Remember when a few grainy iPhone pictures were enough to list a property? Yeah, those days are long gone, folks. Welcome to 2024, where your listing media is the secret sauce that'll make your property stand out in the wild jungle of real estate!

If you've scrolled through Zillow, Instagram, or TikTok lately, you've probably noticed some patterns in on your FYP and feed. As the new owner of Blackhall Media Group, I've looked at thousands of listings trying to learn what works and what doesn’t.

Let's dive into five photography and media trends that you should have in your listings to engage potential buyers.

1 High Quality Photograpy: Capturing Every Detail

This is first on the list and might seem like a no-brainer - because it is.

Professional, magazine-quality images aren't just a nice-to-have - they're the absolute bedrock of effective real estate marketing. According to a 2023 survey from the NAR, 9 out of 10 buyers said photos were the most valuable feature in a listing website. Photographs are often the first point of contact a potential buyer will have with a listing online, making them crucial for your first impression.

These days, most real estate media photographers are using techniques like high-dynamic range (HDR) or flash/ambient (flambient) photography to make properties look their absolute best. (FYI, we here at Blackhall Media Group are firmly Team HDR.)

HDR allows us to capture the full range of light in a space, from the brightest windows to the shadowy corners. The result? Images that more accurately represent the property, show off intricate details, and give a true-to-life sense of each space. It's particularly effective for homes with challenging lighting situations or properties with stunning views.

2. 2D and 3D Floor Plans: More Useful Than You Might Think

I know it might seem a little old school, but trust me, your buyers love these.

According to the 2021 NAR Homebuyers and Sellers Survey, floor plans are the single most desired piece of information in a listing after standard photos and the description. They provide potential buyers with a clear understanding of the property's layout and flow, helping them visualize how they might use the space.

At Blackhall Media Group, we've seen firsthand how these detailed floor plans can transform a listing. They're not just tacked-on extras; floor plans have become an indispensable tool in modern real estate marketing. (Shameless plug: we include a 2D floor plan in every shoot!)

3. Drones: They Aren’t Just For Annoying Your Neighbors Anymore

When I was getting started, I went back and forth with myself about purchasing a drone to offer aerial photos and videos. It didn't take me too long to realize that drone media isn't optional; it's an important, standard tool for both creators like me and agents. 

This technology allows us to showcase not just the house but its entire setting, from sprawling gardens to proximity to local amenities. It's particularly valuable for out-of-town buyers, offering a comprehensive view of the property and its surroundings that was previously impossible to capture. Plus, Rechat.com says listings that leverage drone photography sell, on average, 68% faster than those without it.

While drone footage shines in the luxury market, it's becoming increasingly popular for mid-range properties too. That cute suburban home looks a lot more appealing when you can see the nearby parks, schools, and that awesome farmers market.

Let's face it. If you're not showcasing your property from every angle (including 200 feet up), you're missing out on a major marketing opportunity.

4. Virtual Staging: Unleashing Potential

There are many benefits to having your home professionally staged before sale. Sometimes, though, you may not have that option. Don't worry, it's 2024! Technology has your back!

Virtual staging has opened up new possibilities in property marketing. This technology allows us to present vacant properties in their best light, helping buyers visualize the potential of empty spaces. It's a cost-effective alternative to traditional staging, and it offers the flexibility to showcase multiple style options for the same space.

The key is transparency—always clearly labeling virtually staged images to maintain trust with potential buyers.

5. Property Videos: Telling a Home's Story

Last but not least, in our real estate photography trends, we have property videos.

High-quality property videos don't just show a house; they illustrate a lifestyle. By incorporating neighborhood shots, local amenities, and day-in-the-life scenarios, we're able to give potential buyers a fuller picture of what life could be like in their new home.

According to rechat.com, real estate agents who aren't leveraging video are missing out on a goldmine of opportunity. Consider the numbers:

• 51% of home buyers use YouTube as their primary source for home research.

• Listings that include at least one video receive a whopping 400% more inquiries than those without.

• 44% of people are more likely to make a purchase after watching a listing video.

This gap between video's potential and its current usage in real estate marketing represents a significant opportunity for agents willing to press the record button.

How can we help?

While it's true that no amount of media can substitute for in-person viewings, Blackhall Media Group is all about staying ahead of the curve and making your property shine. So if you're ready to give your listing the star treatment it deserves, give us a shout!

We're here to help you make the most of these trends and get your property noticed!