High-quality photography and videography are some of the most powerful tools you can use to market a property. Nearly all buyers first see a home online, and professional images and video can make the difference between a showing request and a skipped listing. While agents are free to take their own photos and videos, we strongly recommend hiring a professional whenever possible to help you stand out in the market.
First Impressions: Listings with professional photos get more clicks and showings.
Higher Perceived Value: Better photos/videos often lead to faster sales and higher offers.
Marketing Consistency: Strong visuals reinforce your professionalism and Dalton Wade branding.
Lighting: Use natural light when possible. Turn on all lights inside the home.
Angles: Use wide-angle lenses to capture full rooms, but avoid distortion.
Staging: Declutter, depersonalize, and clean before photos.
Resolution: Aim for high-resolution photos (at least 300 DPI) for MLS uploads.
Editing: Light editing is fine (brightness, contrast), but do not misrepresent the property.
Types of Videos:
Walkthrough tours (room-to-room).
Short teasers for Instagram or Facebook Reels.
Full property showcases with narration or text overlays.
Branding: Always include your name and Dalton Wade Real Estate Group in video intros or end slides.
Music: Use royalty-free tracks to avoid copyright issues.
Format:
Horizontal (landscape) for MLS and YouTube.
Vertical (portrait) for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Stories.
Drone footage can elevate your listing marketing, especially for large properties or homes with views.
FAA Certification: Only FAA-certified drone operators can legally fly for commercial real estate purposes.
MLS & State Rules: Advertising must comply with your state’s laws and MLS rules. If you’re unsure, contact your local MLS or board before using drones.
Truth in Advertising: Do not edit photos or videos to hide damage, change property size, or otherwise mislead.
Fair Housing: Avoid media that implies preference for certain groups (for example, lifestyle photos that focus only on families with children).
Brokerage Disclosure: Dalton Wade Real Estate Group must be included in your advertising, which covers video intros/outros and captions.
While professional photography is recommended, here are tips if you need to shoot your own:
Use a newer smartphone with a good camera (iPhone/Android).
Invest in a tripod for steady shots.
Use HDR mode for balanced lighting.
Shoot during the day when natural light is best.
Take both wide shots and detail shots (kitchen finishes, backyard).
Edit with free apps like Canva.
Professional photographers provide the lighting, angles, and editing that DIY photos can’t match.
Many MLSs and listing services now require minimum photo quality standards—professional work ensures compliance.
For higher-end listings, professional video and drone footage are expected by today’s buyers.