Tips on Selling your Listing

Why Your Listing Photos (and Descriptions) Need to Stop Being Boring

Author

Jason Farris
December 04, 2024

Why Your Listing Photos (and Descriptions) Need to Stop Being Boring:
A Case for Thoughtful Marketing

Picture this: You’re scrolling through a real estate app, and the first five photos of a listing are identical angles of the front of a home. The house itself might be incredible, but the initial impression? Snooze-worthy. Meanwhile, hidden in the back of the property is a resort-style backyard complete with a pool, pergola, and outdoor kitchen—but no one gets that far because they’ve already swiped past.

Missed Opportunity

This isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a costly mistake. As agents, our job is to tell a story and showcase a home’s best features first—not the mundane ones. Yet, time and time again, I see agents upload photos and write descriptions without strategy, thought, or intention.

First Impressions Matter—A Lot

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 95% of homebuyers use online tools to search for their next home, and 89% cite photos as the most important factor when viewing listings online. Buyers spend an average of 60% of their time looking at photos versus just 20% on the property description. This means your listing photos are your first (and sometimes only) chance to hook a buyer.

Lead With the Best Features

Think about it: What’s more compelling—the generic front of a house or a jaw-dropping backyard oasis? Lead with what will stop buyers in their tracks. If the property has a resort-style backyard, vaulted ceilings, or a chef’s kitchen, those should be the opening shots. The goal is to highlight the home’s “wow” factor first.

Tell Me Why I’ll Love It

This principle doesn’t just apply to photos; it’s critical for your property description, too. Stop wasting valuable words on details like “hallway closets” or “recently cleaned carpets.” Instead, focus on what makes the home unforgettable.

Here’s an example:

  • Boring Description: “This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home features ample closet space, updated light fixtures, and new carpet.”

  • Engaging Description: “Welcome to your private retreat! From the moment you step inside, you’ll fall in love with the light-filled living spaces, soaring ceilings, and a backyard made for entertaining—complete with a sparkling pool, built-in grill, and lush landscaping.”

Which one sparks interest? Buyers aren’t looking for a list of features—they’re imagining their future lives in the home. Paint that picture.

Why It Pays Off

Homes with high-quality photos and compelling descriptions sell faster and for more money. A 2022 study from Redfin found that listings with professional photos sold 32% faster than those with low-quality or poorly staged images. And compelling descriptions that highlight a home’s key features can lead to an average of 10-20% more buyer interest.

Actionable Tips for Agents

  1. Use Professional Photography
    Unless you’re a skilled photographer, leave it to the pros. High-quality photos are non-negotiable.

  2. Strategize the Photo Order
    Lead with the best features. Showcase the backyard paradise, the stunning kitchen, or the open-concept living area first.

  3. Focus on Lifestyle in Descriptions
    Don’t just tell buyers what the house has; show them how it feels to live there.

  4. Keep It Simple and Engaging
    Avoid jargon or overly technical details. Focus on emotions and the unique qualities of the home.

  5. Edit Ruthlessly
    Not every photo needs to make the cut. If a shot doesn’t add value, leave it out.

The Bottom Line

Thoughtless listings are missed opportunities. With a little effort, you can make your listings stand out, captivate buyers, and ultimately close deals faster. Lead with what’s remarkable—not what’s forgettable—and you’ll see the difference in both buyer engagement and your bottom line. Let’s stop settling for mundane and start setting the standard for what great marketing looks like in real estate.