If you’re a Nashville rental property owner, you know that the market is competitive and moving quickly. You also understand the importance of limiting your vacancy time and finding a qualified tenant as soon as possible.
You can only do that with good marketing, and good marketing requires fantastic photos. Capturing the essence and charm of both your unique rental property and even the entire city of Nashville can set your listings apart and attract the attention of good tenants who are looking for homes.
Professional real estate photography can make a big difference.
If you’re not willing to hire a professional photographer, make sure you’re putting all of your best resources and skills into the pictures you take and post.
In the competitive real estate and rental market, standout images can be the deciding factor for potential renters who are browsing a huge volume of online listings. High-quality photos attract more views and can ultimately shorten the time your property stays vacant on the market. Here’s how to ensure your Nashville property looks picture-perfect every time you list it or share it on social media.
The Importance of First Impressions
First impressions matter, especially in real estate, when you’re trying to convince someone to see your property, apply to rent it, and move right in. Quality photographs act as that important first impression for your potential renters. The images you ultimately share with your listing should not only present your property in the best light but also evoke a sense of place and possibility. You want your photos to show off a home that’s welcoming and inviting. An emotional connection with the pictures in your marketing will give tenants a sense of what it would be like to live there.
Use the Right Photography Equipment
Professional photography equipment can make a significant difference in the quality of your photographs. While smartphone cameras have come a long way, and they make it very easy to point and shoot, they still can’t match the quality and versatility of a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera paired with the right lenses.
Consider using wide-angle lenses to capture the full expanse of a room without distortion. You might want to consider investing in a tripod for those crisp, clear shots that don’t risk picking up the blur that handheld picture-taking can bring.
Natural Light is Your Property’s Friend
Take advantage of Nashville’s sunshine and bright, natural light. This can be one of your greatest photography assets. Schedule your photo shoot during the parts of the day when the sun has just risen or is about to set. You’ll find there’s a warm and inviting glow that comes through the windows and enhances your outdoor photos.
It’s also important to open the windows and pull back the blinds or curtains, allowing as much light into the home as possible before you start snapping photos. You want to turn on the inside lights as well, which will help you offset any shadows and create a balanced, homely feel.
Declutter and Clean
Before you take any photos that will be included in your listing, cleaning is crucial. Staging is not necessary for rental homes the way it is on the sales market. You’ll want to show off an empty, clean property in your rental listing. So clear out the clutter. Depersonalize the space. And, make sure there’s a big, professional clean that’s done before you take any marketing photos. You want everything to look perfect, new, and move-in ready. Tenants will scrutinize the photos and notice the trash in the kitchen or the fingerprints on the walls.
Highlight Unique Features in Photos
You’ll want to take pictures of all the essentials:
- Kitchens, with close-ups of appliances and any aesthetic décor such as a tile backsplash or new cabinet hardware.
- Living areas, whether it’s a living room or a den or a formal dining room.
- Bedrooms, including closet space.
- Outdoor space, including garages and other parking.
- The front of the home.
Don’t stop there. Include photos of your unique features and best selling points. Does your property have a stunning view of the river, or perhaps original hardwood floors? Highlight these features in your photography. Allow potential renters to imagine themselves living among those unique qualities that make your Nashville property more than just a space. The right photography can tell a story. That’s what will attract good tenants to your rental.
Consider Professional Help
We mentioned the possibility of hiring a professional photographer earlier. This would be an especially good idea if working with a camera isn’t exactly your strongest talent. Hiring a professional real estate photographer can be a worthy investment, especially when it reduces your vacancy time and attracts well-qualified renters who will pay rent on time and take care of your investment. Professional photographers have the skills, equipment, and experience to showcase your property effectively. Plus, they’ll understand how to capture the quintessential Nashville vibe that will resonate with potential tenants.
Real estate photography is more than just taking pictures of your property. It’s about creating a feeling and telling a story that resonates with potential renters. In Nashville’s competitive rental market, you’re up against a lot of other listings and properties that tenants are mindlessly scrolling through. Your pictures can give them a reason to stop the scrolling and pay attention to the home you have for rent.
Maybe it’s not a professional photographer you need, but a professional Nashville property manager. We can be that resource. Our marketing strategies are extensive, aggressive, and designed to rent your home quickly to a good tenant, for the most money possible. Photography is a big part of that, and you’ll love what we can accomplish with a well-crafted, well-designed rental listing. Contact us and we’ll tell you more.
TCS Management is a full service property management company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also serving Cherry Hill, NJ, Wilmington, Delaware, Nashville, Tennessee and the surrounding areas. We focus on single-family and multifamily residential property management of homes, condos, townhomes, and apartment buildings.
