Most searches for property start online. A potential tenant’s first experience with your property will, therefore, be through the pictures you take. Taking clear photos that show off your property without over-editing can attract smart, qualified renters who will allow you to grow your investment.
How to achieve your best online presence? Try one of three ways:
1) You can take the photos yourself. The camera on a modern smartphone takes higher quality photos than in years past. Using online guides, such as this one from Zillow, and exploring the settings on your device, you can create pictures worthy of a magazine.
2) Hire a Professional Photographer. If you’re not tech savvy, or don’t have access to quality equipment, a professional may be the best route for high-quality pictures of your property. A photographer doesn’t have to cost much, as many people have a hobbyist photographer friend or family member. Whatever your budget, you’re likely able to afford a professional photographer.
3) Team up with a property management company. When you sign on with a property manager, you’re opening your investment to a wide range of resources. A quality property manager will have relationships with higher-end photographers at a lower cost and can elevate your online presence to a level of professionalism that would be much more difficult and time-consuming on your own. A property manager can also continually advertise at a high level as tenants come and go.
Some fun facts about the importance of property photos (according to Avail):
– Potential renters use 60% of their search looking at property photos.
– Renters, on average, will spend about 4 seconds per listing.
– Rental properties with photos get 94% more views than those without photos.
What these statistics tell us is that getting the pictures of your property right is crucial to attracting quality renters. As you continue renting your property to new tenants, those photos can and should be used time and again – if they work to gain top-notch tenants the first time then why not the second and third?
Not only will quality photos allow you to gain more traction with your listing, but they can also get you more money. Better pictures attract better and more potential tenants, which means a quicker turnaround time between renters which means cash flow back in your pocket.
The photos themselves can also add to the value of your property. You can create the expectation that your property is taken care of and those not willing to maintain the excellence of the property need not apply. Rental seekers, as stated, will do their research online first and only visit those properties that they believe will fit their lifestyle and their budget. Providing bright and attractive photos helps the renter connect to the property before even stepping foot inside, making them more likely to take the leap and set up a visit.
What Makes a Property Photo Great?
Whether you’re taking the pictures yourself, hiring a professional on your own, or allowing a property management company work for you, there are some do’s and don’ts to consider when curating photos of your property:
– DO: Take your potential tenant on a tour of your home through photos. Start in the entry and post your pictures in the order that you can walk through your space. Make sure to take shots from multiple angles and set the scene with wider shots.
– DO: Try your best to have pictures taken on a sunny day. Natural light works wonders for photos and will show your space in the best way.
– DO: Try to show a furnished space, which looks larger than an empty one. If you have a tenant moving out, see if they’re willing to work with you. This can show potential tenants ideas on how to use the room, especially if the current tenant has a knack for home décor.
– DON’T: Don’t forget the outside of the property. Curb Appeal is essential and can allow the potential tenant to connect to the property and see themselves coming home to it at the end of the day.
– DON’T: Don’t over-edit your photos. Some editing may be necessary to show the space as it looks and feels rather than how it appears once captured, but don’t take it too far. Over-editing can lead potential renters to believe you’re hiding things about the property.
How can a property manager streamline this process?
Listing and showing your property involves much more than just taking decent pictures of your space, and that can be daunting to even a long-time property owner. That is why a property manager may be the best part of your investment. As mentioned before, a quality property manager has established relationships with professional photographers.
Because a property manager can provide more opportunities for work to a photographer than you as an individual landlord, you’re more likely to receive better quality for less money. A property manager can list your property to several sites, create engaging descriptions of the space, answer potential tenant questions, set appointments, and continue to advertise at the same level of quality as new tenants lease with you.
In this digital age, your property photos are the first impression a potential tenant has of what it’s like to rent with you. Because of this, you want to make sure you’re putting your best photo forward, and Real Property Management wants to help you achieve this.
If you are interested in having your property managed by Real Property Management Campanas, have more questions, or just want to speak to one of our team members, then contact us online or call us directly at (210) 314-1039 today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
