Professional Pictures Debate

[Ryan Schildroth]

I'm about to list my first STR in the KCMO market and am going back and forth on whether or not I should get professional pictures. All of the books I've read on STRs say to spend the money, and that it'll be a huge difference maker for bookings. I've also heard the argument that if expectations from great pictures don't meet reality, guests will be disappointed from the get-go. While it has plenty of charm, the home is nearly 100 years old. Another side note is that my fiance is an Art Director and has a knack for photography, just not necessarily real estate specific.

Any advice before I drop $500 on a pro?

[Bonnie Low]

Here's a different point of view through the eyes of a guest. I can tell when someone is not using professional photos in their listing. The first thing that comes to mind is that the host is cheap and therefore their furnishings will be, too, and their attention to detail will be lacking. Nothing worse than staying at a place where the host leaves one roll of 1-ply toilet paper in each bathroom, 1 dishwasher pod, and bought the value mattresses from Big Lots. That's what I think when I see poor quality photos. The few times I've broken my own rules and rented such a place, it's played out exactly like that. You'll have no regrets spending the $500 on pro photos and possibly a lot of regrets if you don't. Good luck!