Foto360 Focuses on Real Estate Photography Across the US

With the explosion of Instagram, Pinterest and other social media platforms, it seems like just about everyone these days is a professional photographer. But for photography enthusiast Izudin Lelic, carving out a niche service was the key to thriving in such a competitive market. That’s why Foto360 specializes in professional real estate photography and video services to clients all over the United States. According to Lelic, providing virtual tour services adds an extra touch to the online venture’s value proposition.  

 

“The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count,” the company asserts on its .US site. Though the Belchertown-based business serves customers located primarily in Central and Western Massachusetts, its services are available all over the country—though travel charges may apply for distances exceeding 25 miles from the town’s center. Its online domain, Foto360.us, emphasizes the New England company can indeed serve real estate professionals across the country. 

 

The creative firm’s basic photo package comes with a minimum of 30 photos (though most photoshoots will yield 45 or more usable images), which are retouched to enhance lighting and color. As a bonus, clients have the option of tacking on a virtual tour, which entails taking up to five 360-degree panoramic photos. The virtual tour may be branded or non-branded, and can be posted to the MLS to be syndicated by major real estate portals such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.  

 

The cool creation comes in standard video format, which you can upload to YouTube or your listing’s website. And the add-on allows users to zoom into your property from outer space—so they can truly appreciate it from every angle. In addition, the company can monitor all interactions with the virtual tour and deliver an activity report on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, depending on your preference. 

 

There are two options for video, the first of which includes a 3-8 minute tour of your property with background music, which includes aerial views. The second entails a two-minute walk-through video tailored to meet Zillow guidelines (which requires it to be taken using a mobile device and stripped of any audio).   

 

“Everything was great, from scheduling right up to delivery of photos,” reads one testimonial featured on the company’s website. “I appreciate the coverage and quick turnaround!” writes Colin, another satisfied customer.  

But when it comes to photography services, testimonials can only do so much. The proof is in the portfolio. Foto360.US acts as a live portfolio of the company’s best work, displaying clear and vivid imagery of all types of residences.  

 

And in case a client is ever discontented, Foto360 offers a 100% money-back guarantee: “If, for any reason, you are not happy with our service, we will refund your complete payment,” the company promises. 

 

Don’t think you need to hire a professional real estate photographer? Think again. According to Foto360’s research findings, potential home buyers spend 60% of their time clicking through listing photos, but only 20% on reading property and agent descriptions. To boot, listings featuring professionally shot photos typically garner over 60% more views and have a higher chance of selling when priced above $300,000—not to mention, command a 47% higher asking price per square foot. Agents who use professional photographers and videographers have also been shown to sell homes 32% faster and earn twice as much gross commission income as those who do not. (Surprisingly, only 15% of listings showcase high-quality imagery, with more than half of $1 million+ listings using subpar photos. So to make your property truly stand out, it’s a wise move to invest in first-rate photography.) 

 

To boot, the company offers free advice on its website on how to prep for a shoot. Three key things to keep in mind while staging your home include:  

1) Tidying up the house, inside and out (that includes dusting and vacuuming, making beds, wiping down countertops, and cleaning the yard);  

2) Declutter and cleanse, which means tossing old magazines, removing refrigerator magnets, shoes, towels, and toiletries, and trash can); and  

3) De-personalizing everything, from concealing personal photos to putting away seasonal decor.  

 

Arguably the most important tip: “Use a professional home staging service, if you can.” 

 

Ready to book a professional photographer? For more information (including prices), contact the company at realestatephotos@foto360.us or (413) 320-9977.