Every buyer who is looking for a home starts by scanning the internet and the first photo they will see is the exterior of the property. Decisions on the internet are measured in seconds and if this image captures their attention, they will look at the next few photos. Likewise, if those are captivating, they will keep looking.
This is why professional photography boosts not only your listing, but also your personal brand.
Twenty five photos are enough for most houses, but if there is something special like a pool of a corner lot, you’ll want to add drone photos to your listing. For better listings and luxury houses, you’ll not only need photos of the main rooms of the house, but also important detailed shots, which means you’ll need 36 photos or more.
Of course, luxury listings and properties with acreage need drone photos, but what about a modest listing on a large corner lot, or the suburban home with a park or golf course nearby?Houses with small backyard pool may also benefit from drone photos as the drone can hover over the fence and highlight the property better. Even two story houses can benefit from drone photos as the elevated camera angle can better show the exterior of the house.
When you look at neighborhoods on Zillow, some homes will stand out from the rest with a 3D Tour tag next to the listing price. In order to get the tag, you must use Zillow’s proprietary 360 software. While anyone could use the software, only professional photographers have the equipment and experience to make this a meaningful addition to your marketing plan.
Most Realtors think that all you need is some basic photos and put them on the MLS and magically, someone will buy it. In a hot market, that may be true, but the bigger question is, how are you going to get the next listing appointment if you are only doing the same thing that every other Realtor is doing?
Zillow 3D is a cost-effective way to boost your listing where buyers are looking. Rather than using expensive doll house views, Zillow 3D uses a series of 360 photos with hotspot navigation making it easy for anyone to view. You can even use an unbranded version on your MLS listing. You also get the special 3D tag on your Zillow and Trulia listings as well as special search filters.
Zillow advertises that customers overwhelmingly want to see listings with a 3D tour and those listings with a 3D tour get 43% more views and 55% more saves than without a 3D tour.
As a Realtor, you need to have more to a marketing plan other than just photos and an MLS listing. Zillow 3D is a cost effective way to increase your value to your client and gets your listing more views from potential clients.
Take a look at social media today. What are you looking at? What holds your attention? Was it a photo of a house and an address or was it a captivating video that compelled you to watch for more than 3 seconds?
The future of selling on social media is by video, and today, it is a cost-effective way to market your listing. I create content that looks as good (if not better) than content you will see on TV.
Even more important, what are you doing to brand your image? Do prospective clients recognize your name, or are you just one of a thousand agents in your area? Do you want to stand out from the rest of your office?
I offer two styles of video so there is something for everyone. Do you love talking about your self and your listing to others? If so, my Agent on Camera videos are perfect for you. Shot with a Sony movie camera, the video features you talking about your listing. In an easy to shoot format, you will introduce yourself along with your listing, mention the key selling features and end with a call to action.
My Cinematic Video puts your listing in the spotlight. With hip, upbeat music and graphics, I highlight the best views of your listing with upscale video. Either video will look great on social media and is a feather in your cap when you present your marketing plan to your next potential client.
How much time do you want to spend with a measuring tape trying to verify, or squeeze out additional square footage?
Using a cell phone, I can build a wire-frame version of your listing and with the help of engineers and artists, recreate a professional floor plan with fixed furnishing and dimensions of every room.
Having a professionally drawn floor plan is a great way to show your homeowner that you are willing to go the extra mile in order to sell their house.
As a Realtor, you are your brand. If you’ve been relying on referrals only to grow your business, you may be missing out on sales that could drive you to the top. Part of your personal branding will be in your social media presence. Buyers and sellers are already on Facebook, Instagram and a host of other sites looking for information on listings and agents. Your site should feature you looking your best, not an old vacation photo or selfie.
Headshots can either be taken in a studio, a landmark location, or even in one of your listings. You may want several different looks so that you can change your photos to go with your postings.