Whether you are a real estate agent or a homeowner trying to sell your house, it’s important to know that the photos of the property could make or break your listing. It is said that buyers get interested 60% of the time when a professional photo is used.
Like advertisements, property photos must be eye-catching and professional. That being said, choosing the right photographer is essential to creating the perfect listing.
We talked to David Koonar, a professional photographer from Canada, about what one should look for when looking to hire a real estate photographer. Here are his top five tips.
1. Know the Photo You Want
Good real estate photos are not just photos you snap of your house on your iPhone. In fact, different types of homes do better at different times of day and at different angles.
Lighting matters. For example, houses with outdoor lighting and pools should be shot at dusk while apartments do better when there is natural daylight. It’s important that you know how you want your listing to look so you can choose a photographer that can help you achieve your vision.
2. Look for Relevant Experience
When searching for the perfect real estate photographer, try to search for someone with real estate photography as a niche. This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you hire a wedding photographer to take photos of your property, it’s likely you’re going to be disappointed with the results.
Finding a professional real estate photographer right off the bat will save you a lot of time and money.
In the last few years, many real estate companies and agents are opting for drone photographer just to bring in something that is unique, innovative and fresh. Creating drone imagery and videos can give you a competitive edge and allow you to create stellar marketing and sales materials for your real estate business.
3. The Price is Right
It may feel easiest to go with the photographer with the lease expensive rate, but in real estate photography, this isn’t always the case. While I don’t recommend breaking the bank when hiring a photographer, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for.
Also, keep in mind that the average real estate photographer costs anywhere between $110 and $300 with no video. The more you pay, the more likely you are going to find someone who can execute your vision exactly how you want.
Related: Real Estate Photography Pricing: How much should you charge?
4. Meet Your Photographer Before Hand
The beauty about the internet is that we can hire someone on the fly without having to meet them prior. This may be handy for emergency situations, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to meet with your photographer before the shoot.
Unlike a wedding photographer who shoots one-off occasions, it is likely you’ll build a relationship with a real estate photographer, especially if you are an agent looking to shoot multiple properties at once.
Make sure you are hiring someone who has clear communication and is willing to work with you on bringing your vision to life.
5. Read Testimonials
When researching a real estate photographer, see if they have any testimonials from previous clients on their website. This is important because while someone may have great photos, they could be difficult to work with or inconsistent with their communication.
Positive reviews also ensure that you will be getting what you pay for.
You Might Also Like: Interviewing David Koonar: 6 Things He’s Learned as a Real Estate Photographer
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