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In the past, most real estate transactions were initiated by someone going into the real estate agent’s office and saying that they would like to see properties. The agent then gathered the buyer’s criteria and took them to see properties that matched what they really wanted. That made perfect sense for that time period, but it was also time consuming and took the agent away from their desk for long periods of time. It could take days or even weeks or months of looking before the buyer found what they wanted, too, and that could get frustrating for all of the parties involved.
Things are a bit different now, and more and more of the property search is moving online every day. Buyers see what they want to look at by looking online, and then they take that information to an agent after they’ve already researched the property and driven by.
Because of this, one of the main selling points of a real estate listing is the photography. If the pictures of the listings aren’t attractively presented, that can quickly drive buyers away from a house they otherwise would have liked or to a different real estate agent’s website entirely. This trend has presented an opportunity for freelancers in this space.
Real Estate is Moving Online Quickly
The trend of real estate moving online is one that has been rapidly developing. It seems strange to some people, because real estate is such a tangible thing that can’t be online in one sense—it has to be purchased in the “real world.” But at the same time, it can be previewed through pictures online, and much of the purchase transaction can even be carried out electronically, as well. It’s possible to even buy a house that a person has never seen in person, through electronic transactions with a real estate agent, mortgage company, home inspector, and more. As more and more real estate transactions move online, the value of website design and high quality photography will continue to increase and become more important, as it presents a lead generation opportunity for savvy brokerages and agents.
High Quality Means a Higher Chance of Sales
Agents simply want to sell a client’s home, or help a client find the right home. Low-quality photos can essentially sabotage a seller’s efforts to stage their home and advertise it to buyers in their area, while buyers miss out on an otherwise suitable fit for their needs. With good photography, sellers have a strong representation of their property, and buyers find another property they would like to see in person.
The goal is to be honest with pictures while showing the house in its best light. Of course, that’s not a guarantee that the house will sell, or that everyone who looks at the pictures will love them, but it can and does make a difference for a lot of buyers. When buyers see quality in the pictures, they see the value the house represents to them. And when a transaction is made, real estate brokerages and agents make their commission.
The Pictures and Graphics Are Worth the Cost
Good graphics and high quality pictures aren’t cheap, and real estate companies are starting to understand this. Sellers generally don’t pay for these things, though—the real estate brokerage or the agent often shoulders this cost. While not every house will suddenly sell due to great photos, and not every real estate site will get leads based on quality graphic design, agents and brokerages are understanding that, if they adhere to a standard above their competition, the initial investment is worth the cost in the long run.
Any freelance photographer should take note of and contact local real estate agents and brokerages — with the right pitch and portfolio, they may feel compelled to call on you when their next listing goes up.
Author Bio:
Steph Young is an Interior Design & Construction Manager at Denver Life Design in Denver, Colorado. She enjoys backpacking, outdoors and creative writing.
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