How Bad Photos Kill Your Home Sale

By Diane Cardano-Casacio

I'm an expert in real estate marketing and negotiation. With innovative strategies and sharp negotiation skills, I help home sellers sell quickly, creatively, and for top dollar while saving them money.

In today’s real estate market, bad listing photos are one of the fastest ways to lose money. Whether the market is hot or slow, poor photography can cause a home to sit for weeks, rack up carrying costs, and require price cuts that eat into your equity. On the flip side, professional photos can boost your sale price by 7% to 10% and even spark bidding wars.

First impressions happen online. Buyers scroll quickly, and the first few photos, especially exterior shots, determine whether they click for more or move on. Once they skip your listing, they are unlikely to return. That is why the first three to five images should be high-quality exterior shots taken during your home’s best season, ideally captured months in advance.

Good real estate photography is about more than just owning a nice camera. It requires proper angles, lighting, editing, and presentation. Clutter, poor weather, awkward perspectives, or skipped editing can instantly turn buyers away. The proper preparation, such as power washing, fresh landscaping, and removing distractions, can make a huge difference in how buyers perceive your home.

We recently took over a property that had been sitting unsold for eight months. After investing in professional photography, staging, and a few targeted updates, it sold quickly for $160,000 more than before. This is proof that great visuals can pay off in a big way.

Understanding the impact of photography on your home sale is the first step toward achieving the best possible outcome. If you are planning to sell, call or text us at (215)669-6285 or email us at dianeandteam@cardanohomeservice.com. I’ll be happy to walk you through how the right photos and preparation can improve your marketing, attract more buyers, and increase your sale price.