Episode 39: Should You Ever Take Your Own Photos?

In Episode 39 of the Toe-2-Toe Podcast, hosts Jenn Murtland and Monica Weakley duke it out over whether you should take your own photos. Hear why Jenn thinks you can take your own photos in certain instances and why Monica thinks you should always hire a professional photographer. Stay tuned for the tiebreaker at the end. 

Episode Highlights: 

• Should you ever take your own photos?
• Monica does not think you should ever take your own photos.
• She feels that it is your job to present any property you represent in the best light.
• Buyers preview the house online first and determine value with the photos and price.
• Your photos are your first opportunity to attract the buyer and get them to see the house.
• Jenn generally agrees if you have a standard home that a regular buyer is going to buy.
• If you have an investment property where you're really truly only selling on the investment opportunity, Jenn thinks you can take your own pictures.
• Jenn has also taken her own pictures on lower-end leases. For some leases, there's high demand at a certain price point and they will go regardless of the pictures.
• Monica asks about having standards in your business for what you do.
• Monica suggests that even if you think your phone is great, it's not the same as having a good camera.
• Jenn does not think realtors should invest their time in learning photography.
• Monica believes she has won listings because she uses professional stagers and professional photography.
• Jenn reiterates that she thinks there are some instances when you should take your own photos.
• Monica feels that if you understand that the first part of the buying decision happens online then you should be properly investing in a professional photographer.
• Flor de Maria McNally with KW Cincinnati is the tiebreaker for this week's question.
• Flor says you should absolutely not take your own photos. You're getting paid thousands of dollars to market a property.
• Flor also considers it important to establish a high reputation among her peers.
• One of the value propositions on Flor's team is to help people declutter.

3 Key Points:

1. If you believe it is your job as a realtor to present a property in the best light, you should hire a professional photographer. 
2. There are some instances, particularly with investment properties, where you may decide it’s not worth it to pay for professional photography. 
3. Ask yourself if hiring a professional photographer would upgrade your business.

Resources Mentioned:

• Jenn Murtland LinkedIn | Facebook
• Monica Weakley LinkedIn | Facebook
• Toe 2 Toe Podcast Facebook Page
• Flor de Maria McNally LinkedIn; Facebook