When looking at the Puyallup and Tacoma Real Estate market I come across many listings with poor images. Either the agent photographed the home using their cell phone or they hired the cheapest photographer they could find. The result, listings with unflattering photos and a homeowner not getting the best their agent can give them. The main reason there are many properties with low quality images is, mostly, because agents have in their mind that professional photography is expensive. An article from Market Leader helps shine a light on the true cost of high quality professional photography.
Hiring a professional listing photographer costs 0.09% of the median U.S. home price.
According to Trulia, the current median sales price in Bonney Lake is $353,219, while the current median sales price in Tacoma is $240,969.
Let’s assume that a listing agent is working in an average market where the median sales price is just under the Washington state median, and they take one of those average listings at $300,000
If they spend just 1/10 of 1 percent of the list price to advertise the home, it would cost them $300.
Assuming a 4%-6% commission fee is applied, they will bring in around $6,000-$9,000 and change. $300 seems minor, doesn’t it? Additionally, they don’t have to spend their own time photographing the property.
From the seller’s point-of-view, they see that you will take all steps to adequately market their home. The money spent will pay off, even after the sale. You are likely to impress your clients, which will tell their friends and family of your quality of business. We all know how far word-of-mouth goes. As an additional benefit to using stunning images you’ll be viewed as more professional and get more listings, hopefully with a higher price tag.