Hamptons Real Estate Roundtable: Why Great Photos Will Sell Your House
According to The Wall Street Journal, professional-looking pictures are really what most attract people looking for homes. Do you believe some home sellers (and agents) miss the boat on this and why?
“As cliché as it is, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, I believe that home sellers and agents must use pictures to sell a property. This is particularly true in the age of the internet, where some purchasers make their decision based on photographs without even setting foot on the property. That being said, some real estate agents take pictures too far by Photoshopping images to depict property that does not accurately reflect what exists, in violation of their license law. Therefore, photos are terrific but should not be manipulated without a proper disclaimer and should only be used by a real estate agent with the ‘written permission from the copyright holder’ pursuant to applicable regulations in New York State.”—Andrew Lieb, Esq., MPH, Lieb at Law, P.C.
“Professional-looking photos of your home are a must. You only get one opportunity ‘to make a first impression.’ Most buyers today start their search on the internet. Your home must stand out from all available choices. The purpose of the photos is not necessarily to sell your home but to bring potential buyers to view it. It is always a combination of location, price and suitability and attractiveness to meet the buyers’ needs. Photos highlight a home’s qualities. Good luck.”—Alan Schnurman, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Saunders & Associates
“Most people first start looking at homes on the internet. First impressions are lasting impressions. I’ve seen some listing pictures that are of a different home than the one being listed. A professional photographer’s picture is a must. Depending on the home, what also helps in attracting a buyer’s attention is a virtual tour.”—John Christopher, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Brown Harris Stevens of the Hamptons, LLC
“We only have one chance to make a great first impression! I scratch my head when I see some of the photos agents and sellers use to represent their listings. With the evolution of technology and social media, most buyers start on the internet before they contact an agent to view homes. It’s vital that agents and sellers employ professional photographers and videographers to offer the best ‘first impression.’ The real estate environment is more competitive than ever, so skimping on the first impression is a mistake. First, homes must be staged to prepare for photography—remove clutter and personal items, clear countertops, make bedding perfect, add flowers, etc. We un-decorate so potential buyers can see the house, not the ‘stuff.’ Once the house is perfect, we bring in the photographer. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, and once in cyberspace, it cannot be taken back.”—Terry Thompson, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Pictured: Sagaponack Estate