The decision to use a professional photographer is an easy one, and is always my preferred method of taking pictures. Some real estate agencies will cover the cost of professional photos for your listing, but many will not. With 3% of real estate agents conducting 97% of the business, there are many agents who cannot afford to pay for professional photography. This results in your most expensive owned asset being marketed with photographs taken on a cell phone by an agent that likely has no professional experience with photography. Don't take chances with your most expensive asset! Would you let someone in the neighborhood that is "known for being good with cars" work on your Audi in their driveway? Of course not, treat your home like the most valuable asset you own, because it likely is. Most Realtors® agree that photos taken by a professional are more likely to sell a house within six months or less. The difference in home-selling success rates between homes photographed by amateurs and those photographed by professionals is astounding. On average, homes ranging from $400,000 to $499,000 that were photographed professionally sold for $11,000 more than the homes that were not photographed by professionals. Homes in the $200,000 range averaged $3,400 more. The sharpest photos also increased the salability of the home, with 10% of the homes selling at or above the listing price 44% of the time. This is number one marketing tool that will sell your home, don't ever hire an agent that is willing to cut corners to save themselves money. If the home warrants it, I even recommend clients allowing me to pay for floorplans and even 360 degree interactive virtual tours. Let's do this right. Potential buyers want quality, high-resolution photos when they shop online. Current trends in visual media demand it, and so do buyers. Finding a home is all about making an emotional connection for younger buyers, much like their music and movies. With another potential home of interest just a click away, it is absolutely essential that when they find your home, they are
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