Will Photos and Floor Plans Truly Sell a Property?

By Tommy Flemm 5 years ago

When it comes to marketing a piece of real property, floor plans and photos are critical. Notwithstanding an abundance of options from up-and-coming UK proptech firms, specifically 3d scanning services, this is a fundamental truth that has remained a constant.

Home buyers simply expect these elements to be present in listings, and studies show that over 80 per cent of such individuals think floor plans are vital when they are seeking a property.

What is the reason for including photos and floor plans in property listings?

  • To show the property’s full range of features;
  • To build interest with stunning pictures and comprehensive marketing material;
  • To boost qualified lead generation and expand transparency;
  • To maintain a solid, stable brand.

However, it is still common to see listings falter in terms of neglecting to include fundamental components such as floor plans, strong photos and property details.

By omitting things like this, there is a good chance that there will be insufficient interest in the property itself.

While it is simple to point out what ought to be included, there are sometimes valid reasons why certain listings lack one or more of these things.

What would be some reasons a listing lacks floor plans and/or photos?

  • There may be time restrictions in obtaining these things;
  • Proper experience or equipment may be lacking;
  • Poor weather conditions or lighting can thwart photography efforts;
  • Lack of communication can frustrate staging and preparation plans.

Given these tips, we have put together a few additional ideas to make sure you market a property most effectively.

Photography Pointers for Estate Agents

A few minutes online will assuredly reveal a number of poor quality estate agent listing photos, but there are clear ways to prevent such scenarios.

Helping a property stand out online is something that can be done with strong visual elements, and while most agents do pretty well with taking photos, enlisting the help of a professional can make all the difference.

The key, no matter which route is chosen, remains to prepare thoroughly.

  • Have the property well-staged, and see if the homeowner will help tidy up in advance;
  • Prepare the site by knowing the layout well and working with that knowledge;
  • Have quality equipment close at hand, including a tripod, DSLR camera and a wide-angle lens;
  • Experiment with angles for both interior and exterior images;
  • Try to get 8-10 photos of the interior and 2-3 photos of the exterior of the property.

Now that photography has been explained, we need to move on to maximising floor plan inclusion.

Drawing Floor Plans

Selling often hinges on floor plans, and it pays to focus on details. To draw a floor plan, you need more than graph paper and a pencil; both those are certainly fundamental necessities. What else might be required?

  • Laser measuring tools are critical for accuracy in floor plans;
  • Make sure measurements are taken consistently;
  • Capture every detail, including windows, doors, and the opening direction of doors and the placement of fixtures;
  • Utilize proper symbols in your plans;
  • Make a final review of your work.

Are photos and floor plans truly critical to selling properties?

Though it is true that a 2D floor plan that has accurate dimensions takes some real work to achieve, in just about the same time-frame, it is possible to develop a 3D plan that brings added value to the proposition.

Is Proptech the right solution?

Tech solutions are playing an increasingly important role in the estate agency world in terms of developing floor plans and maximising the impact of photography. Agents, vendors and photographers alike are all looking for the best in technology to further their professional endeavour.