As a real estate photographer I keep a pulse on available properties in Sacramento and surrounding areas. I comb through MLS like it’s Pinterest, I scope realtor websites and ads, and do whatever I can to maintain awareness of the industry. Overall, it still surprises me at how many bad photos I see!
I understand the commission is lower on less expensive properties, but if you are working with an agent who just slaps your life’s largest investment on the web with his or her smart phone photos, and your property isn’t selling, it’s time to sit down for a chat.
Here’s the deal… if your property sale is NOT gaining traction and your MLS looks like left photo above, you have a few options: A) Lower the price, B) Talk to your agent about professional real estate photography, C) Bunker down and wait, …and wait, …and wait. Sadly, I’ve met realtors who begrudgingly take on small properties, take their own photos, and complain under their breath about the small commission. I personally believe it is because they don’t know how to keep their sales pipeline full enough to make a decent living. They literally nickel and dime to make ends meet. Real estate can be a challenging career and a $125 set of photos is just too much for their marketing budget. I get it – but it doesn’t make it right.
I know others who sell small real estate properties like rock stars! Their motivation is helping a small family move into their first home, or they have a plethora of investor contacts waiting to make a little house shine, or they are new to the business and will figuratively ‘give blood’ to properly sell your home and build their portfolio experience. Bottom line is they aren’t afraid to put a little skin in the game.
Selling your home?
If you’re contemplating selling your home and you do not yet have an agent, contact us! We have a list of preferred real estate agents who know their stuff and are an absolute dream to work with. If you already have an agent who is hiring or has hired a professional photographer, CONGRATULATIONS! You more than likely have someone who is doing right by your investment.
If you have an agent who is using smart-phone photos, don’t fire them. Chances are they are already invested in your property. Share your concerns and ask about hiring a professional photographer. We have packages starting at $125. Fortunately, I haven’t met an agent yet who isn’t willing to hear the desires of their clients.
too much for their marketing budget. I get it – but it doesn’t make it right.
I know others who sell small real estate properties like rock stars! Their motivation is helping a small family move into their first home, or they have a plethora of investor contacts waiting to make a little house shine, or they are new to the business and will figuratively ‘give blood’ to properly sell your home and build their portfolio experience. Bottom line is they aren’t afraid to put a little skin in the game.
Selling your home?
If you’re contemplating selling your home and you do not yet have an agent, contact us! We have a list of preferred real estate agents who know their stuff and are an absolute dream to work with. If you already have an agent who is hiring or has hired a professional photographer, CONGRATULATIONS! You more than likely have someone who is doing right by your investment.
If you have an agent who is using smart-phone photos, don’t fire them. Chances are they are already invested in your property. Share your concerns and ask about hiring a professional photographer. We have packages starting at $125. Fortunately, I haven’t met an agent yet who isn’t willing to hear the desires of their clients.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: In some cases a property will sell quickly without professional real estate photos. *gasp* Good realtors who know their market, will know when, where, why, and how. They will not inconvenience you with a photographer knowing they can sell your property quickly without photos. As mentioned, if your property is NOT gaining traction, talk to your realtor. If it is, sit back and let your agent do their job.