There’s no question – the Calgary housing market is hot. The same could be said for most of Canada.
Homes are selling faster and often above asking price.
So that begs the question, do you really need professional real estate photography?
First Impressions Matter
Much like a first date, or a job interview, your first impressions make a big impact.
In the digital era, nearly all homebuyers rely on online tools during their search, and the most valued feature is photos.
We know first impressions count, and statistics support this; listings with high-quality photographs can sell 32% faster.
Experience Matters
Real estate photographers are also marketers. Their goal is to help sell your property faster and for higher value.
We know which shots sell and how to drive more traffic to your listing. (It’s not uncommon for photographers to rearrange rooms and furniture for the perfect shot.)
We can make rooms like bigger, brighter, more inviting, all without deceiving the viewer. That’s where experience and skill count.
Let’s get into some more detail…
Benefits of Professional Photography in Real Estate
In the real estate market, professional photography serves as a critical tool. Not only does it help in creating a captivating first impression, but it also plays a significant role in the decision-making process of potential buyers.
Homebuyers use the internet first when looking at homes
Like I said before – buyers are likely to begin their home search online, making a strong visual presence essential.
A 2021 study by the National Association of Realtors found that about 89% of homebuyers consider photos the most useful tool on real estate websites.
Properties showcased with high-quality, professional photos are more likely to capture a buyer’s attention immediately. That means more potential buyers will reach out or come to your house showing.
Increase Your Home’s Perceived Value
Professional photography has been shown to increase the perceived value of a property.
According to Virtuance, effective real estate photography not only helps in selling homes at a higher price point but also fortifies the brand identity of real estate agents.
Here are some more reasons to make high-quality photos a priority, as reported by the Washington Post:
- 87% of home shoppers said that they relied on listing photos to help make their buying decision.
- 84% of homebuyers said that regardless of other factors, they would not consider a home that didn’t have photos in the listing.
- Professionally photographed homes can help earn homeowners up to a 47% higher asking price per square foot.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
Given the density of property listings online, we need to ensure our listing is noticeable and memorable.
When you see a long list of houses on Realtor.ca, or a social media advertisement of a house, you’re far more likely to click and engage with the properties that have appealing photos.
Marketing Edge Offered by Professional Photos
A Reflection on the Agent’s Brand
As experts in real estate, we understand that our brand’s perception is paramount.
High-quality photography and media serves as a direct reflection of professionalism and commitment to excellence.
Realtors that use striking visuals to promote their properties are more likely to get new clients.
Home sellers will simply choose the realtor that provides them with the highest value, and they’ll choose the one that invests in top-tier marketing media for their properties.
Competing in the Calgary Market
Professional photos are the standard in Calgary’s current real estate market. If you’re below standard – you’ll typically get less clicks, less showings, and less value for your home.
Realtors will often utilize multiple tools to market your home – including:
- MLS Listings
- Realtor websites
- Social Media advertisements
- Online Marketplaces (Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace)
- Facebook groups
- Client email lists
- Physical media: Brochures, Flyers, For Sale signs, Open House signs
Aside from physical signs, each one of these will use photos of your home.
This fact underscores the importance of utilizing top-tier visuals to capture and maintain buyer interest, facilitating quicker sales.
Utilizing Visual Storytelling
Our goal is to not just sell houses, but to sell a lifestyle that prospective homeowners aspire to.
Professional photographs help us achieve this by using visual storytelling to engage the viewers’ emotions.
A good example of this is with staging, either virtual or physical.
This is the process of filling a once vacant space with furniture so potential buyers can visualize themselves living in that space. Pair that with professional photography and you connect with potential buyers on a deeper level.
Choosing the Right Photographer
When selling your home in Calgary, selecting the right photographer is not just a step, it’s a strategic move. Here’s how to ensure you add value to your listing with professional photography.
A Professional Photographer is a Cheap Investment That Adds a Lot of Value
Investing in a professional photographer may seem like an extra expense, but it’s a minimal cost that reaps substantial rewards.
Our experience tells us that homes with professional photographs attract more buyers and often sell quicker.
Real Estate Photographers are There to Help You SELL
Professional real estate photographers do more than take pictures; they use their expertise to help your home sell.
Photographers that help sell homes get more business, so it’s in our interest to help market your home as effectively as possible.
They understand the visuals that evoke buyers’ emotions and engineer those through the lens.
They have strategies for staging a property to highlight its strengths, using angles and lighting techniques that elevate its appeal.
Why You Should Avoid Taking Photos with Your Phone
Without a doubt, phones in 2024 can take some outstanding photos. However, today’s phone technology isn’t suited for real estate photos.
Often these features are directed towards portraits, landscapes, and pictures of your dog. Not ideal for capturing a living room or kitchen, however.
Real estate photographers use premium Ultra Wide angle lenses that capture the entire space in high detail with a very high resolution.
Our photos capture the entire space in crisp detail without distortion or noise.
But the real magic happens in editing, which is when our expertise and years of experience brings your photos to life.
Something that phone apps can’t replicate.
While it’s tempting to snap a few photos with your phone, this approach rarely pays off. Even the best smartphones cannot match the quality produced by a professional’s camera and lenses.
The Northvantage Marketing Solution
Northvantage Media has everything you need to make your property stand out.
But there’s so much more than just photos – we offer additional marketing services to offer your clients and be ready to compete in Calgary’s market:
- Professional Videography
- RMS Measurements and Floor Plans
- Aerial photos and video
- iGuide Virtual Tours
- Virtual Staging
- Property Flyers and Brochures
- Property Websites
Connect with us today and let us help you grow your real estate business!