They say a picture speaks a thousand words and perhaps no industry is more impacted by that phrase than property management. Attracting attention to your properties is a fundamental part of ensuring that your company remains profitable, and it all starts with eye-catching images. After all, first impressions are everything. Does that mean you have to hire an expensive photographer? Not necessarily. In fact, there are things that even a novice can do to really make their photos “pop.” Here are a few of those things below.
Quality is Essential
One beautiful, clear and well-taken picture is far more effective than several blurry, pixelated or off-center ones. That’s not to say you shouldn’t take a bunch of pictures. It just means that the quality of those images is absolutely critical. Not only do high-quality pictures get vacant properties filled faster, but they’re also a reflection of the quality of property management service you provide. So, make sure any images you share are in focus and properly aligned. If it takes several shots to get it right, so be it.
Focus on Lighting
One way to improve the look and feel of your pictures is to make sure you have adequate lighting before snapping any shots. The space you are photographing should be well-lit. Whenever possible, natural lighting is preferable so if you can, open blinds or shades and time your interior pictures so that they capture the right light. If this isn’t possible, make sure you’ve got enough artificial light to brighten and showcase the space you are trying to capture. Avoid any lighting or angles that cast shadows.
Consider Staging
Getting prospective new tenants to envision themselves living in your property is a powerful and effective way to get them in the door and ready to sign that lease. Accomplishing this often requires that you stage your properties so that they look warm, inviting and “lived in.” If the property you are marketing isn’t currently occupied, you may need to bring in a few pieces of furniture and props. If it is currently furnished, make sure to clear away any clutter and make the place look inviting.
Highlight Strengths
What’s awesome about your properties? Did you recently invest in certain upgrades, such as new appliances, hardwood floors, granite countertops or an updated bathroom? Any of these selling points can and should be showcased in your images. After all, you want to stand out from all the other property management listings. Be sure to include high-quality images of any strengths to help attract more attention to your properties.
Always Edit
Raw images may be great for getting an emotional response, but they don’t have any place in a property management listing. Editing tools are so readily available and easy to use, there’s really no excuse to not optimize your photos before publishing them. If you do end up with a few less-than-eye-catching images, try enhancing them a bit. Just don’t overdo it. People want a realistic idea of what it’s like to live there, so keep it real.
With so many items on your to-do list, taking good pictures is probably the last thing on your mind. But good images can mean the difference between someone choosing your property management company or your competitors.
