As a seasoned real estate professional, you understand that real estate listing photos are important. Working in Alaska, you also likely know that the quality of your galleries is especially important here due to the fact that so many buyers not only come from out-of-state but frequently buy properties without ever seeing them in person.
You absolutely need your images to sell potential buyers on the home you’re selling.
There are a lot of things that go into creating a fantastic gallery of photos for a listing - lighting, composition, and overall gallery seamlessness. But we believe there are specific shots that matter, too. In fact, our experience has taught us that there are three key shots every Alaska real estate listing should have.
The Alaskan Dream
Why do clients choose Alaska if not to live like they’re on vacation every day of the year? Every Alaska home listing should have at the very least one photo (and really more) that draws the viewer into that “Alaskan dream.”
It could be a shot taken from the living room. Or a sweeping master suite complete with sitting area. Or an outdoor balcony. All three, if you can.
These images should capture the size of the space, the unparalleled Alaskan view, and staging to create the moment every Alaskan dreamer is looking for: a clean, comfortable space, and a way to commune with nature (even if it’s from the coziness of indoors).
One of the best ways to capture this must-have piece of your listing’s story is by using a wide-angle lens. Often you’ll catch an experienced Alaskan real estate photographer snapping what seems like an endless stream of photos of the same space because they’re working hard to capture that “dream” shot.
The Most Private Retreat
A stunning bathroom photo is the must-have next on our list. Of course, the space should be clean, and all the necessary amenities should be featured. That said, this is also sometimes the most private retreat we have for ourselves when we share a home with others.
Your prospective buyers should also understand what features will make moments of self-care the most comfortable or luxurious - double showerheads, low-light heat lamps, a freestanding soaking tub, heated floors?
The bathroom is often one of the most challenging images to capture well. Here at DMD, we always try to walk-through the home so that our photographers are able to note the best features, assess lighting and angles, and to talk about various staging requests.
Into the Alaskan Outdoors
It should go without saying that exterior photos are paramount to selling an Alaskan home. Shots should include the outside of the building itself, as well as the surrounding property and views.
Securing amazing exterior shots takes a number of specific professional photography skills - starting with lighting. In order to tackle some of the lighting challenges here in Alaska, it isn’t uncommon for photographers here to schedule more than one shoot (and at different times of day) to capture the right images.
Depending on the property, you may want a professional drone photographer on your team in order to capture various property features, views, and amenities.
Again, these are just a handful of important shots. There are many others. But if you don’t see at least these things happening, ask questions. Otherwise, your listing galleries may not be the best they can be.
Quality listing photos could mean the difference between your listings garnering the attention they deserve and missing that crucial Alaskan peak-season window altogether.
If you have any doubts at all about whether you’re asking the right questions of your photographer or need help developing high-quality photo galleries for your listings, call DMD Real Estate Photography. Our greatest satisfaction comes from being a part of our Alaskan real estate partners’ success!