. Social media has become a powerful tool in real estate marketing, with 87% of agents using Facebook and 62% using Instagram to promote listings. As younger buyers turn to these platforms for research, 41% of Gen Z and millennials, to be exact, visually compelling content is no longer optional. In fact, professional-looking photos can increase social media shares by as much as 1,200%, dramatically boosting a listing’s reach and visibility.
5 Tips for Taking Better Real Estate Listing Photos
While it may be tempting to hire a professional photographer, you may do well to learn to take beautiful photos yourself. Down below, we’ll break down our top five best tips for taking great real estate photos that will take your listing to the next level.
- Follow the Rule of Thirds
When composing your shots, remember the rule of thirds. Divide your frame into nine equal parts, with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place key elements of the property, such as the front door or focal points like a fireplace, along these lines or at their intersections. This creates a visually appealing composition that draws the viewer's eye to important features of the property.
- Light Your Subject Well
Proper lighting is crucial for showcasing the true beauty of a property. Whenever possible, shoot during the golden hour – the hour after sunrise or before sunset – when natural light is soft and warm. If shooting indoors, open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Additionally, use artificial lighting strategically to fill in shadows and highlight key areas. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, as it can create unflattering shadows and wash out colors.
- Bump Up Your Saturation and Contrast
During the editing process, think about increasing saturation and contrast to help your photos stand out. This can bring out the vibrant colors and details of the property, making it more visually appealing to potential buyers. However, be careful not to overdo it. Subtle adjustments are often more effective than heavy-handed editing. There are a variety of editing software or mobile apps that can help improve your photos.
- Invest in Good Equipment
While it's possible to take great photos with a smartphone, investing in professional-grade equipment can take your real estate photography to the next level. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the property in each shot and produce high-quality images with greater detail and clarity. Additionally, consider investing in a tripod to keep your shots steady and level or a drone to get aerial shots of your properties.
- Stage the Property
Before taking photos, take the time to stage the property to make it more inviting and appealing to potential buyers. Declutter rooms, remove personal items, and arrange furniture to highlight the flow and functionality of each space. Add decorative touches like fresh flowers or strategically placed throw pillows to add warmth and personality. Staging not only makes the property more attractive in photos but also helps buyers envision themselves living there.
Top Mistakes to Steer Clear Of in Real Estate Photography
Even the smallest mistakes in real estate photography can have a huge impact on how prospective buyers perceive a property. Low-quality or unattractive photos can make buyers ignore your listing completely. Mastering the art of property photography can help boost your career. Here are the top mistakes to steer clear of when taking real estate photos:
- Bad Lighting: In listing photos, lighting is absolutely crucial, since bad lighting can make a space seem smaller, darker, or less welcoming. Photos that are dark and poorly lit will put buyers off from your listing. Soft, natural light produces the best environment for beautiful, inviting pictures.
- Messy or Cluttered Property: A home that is messy or cluttered will significantly reduce the property's appeal. Break out the mop and feather duster to make sure the property is clean and organized before you take photos.
- Leaving Doors Closed: Although it may seem like a little detail, a home can seem cramped and disorganized when doors are closed in real estate photos. To bring attention to the property's layout and provide a feeling of flow, open the doors. It's a tiny change that can seriously upgrade your listing.
- Not Taking Enough Photos: It may seem obvious, but don’t cut corners when it comes to taking enough pictures. People want variety, and you should too. Take pictures of every room from a few different perspectives. When you have a wide range of photos to choose from, you have options. That is an ace in your pocket, especially when you're not on-site.
- Unfocused or Misaligned Shots: A well-framed photo can mean all the difference. easy for an otherwise great picture to be ruined by crooked lines and weird angles. Make sure the vertical lines are always straight, and aim the camera to capture the best features of the space.
- Neglecting Professional Editing: Don’t stumble at the finish line by posting flat, unpolished photos. Professional editing can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. It's a cost-effective method to improve your listing and attract a buyer, with our expert editing services starting at just a bit over $1 and change per image.
Start Your Real Estate Journey With VanEd
By following these tips, you can improve your real estate listing photos and increase your chances of selling properties faster and for a higher price. Remember to focus on showcasing the property's unique features and creating a visual story that resonates with potential buyers.
To stay competitive in the real estate industry, consider investing in additional education and training. At VanEd, we offer online real estate courses to help you get your license, prepare for the real estate exam, and keep your license current. Visit our website to learn more and take the next step in your real estate career.
With these tips and a commitment to continuous learning, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful real estate agent. Start your journey with VanEd today!
