Real Estate Photos: What Is the Ideal Number for a Real Estate Listing?



Professional real estate photography is a powerful marketing tool. The question is: for what purpose? The obvious answer might be to sell the house. But is that really the case? How many homes have you purchased online with a single click? Probably not many.


So, what is real estate photography truly for? Its primary goal is to encourage potential buyers to pick up the phone and schedule an in-person tour. Good real estate photography creates an emotional connection with the home by highlighting its best angles and features. These key shots are crucial for immediately sparking a desire in buyers to see the house for themselves.


Conversely, some photos can deter buyers, causing them to abandon the idea of viewing the house altogether. It's best to focus on the most flattering parts of the house and leave the less appealing aspects for the in-person tour. During a physical visit, buyers will see any imperfections, but if the house is overall great, they are more likely to overlook small flaws.


Browsing the internet for houses can be exhausting. Looking at hundreds of unnecessary photos, like the third angle of a second half-bath, can be overwhelming and tedious. Showing too many photos might put buyers off, making them feel like they've already seen everything. This can lead them to miss out on a perfectly good home because they feel no need to visit it in person.


According to Zillow data , homes with 28 or more photos sell slower than those with 22-27. In conclusion, less is more! Think of photos as a marketing tool for your real estate listing, designed to make potential buyers want to see the house with their own eyes.


If you feel the need to give buyers a broader perspective of the property, consider adding a virtual 3D tour with a floor plan or a short walkthrough video.