We all know that first impressions count. The first thing most people see when searching for a property to buy or rent is the listing on a website or local newspaper. They will have a lot of different things to consider, the price (most importantly!), the area it is in, the amount of space it offers and the area it is in. The first three issues can be communicated easily by text, but the last feature can only be properly shown by photos or visiting the property. With numerous different properties to choose from and little time to see them all, most people rely on the images posted by the estate agents on their website to choose which to visit. Unfortunately more often than not these images are taken by the agents themselves, and though highly skilled negotiators and sales people they may be, most agents aren’t great photographers. This means that the majority of property images on estate agents websites are too dark, out of focus or dull. With limited time and patience, most people looking for a new place to live are unlikely to give a second look to somewhere that doesn’t look like a nice property.

This is where a property photographer can help.

By ensuring the photographs of a property are accurately exposed, in focus and properly composed, a photographer can boost the chances of a sale or letting. To do this does not mean turning the property into a studio with lights, reflectors and backdrops everywhere. A technically good, appealing photograph can be achieved with a minimum of equipment and fuss. The bigger the property obviously the bigger the advertising budget, with more time being taken over the images. But even with the smallest apartment, something can be done to enhance the chances of selling or letting the property. In fact the more “compact” or run down a property, the more urgent the need for a professional photograph. By emphasizing the good qualities of the property, a photographer can help the estate agent increase viewings and in due course lettings and sales. But this does not mean that the photographer will use Photoshop to add windows where there are none and remove unsightly features. A well taken photograph will get prospective customers excited about a property, and this makes the agents job a little easier.

“Location, location, location” is the famous adage about the most important factor in selling or letting a property, well “Professional, professional, professional” could be the mantra when it comes to the importance of using images to show off your properties. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be time consuming and it doesn’t have to take a lot of equipment. But it will improve the amount of viewings and ultimately the number of satisfied customers you have. Don’t let all of your hard work go to waste by using bad photographs!