Why Your Listing Photos Are Killing the Sale (And How to Fix It)
Let’s be honest—bad real estate photos are the silent deal killers of the industry. You could have the most stunning property in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but if your listing photos look like they were taken with a potato, buyers are scrolling right past.
If you’re publishing photos like this to the MLS, you can do better.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 97% of homebuyers start their search online. That means your listing photos are often the first (and sometimes only) impression a buyer gets. If the images are dark, blurry, or poorly composed, your listing screams, “Don’t bother.”
Even worse, bad photos can make a great home look mediocre and a mediocre home look like a crime scene.
Nobody wants that.
The Impact: Fewer Clicks, Lower Offers, Longer Time on Market
Here’s the real kicker: bad photos don’t just make a listing look unappealing—they cost sellers real money. According to Redfin, homes with high-quality photography sell 32% faster and often for more money. VHT Studios, the largest Real Estate photography company in the country says listings with professional photography get 61% more views than those with amateur photos.
Translation? If your listing photos aren’t on point, you’re actively pushing buyers away.
How to Fix It: The Power of Professional Real Estate Photography
One of our favorite kitchens!
1. Hire a Pro like Me!
A professional real estate photographer knows how to make every space shine. (Shameless plug time!) I use high-end cameras, proper photography techniques, and expert composition to showcase a property’s best features. Plus, every image is edited to ensure colors are as accurate as possible, lines are straight, and the home looks as inviting as possible.
2. Ditch the Phone Pics (mostly)
Yes, it’s a bathroom.
Smartphone cameras have come a long way and definitely have their place in listing media. I use a phone all the time! But like any tool, they are only as good as the person using it. Wide-angle lenses, proper exposure settings, and expert image editing make a world of difference.
3. Leverage Drone & Video Content
Drone photography isn’t just a gimmick—it provides a compelling, bird’s-eye view of a property’s layout, neighborhood, and curb appeal. The importance of videos in today’s marketing can’t be understated and is a topic for a whole blog post so I won’t go into it here. Let’s just say video walkthroughs and 3D tours further immerse buyers, giving them a feel for the space before they even set foot inside.
4. Stage the Home (Physically or Virtually)
This was an empty rooftop patio. Now a buyer can imagine the good times to be had!
Cluttered, empty, or poorly staged homes don’t photograph well. Virtual staging is a game-changer for vacant properties, helping buyers visualize how a space can be used. According to NAR, staged homes sell 73% faster than their non-staged counterparts. This is likely because a staged space helps potential buyers visualize the lifestyle they can enjoy in that listing.
5. Capture the Golden Hour
Twilight shots make a home look warm and inviting, setting your listing apart from the competition. The right lighting can make all the difference in how a home is perceived.
The Bottom Line: Great Photos Sell Homes Faster & For More Money
If you’re a real estate agent, builder, or property manager in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, professional photography isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. With the right images, you’ll attract more buyers, sell properties faster, and command higher offers.
Ready to upgrade your listing photos? Let’s make your next listing stand out. Contact me today to book a session!
