Do you shop more online or in-person?
We’re willing to wager you often start your shopping journey online (like us). So do renters.
Without standout photography, potential renters will skim over your property and ignore it.
Many real estate photographers make the same mistakes repeatedly. We’re outlining the five most common real estate photography mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Close-Up Shots
A common misconception is that showing off a property’s best features means you need to take lots of close-up shots. The reality is that close-up shots make rooms look smaller and are repetitive.
Have you ever looked at a listing and found a series of close-up shots of the baseboard heater, the inside of a closet, the kitchen cabinets, or other oddities? While the intention is likely to show the condition, age, or essential information about the property, the result for the viewer is boredom. Renters want to see the photos that show the layout and feel of the home, not the dull details. The brand of the refrigerator can wait until you’re closer to signing a lease.
2. Different Orientations
Photos should not look like they were taken on a phone and without a plan.
A clear indicator that photos were an afterthought is when they are both vertically and horizontally oriented. Be consistent. If possible, stick to horizontal shots, which lend themselves best to real estate. If a photo does need a vertical orientation, upload it correctly, so it isn’t sideways.
3. Using Outdated Photos
Some rentals can sit on the market for a while, which means the photographs might need to be updated. If you renovated the property, be sure to include photographs that reflect the improvements. You will likely be able to lease the property more quickly and for a more lucrative rental price if you do.
Additionally, if seasons change, update the exterior photo. You don’t want it to be obvious that your property has been on the market since December—with holiday decorations on the front door and snow on the lawn—when June rolls around.
5. Blurry Photos
Photos need to look professional. If they come out blurry, retake them. Blurry photos discredit the home, property manager, and everyone else involved. Plus, properties with poorly taken photos often take longer to get leased, resulting in reduced income for property owners.
6. Lack of “Coming Soon” Photos
Coming soon listings allow you to pre-market a property. Adding coming soon photos provides a significant marketing benefit to property owners. Zillow lowers the ranking of listings without coming soon images, making it more difficult for renters to find them.
Many property managers and investors opt out of coming soon photos because they don’t have good shots, but virtual tours can resolve this efficiently. You can use PlanOmatic to create a Matterport virtual tour while preparing the property for rental. Then you can use the tour and the stills in your coming soon photos, providing an accurate view of the property.
Your future renters are likely real estate shopping online right now. By avoiding these common real estate photography pitfalls, you’ll help your property shine, and give it the best chance of getting leased.
