How many pictures do you have on your phone’s camera roll?
We’re guessing you have a lot.
That’s just how important photos are to people. We take them. We organize them. We collect them into memories, reminders, and snapshots of things we like, love, or are curious about.
Understanding the importance of photos, why would you not invest in professional photography for your Nashville rental listings?
This is a competitive rental market, and well-qualified tenants have a lot of choices. As those tenants are scrolling through one listing after another, they’re going to need a reason to pause on yours. Exceptional pictures can be that reason.
Let’s talk about why we encourage owners to use top-notch photos in their listings and what kind of difference it can make in how quickly you rent out your home.
How Professional Photos Impact Rental Listings
Professional photos are more than just eye-catching visuals. They communicate the value and appeal of your property to renters in seconds. They also create an emotional connection. Prospective tenants need to imagine themselves living inside of that property, and they cannot do that without some really exciting photos.
With so many listings competing for attention, an image that stands out could mean the difference between a click and a pass.
Plus, the statistics don’t exactly lie. Properties that feature professional photography receive significantly more attention online. According to studies by the National Association of Realtors, 80% of people are looking for homes online. Online views require quality online photos. VRBO also released statistics in 2020 that show listings with high-quality images can receive up to 40% more inquiries compared to those with amateur or low-quality photos.
For landlords, this means your property won’t just attract more interest—it may also rent out more quickly.
The Key Benefits of Professional Photography
You’ll attract more attention with good photos. Here are some other undeniable benefits to working with the best photography you can access.
- Professional Photos Showcase Your Property in the Best Light
A professional photographer understands how to highlight your property’s unique features, such as its natural lighting, spacious layout, or inviting décor. They can create clean, well-composed images that show your property at its absolute best, leaving prospective tenants imagining themselves living there. Good photographers will know how to leverage natural light, how to use artificial light when necessary, and which angles are the best angles for shooting and posting.
- Professionalism Builds Credibility and Trust
High-quality images demonstrate professionalism and care for your property. Renters are more likely to trust landlords who invest in presenting their property well. Clear, attractive photos suggest your property is well-maintained and that you’re attentive as a landlord—a key factor in standing out from the competition. If you’re including a single mediocre photo with your listing, renters may not take you seriously.
- Quality Photos Increase Online Visibility
As we demonstrated, most tenants start their search for a rental property online. Professional photos can make your rental listing pop on search results pages, and many rental platforms reward visually appealing listings with higher rankings. Better visibility means more traffic, and more traffic equals more potential tenants. The more photos you can load, the more interesting your listing becomes.
- Better Marketing Performance in the Nashville Rental Market
Consider this—your rental listing isn’t just competing with other properties on a single website; it may also be seen on social media, digital ads, or email newsletters. Across all these platforms, engaging visuals perform better and drive higher clicks. Professional images will continue to work hard for you wherever your listing appears. People on social sites will be far more likely to share and engage with listings that include professional photos.
- Less Risk of Scams and Hustles
One of the more popular rental scams out there involves people stealing your listing and claiming that your property is their own. They’ll collect money from tenants who are unaware that they’re not dealing with the actual property owner or landlord. When you have professional photos included in your listing, they’ll likely be watermarked, making it more difficult for dishonest people to steal those pictures.
Is Professional Photography Worth the Investment?
Some landlords may hesitate to invest in professional photography because of the upfront cost but consider the potential return on investment. A property that rents out weeks faster due to professional imagery generates more income sooner and avoids the risks of extended vacancies. It’s not a cost—it’s a strategic step toward maximizing profitability and reducing downtime.
If hiring a professional to market your property isn’t in your budget, consider that with the right Nashville property management partner, high-quality marketing photos are likely included in the leasing services.
What to Look for in a Professional Photographer
When you do decide that professional photography is worth the money, remember that not all photographers are created equal. If you’re ready to elevate your rental listings, make sure to hire someone with experience in real estate photography. Here are a few things to consider:
- Portfolio. Review their previous work to see how they’ve shot similar properties.
- Understanding of Lighting. Good photographers know how to highlight natural light or supplement it when necessary.
- Turnaround Time. Time is often of the essence in real estate—confirm they can deliver photos promptly. You need your listing to go live asap.
Many photographers offer extras like drone shots or virtual staging to further boost your listing’s appeal. Consider a walk-through video as well.
Choosing Photos for Your Nashville Rental Listing
Part of presenting a professionally photographed home is understanding which photos are likely going to make the most difference in the way prospective renters perceive your home. Which photos are must-haves for your listing?
Here are the absolute essentials for a standout rental listing (we’re also telling you why each is important).
- Exterior of the Property
We groan when we come across rental listings that don’t show off the front of the property. Whether it’s a single-family home or a unit in a building, a tenant wants to see what they’re looking for when they arrive. The exterior sets the stage for what renters can expect. Include a wide-angle shot of the entrance, driveway, landscaping, and even surrounding areas if they add charm to your listing.
Why it matters: This is your opportunity to highlight curb appeal and communicate key details, such as parking availability or proximity to green spaces.
- Living Room
People spend most of their time in their living room, whether they’re watching television, talking to friends and family, or catching up with their social media feeds. It’s often the first interior photo they evaluate. Capture it from multiple perspectives, focusing on well-lit angles and clean arrangements. Show off any details like hardwood floors, large windows, or built-in features.
A professional photo will have open curtains and drawn blinds to maximize natural light. It’s also important to remove any clutter to create a welcoming feel.
- Kitchen
The kitchen can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker for many renters. A few good pictures of the kitchen are absolutely necessary, especially if you’ve got a good kitchen to show off. In your listing, showcase countertops, cabinetry, appliances, and any unique features like islands or backsplashes. Make sure everything looks spotless, and remove any clutter or debris. That bottle of cleaner on the countertop never looks right in a rental listing photo.
Why it matters: A clean, modern kitchen suggests the property is well-maintained, which instantly builds trust with prospective tenants.
- Bedrooms
Highlight bedrooms with a wide-angle shot that showcases the size and available natural light. Make sure the bed is neatly made, and the room feels cozy but not crowded. Show tenants where the closet is, and if it’s a walk-in closet, take a photo of that, too.
Why it matters: Renters are keen to see comfortable spaces where they can unwind. A well-presented bedroom emphasizes this.
- Bathrooms
Capture a pristine, well-organized bathroom, and don’t forget to showcase any modern upgrades like sleek tiles, new fixtures, or additional storage space. We get excited about bathroom photos that include neutral tones and a bright, clean environment. These are particularly appealing in bathroom shots, and tenants will think so, too.
- Storage Areas
Storage space is an underrated asset. Include photos of closets, cabinets, and any dedicated storage rooms or garages. If there’s a shed in the backyard or extra shelving in a garage, you’re going to want to include a photo.
Why it matters: Renters are often seeking properties that fit their lifestyle. Ample storage is a huge plus.
- Outdoor Spaces
Always leverage your outdoor space by including multiple photos of it. When you have a balcony, backyard, garden, or shared outdoor area that’s included in your rental property, you want to let your prospective tenants know about it. Definitely include this in your listing. Use your photo to convey how renters can enjoy these additions.
Photos aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about storytelling. Your goal is to create a narrative that resonates with your ideal tenant. Professional photography is helpful.
If you’d like to talk about marketing your Nashville rental property and the photos that will help, please contact us at Apex Ventures, Inc.
