We live in a time where digital photos are everywhere.  Take Instragram, Snapchat, Facebook and of course Pinterest as prime social media examples of where photos are instant forms of communication.  It's because of these social networks that consumers demand a visually appealing online presence.

According to the National Association of Realtors, nine out of 10 home shoppers begin their search on the Web.  Due to this listing photos can play a major role in how quickly your home sells, the home price it's listed at and of course even if it  sells at all. "Photography is at the center of all your marketing," says Brian Balduf, chairman of VHT, ..."It's not just documenting that there is a house for sale. You want people to say, 'What a house,' " and be motivated enough to take action.

Research done by Redfin, a real-estate brokerage firm based out of Seattle, Washington shows that listings of homes with photos taken by professionals have about 61% more views than listings without—and that's across all price tiers.  In addition, research from the National Association of Realtors, indicates that 98% of home buyers who searched for a home online said photos were among the most useful features of real-estate websites.

"When people are searching for homes, they search by price range, location [and the numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms]. But then once they have the list, the visual piece becomes a larger and more important part of the decision," says Jani Strand, spokeswoman for Redfin. "Photos are the first impression, and can generate interest and excitement, which leads to good offers."

In a study across 22 markets, Redfin found that homes priced between $200,000 and $1 million sold for an average of $3,400 to $11,200 more than their list prices when professionally photographed than homes with amateur photos. For homes priced between $400,000 and $499,999, the study found that homes professionally photographed sold for $11,200 more.

The study also found that homes that were professionally photographed also tended to sell faster. For instance, homes in the $400,000 range that were professionally photographed sold 21 days faster than those photographed with point-and-shoot cameras.

"I tell people you are hiring me to sell your home, and I can take pictures, but I am not a photographer. Being that 85% to 90% of buyers looking for homes look online, having professional photos to showcase your home is parallel to having an open house or showing.  You must have a good showing for the opportunity to sell your home and it's often the same with professional photos.  I have seen homes sell based on pictures and a virtual tour alone, without the buyer ever seeing the home in person. It can be somewhat nerve-wracking for the agents as you worry that the buyer may have buyer remorse when they see the home for the first time in person, but to date every buyer that I have experienced this type of home sale with loved their home!"

That's why I personally hire a professional photographer for 95% of my resale homes.  Expert photography can often give a seller an edge in helping resale value to homeowners as well as offer professional grade depiction of what a client wants in home choice.  In end, helping you stand out among the competition. Ironically only 20% of agents actually hire a professional photographer.

Hire a professional!  Call David Phillips.