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Study: listing photography is most important for 9 in 10 buyers

Study: listing photography is most important for 9 in 10 buyers

listing photography

Is Listing Photography Crucial for Real Estate Agents?

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, “The most useful website feature to buyers was photos for nearly nine in 10 buyers under the age of 57.” 

Listing photography is the first impression potential buyers have of a property, and it can make or break their decision to explore further. As a professional real estate photographer, I produce high-quality listing photography for my clients because it is the first impression potential buyers have of a property. The more successful my clients are in marketing their listings, the better for all of us!

What Sets Us Apart From Other Lisitng Photography Services?

Here’s why I consider listing photography crucial:

  • Buyers rely on photos. Nearly nine out of ten buyers under 57 find photos to be the most useful feature on a website, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. That means captivating photos are essential to grab their attention.
  • Professional photos sell faster. Studies show listings with professional shots receive more views and sell quicker than those with amateur snapshots.
  • You are investing in an expert. Professional listing photographers are more than just button-pushers. They’re artists with a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and angles. We know how to transform ordinary spaces into captivating ones, using high-end equipment and expert editing skills to create stunning visuals.

So, how do I find the right listing photographer? Here are some key questions I suggest you ask:

  • Experience and portfolio: I want to see someone with a proven track record and a portfolio that showcases their ability to make properties shine.
  • Pricing: We make our pricing structure easy to understand and help you decide on what services are best for you.
  • Communication: Clear communication is key. I would  inquire about their availability, turnaround time, and ensure we’re on the same page about any specific requests I have for the shoot. After all, a successful partnership is built on open and honest dialogue.

SOURCES:

 

Best Real Estate Photography Value in Atlanta – 6 things to consider

Best Real Estate Photography Value in Atlanta – 6 things to consider

best real estate photography value in Atlanta

Best Real Estate Photography Value in Atlanta Goes Beyond the Advertised Starting Price

The Best Real Estate Photography Value in Atlanta, Georgia

The True Definition of Value: We value transparency, flexibility, and delivering a comprehensive package that meets your property’s unique requirements. Our commitment to providing the best value in real estate photography extends beyond a mere starting price. Here are some characteristics that make a professional real estate photographer the best value:

1. Offer HDR Photography and Flash-Ambient

All of our real estate photography packages encompass genuine HDR captures. Unlike other providers offering perplexing packages that might blend ‘standard photos’ with HDR photos and charge extra for those with more HDR images, we keep it simple and inclusive. We are also happy to discuss if you have a luxury listing that needs certain areas using the flash-ambient capture technique.

2. Packages Based on Size, not the Number of Photos

We ensure our clients receive the correct number of photos based on the property’s square footage. This means the listing will receive the attention it deserves, resulting in a well-rounded image collection that authentically captures its essence. We recognize the unique character of each property, and its visual portrayal should mirror its individuality. The best real estate photography value in Atlanta must provide the number of shots to adequately represent the house and not limit you to an arbitrary number of photos.

3. Experienced Real Estate Photo Editing

A great photo can become extraordinary with the proper editing. We include professional editing as a standard part of our packages. Our editors have over ten years of experience exclusively with real estate photography. They work diligently to enhance each image, ensuring your property shines in its best light. The result? Photos that are not just good but exceptional.

4. Include a Zillow Home Tour with a Floor Plan

Zillow is a crucial platform for property listings in today’s online-driven market. We enhance our photo packages by including a Zillow Home Tour with a Floor Plan. This helps agents tremendously since Zillow promotes those properties that include the floor plan. These virtual tours create an immersive experience that lets potential buyers explore the property virtually, increasing engagement and interest.

5. Include a Lead Capture Property Site Bundle

In the digital age, lead generation is paramount. That’s why each photography package includes our Lead Capture Property Site Bundle. This valuable addition provides a unique URL for your property listing, designed to capture leads for the listing agent. It’s a powerful tool that helps you grow your client base while effectively marketing your properties. Also included in the bundle are an AI property description writing tool, flyer and social media card creation tools, and more.

6. Licensed and Insured

Your peace of mind matters to us. That’s why we have a registered LLC with the State of Georgia and hold a Cobb County Business License. Most importantly, our business is fully insured. When you choose us, you work with a trusted partner who prioritizes professionalism and accountability. We believe that the best real estate photography value in Atlanta should be a licensed and insured in the State of Georgia.

Beware: The Deception of Advertised Starting Prices

It’s a scenario that many real estate professionals are familiar with: you stumble upon a real estate photography service that advertises an enticingly low starting price. At first glance, it seems like an unbeatable deal. However, as you dig deeper, you realize that the devil is in the details.

You will find that many advertised starting prices have limitations that essentially affect how you can showcase a property effectively. Many photographers offer a fixed number of ‘standard’ photos, leaving you to determine how many images your property needs. This one-size-fits-all approach can result in underrepresentation for larger homes or overkill for smaller ones. Worse yet, they will only send a download link without marketing tools.

To find the best real estate photography value in Atlanta, Real estate agents must look beyond the advertised starting price for the best value in real estate photography. Our tailored HDR photography, professional editing, lead capture tools, and commitment to transparency make us the trusted choice for real estate professionals in Atlanta and the surrounding cities.

Stop settling for misleading starting prices with limited, cookie-cutter photos. Boost your listings with a photography service that delivers genuine value. Learn more about our packages and how we can help you showcase your properties with the best real estate photography value in Atlanta!

Easy Guide to the Georgia MLS Photo Policy – Keep out of Trouble!

Easy Guide to the Georgia MLS Photo Policy – Keep out of Trouble!

Georgia MLS Photo Policy

 

New Marketing Opportunities

According to the National Association or REALTORS® (NAR), 41% of home buyers look online first when shopping for a home. To serve our customers well, we as real estate photographers, must be aware of the Georgia MLS Photo Policy to enable agents the flexibility and creativity in showcasing properties. The Georgia MLS photo policy was updated on September 9, 2020 to:

  • Allows agents to use a collage as the primary image
  • Allows agents to use a drone photo as a primary image, as long as it is up close
  • Allows agents to use twilight photos as a primary image
  • Clarified the proper usage and disclosure of virtually staged photos

Introduction to the Georgia MLS Photo Policy

In the dynamic world of real estate, first impressions are everything. The images associated with a property listing can make or break a potential sale. As a real estate agent operating in the Atlanta metro area or surrounding cities like Marietta, Alpharetta, and Decatur, staying informed about the latest photo policy is essential for success. This comprehensive guide will explore the nuances of the Georgia MLS Photo Policy and its significance for real estate professionals.

Georgia MLS photo policy - collage as primary image
georgia mls photo policy - drone as primary photo

Collages as Primary Images

One notable change in the policy is the acceptance of collages as the primary image. Agents can curate a set of photos that collectively represent the front of the home. This opens up exciting possibilities for presenting properties in a visually engaging manner.

Drone Photography Takes Flight

Aerial perspectives have the power to captivate potential buyers. With the updated policy, drone photos are allowed as the primary image, provided they offer an up-close view of the home. This addition allows agents to provide a unique and captivating view of the property.

The Enchantment of Twilight Photos

Twilight photos can now take the spotlight as the primary image, provided they meet specific criteria. These captivating images, captured at dawn or dusk, can add a touch of allure to listings. However, it’s crucial that the front of the property remains clearly visible, even in low light conditions.

Virtually Staged Photos

In today’s digital age, virtually staged photos have become a valuable tool for presenting properties. While the policy permits virtually staged photos, it emphasizes that they must not be deceptive. Agents can use editing software to create conceptual renderings of rooms and properties, offering buyers a vision of what’s possible.

The Significance of Compliance

While these new opportunities are undoubtedly exciting, real estate professionals need to operate within the policy framework. Failure to comply with the policy’s guidelines can result in fines and penalties. Here are some critical aspects of compliance:

The Primary Photo Requirement

Every residential active listing must have a primary photo within 10 business days of entering the system. Failure to meet this requirement may result in financial penalties. Listings designated as “No Photo Desired” must have written authorization from the seller, which must be provided to the service upon request.

Ownership of Listing Content

An important aspect of compliance is understanding that listing content, including photos, allegedly become the property of Georgia MLS upon submission. Agents who work with us, are covered under our terms and conditions which grant you a license to upload photos to the Georgia MLS and the authority to disseminate the content.

Image Quality

To maintain the integrity of listings, images must be of sufficient quality for reproduction. Furthermore, images must not include contact information, recognizable signage, or marketing/promotional messages. Any alterations that affect the accuracy or quality of images are strictly prohibited. For every assisgnment, we use professional camera equipment that produce high quality photographs for your listing. Whether the photos are taken with high dynamic range (HDR) methods, or if we use flash and extra lighting, the final images go through an expert editing process.

georgia mls photo policy virtual staging beforegeorgia mls photo policy virtual staging before

Virtually Staged Image Requirements

While virtually staged photos are allowed, they must be clearly labeled as such in the public remarks. Additionally, digitally altering images to include overlays of other images or logos is prohibited. When receiving our virtually staged photos, the photo will be clearly marked as virtually staged. You will also receive the “before” version of the photo to remain in compliance with the Georgia MLS photo policy. We also comply with this requirement in our virtually staged videos.

The Power of Informed Photography

One of the most critical takeaways for real estate professionals is the importance of working with photographers who are well-versed in these limitations. Agents in the Atlanta metro area and surrounding cities must recognize that photography is vital to their marketing strategy. Agents can ensure that their listings shine in a crowded market by collaborating with photographers who understand the nuances of real estate photography and the Georgia MLS Photo Policy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Georgia MLS Photo Policy offers exciting opportunities for real estate agents to enhance their listings. However, with these opportunities comes the responsibility of compliance. Agents should stay informed about the policy’s guidelines and regularly check for updates and revisions.

As you embark on your real estate journey in the vibrant Atlanta metro area, remember that images are your most potent marketing tools. If you’re ready to harness the power of photography to elevate your real estate listings, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you in your pursuit of real estate excellence.

Note: The information provided here is based on the Georgia MLS photo policy as of September 9, 2020. Agents should regularly check for policy updates and revisions to ensure compliance and success in real estate endeavors.

Stay tuned for more insightful updates on real estate trends and strategies in the Atlanta metro area.

Best 4 Ways to Find Expired Real Estate Listings in Atlanta

Best 4 Ways to Find Expired Real Estate Listings in Atlanta

Best 4 Ways to Find Expired Real Estate Listings in Atlanta

 

Capitalizing on Atlanta’s Expired Real Estate Listings: A Lead Generation Goldmine

Real estate listings expire in Atlanta and the surrounding metro areas like Marietta, Alpharetta, and Sandy Springs when they linger unsold past their listing expiration dates. These expired listings represent a valuable opportunity for agents looking to grow their business and bolster lead generation.

Understanding Expired Listings in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Real estate listings are typically active for four to six months, sometimes up to a year, as determined by the agreement between an agent and the seller. When a property doesn’t sell within the contracted timeframe, it becomes an expired listing, ripe for a fresh marketing approach.

4 Ways to find Expired Real Estate Listings in Atlanta

The Significance of Expired Listings

In the real estate industry, a listing is a property that is up for sale or rent. When a property is listed, it is usually marketed through various channels, such as online listings, printed adverts, and open houses to attract potential buyers or renters. Typically, listings remain active for a period of four to six months, although this timeframe can be longer or shorter, depending on the agreement between the agent and the seller.

However, an expired listing can present an opportunity for both the seller and the agent to reassess their marketing strategy and develop a fresh approach. The agent may revisit the property’s pricing, presentation, or marketing tactics to make it more appealing to potential buyers or renters. This could include adding new photos, rewording the property description, or even staging the property differently.

How to Find Expired Real Estate Listings in Atlanta

Here are four practical ways to discover expired listings in Atlanta:

1. Use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The Georgia MLS and the FMLS are crucial tools to find expired listings in Atlanta. With advanced filters, you can pinpoint properties in specific Atlanta neighborhoods or suburbs like Roswell and Decatur that are nearing expiration or have recently lapsed, preparing you to act swiftly.

2. Use Your Agent Network

Fostering connections within the Atlanta real estate community opens doors to niche opportunities. Networking can alert you to upcoming expired listings that align with your expertise, whether you specialize in condos in Buckhead or luxury homes in Big Canoe. Your fellow agents know other agents and brokers – ask them how they find expired real estate listings in Atlanta!

3. Utilize Public Records

Atlanta’s public records are an accessible resource for those willing to delve into research. By examining records online or at local archives, you can uncover details on properties throughout the metro area, from the high rises of Midtown to the sprawling estates in Dunwoody.

4. Invest in Expired Listings Services

When time is of the essence, services specializing in collating expired listings can be invaluable. These platforms provide streamlined access to leads across the Greater Atlanta area, enabling you to focus on engagement and sales strategies. A couple of these services include Property Radar and Prop Stream.

Next Steps

Now that you have found your expired listings, you must demonstrate to clients how you can revitalize their property’s appeal. In a market as competitive as Atlanta’s, you will want to get fresh photos for your listing. Stage the home differently and work with your professional real estate photographer for top-notch photography as this can be a game-changer. Consider adding a Zillow® virtual tour, drone imagery, and video tours too. You will want to show your client that you are willing to invest in professional visuals since they can captivate twice the attention!

If you really want to stand out, work with your photographer to create an agent intro video – this will really make you stand out! Watch the video here for an example.

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FAQ for Atlanta’s Real Estate Agents

Where can I find expired real estate listings in the Atlanta area?

Various methods exist to find expired listings in Atlanta depending on your resources. For example, you can source from the MLS for properties in a specific area like East Atlanta, but sometimes this takes a bit of time. You can reach out to other agents through a broker in Brookhaven. Or, you can even purchase listings from online platforms that specialize in expired listings.

What are the most cost-effective ways to find expired real estate listings in Atlanta?

One of the cheapest ways to find expired real estate listings in Atlanta and the surrounding areas is to use the MLS. This will allow you to targeted specific areas with a tool every agent already has access to. Since time is money, the other cost-effective way is to purchase expired listings. Finally, don’t forget that office assistants can often help you search the MLS too!

The Essential Guide to Real Estate Photography Excellence

The Essential Guide to Real Estate Photography Excellence

Essential Guide to Real Estate Photography Excellence.

The Essential Guide to Real Estate Photography Excellence

The journey of a real estate sale commences not with the final paperwork or handshakes but from the moment a potential buyer first lays eyes on a property. In a highly competitive market, where initial perceptions can determine the fate of a sale, the value of expert real estate photography is paramount. Pristine, high-resolution images are:

  • The bedrock of an impactful property listing.
  • Capture the spirit and distinct features of a home.
  • Allow it to shine amidst a plethora of listings.

We hope the essential guide to real estate photography excellence provides you with some guidance on for these popular questions.

How to Find a Skilled Real Estate Photographer

Compelling property photography transcends the mere possession of a high-end camera. It requires a discerning eye for the right angles, lighting, and composition to prompt buyers to envision their future in that space. Find a real estate photographer with a proven portfolio is critical—one adept at accentuating properties in their finest light and can adeptly navigate common obstacles in real estate photography, such as inconsistent lighting, compact spaces, or less-than-ideal exteriors.

What are The Critical Elements of Real Estate Photography?

The objective of property photography is to produce inviting and truthful representations of a property, which encompasses a variety of photo types:

  • Exterior Images: The initial visuals engage a buyer’s interest, showcasing the most appealing view of the property’s facade, often during the warm, soft lighting of early morning or late afternoon.
  • Interior Photographs: These photos convey the space and continuity within the home, typically through wide-angle photography to capture entire rooms or specialized lenses for challenging lighting.
  • Detail Photographs: Zoomed-in pictures of the property’s unique or luxurious features, like bespoke woodwork, stone countertops, or ornate fireplaces, emphasizing the property’s upscale elements.
  • 3D Virtual Tours: Offer an interactive experience. Virtual tours enable online visitors to navigate the property as though they were physically present.

What is the Importance of Detail?

The photography process doesn’t end at the click of a shutter; post-production is vital in enhancing the final images. Professional editing tools will fine-tune color balance, align elements, and ensure the visuals are clear and welcoming. Skillful editing can transform a lackluster space into an appealing one, enticing potential buyers to look closer.

How to Incorporate Photography into Marketing Strategies

With a collection of striking photos, weaving them into your marketing plan is the subsequent phase. Whether for online listings, print brochures, or social media platforms, a consistent flow of professional images can heighten a property’s profile and draw in more prospective buyers while establishing an agent’s reputation for quality listings, benefiting future endeavors.

How to Evaluate the Impact of Professional Photography

In the visually-driven real estate arena, the contribution of professional photography is quantifiable. Listings featuring high-caliber photographs sell more swiftly and often at better price points. Assessing the return on investment for professional photography services is essential to comprehend its significance and to continue justifying the expenditure.

To summarize, superior real estate photography services are not an extravagance but an indispensable element in today’s property market. These services play a pivotal role in successful real estate transactions by offering the visual allure that garners attention and prompts property visits. The imagery serves as the initial pitch to a potential buyer, and in real estate, making every snapshot count is crucial.

PS… If you found the essential guide to real estate photography excellence of value, please share this link with a friend!

5 Big Benefits of Video Tours for Real Estate

5 Big Benefits of Video Tours for Real Estate

Real estate agents know the importance of showcasing a property’s best features to potential buyers. I have learned from our clients that video tours for real estate have become an increasingly popular way to give prospective buyers a virtual walkthrough of a property without them ever having to step foot inside. While many agents may attempt to create their own video tours, I have found that agents who invest in a professional real estate video tour find it is worth the cost. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of hiring a professional videographer to create a stunning video tour of your next listing.

High-Quality Video Tours for Real Estate

First and foremost, when you hire a professional videographer, you get access to high-quality video production. As professionals, we have the equipment and expertise to capture the best possible video tour footage of a property. This includes using the correct camera settings and equipment to ensure the final product is visually captivating and engaging. A professional video tour should impress potential buyers and set your listing apart from others.

Time-Saving Benefits

Creating a video tour of a property takes time and effort; for many real estate agents, time is a precious commodity. By hiring a professional videographer, you can offload the work of creating a video tour to someone else and focus your time on other essential areas of your business. Our clients have found that when outsourcing video tours to companies like ours, they save time and stress about producing the final edit.

Video Tours Reach a Wider Audience

It is well-known that video content is the current king of online media. Cisco predicted that video content would make up 82% of internet traffic by 2021. Properly created video tours for real estate tend to reach a wider audience and showcase a property to potential buyers. By hiring a professional videographer, you can ensure that your video tour is optimized for online platforms. A well-produced video tour can help you attract more potential buyers, often leading to a faster sale. We have also found that agents who narrate the video tour for real estate on camera tend to get more exposure, which helps them build their brand.

Showcasing the Unique Features of a Property

Every property has unique features that set it apart from the rest. Whether it’s a stunning view, a custom fireplace, a state-of-the-art kitchen, or even the layout, these features should be highlighted in a video tour to attract potential buyers. We have the expertise and creativity to showcase these features in the best possible way. With a professional video tour, you can be sure that every aspect of a property is captured and showcased to potential buyers.

Video Tours is an Opportunity for a Professional Image

Lastly, hiring a professional videographer to create a video tour of a property helps to enhance your professional image as a real estate agent. A high-quality video tour shows that you’re committed to delivering exceptional service to your clients and are willing to go above and beyond to sell a property. Consider getting in front of the camera and leading the tour by narrating it! We can attach a microphone and follow you through the home as if you were walking a client through. Creating an agent video alone can pay off in the long run by attracting more clients and helping you list more properties.

While recording your video tour may seem cost-effective, hiring a professional videographer is worth the investment. Not only will you benefit from high-quality video production, but you will save time in trying to learn how to edit the video and produce it quickly. By investing in a professional real estate video tour, you’re setting yourself and your listings apart from the competition and attracting more potential buyers. And remember to take your real estate marketing to the next level by getting on camera to help build your brand as a Realtor.