If you’re like many people, choosing a realtor becomes a highly personal endeavor.
You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person. You want that person to feel safe and like they will represent you well in one of the largest transactions you’ll ever make.
When choosing a new realtor, most clients will look first at their headshot before finding out any other information about them. That image will convey messages about the realtor’s professionalism, pride in their job, confidence, and more.
Therefore, if you’re a realtor, having amazing realtor headshots is an important part of the job description. In most cases, it’s the very first impression you give and holds a surprising amount of sway in helping clients decide to use your services.
So, how do you go about making your headshot better than others? Let’s look into it!
How to Help Your Realtor Headshots Stand Out
Having a realtor headshot is essential because it’s one of the first things people look at when browsing for a new living situation. Your headshot will accompany much of your business dealings. If you’re like the typical realtor, you could display your professional photo on bus stop benches, for sale signs, business cards, open house flyers, direct mailers, social media profiles, and more.
Your headshot will be pitted against many other realtors in your area. You want your photo to give off an excellent and memorable first impression. Otherwise, you’ll get lost among the sea of your competitors.
But how do you get your realtor headshots to stand out? It takes planning and attention to detail, but it can be done. We’ve got several suggestions for you to try.
1. Do Some Research
To beat the competition, you have to know what you’re up against. Check out other realtor headshots to get a sense of the competition. Pay special attention to the images of the most successful realtors in your area.
What patterns do you notice? How are they posed? What are their clothes like? How does the background look?
Compare your findings with your own headshot and make a few changes accordingly.
2. High-Quality Photos Matter
A homegrown headshot simply won’t cut it in the competitive real estate market. You should either use a professional photographer or an AI headshot generator to turn your plain smartphone portraits into head-turning headshots.
Professional photographers know how to pose you, get the lighting just right, and edit your photos to match your style. It’s a costly endeavor, but you might find it’s worth it for that professional touch.
On the other hand, an AI headshot generator can spit out customized headshots that are just as good as many professionally taken photos. In fact, you might even like them better because you have more customization options with AI.
Whichever option you choose, take the extra time and spend the extra money on getting a quality photo.
3. Dress to Impress
Appearance matters more than you might want it to in real estate, and what you wear says a lot about you. When you wear fitted, attractive professional clothing, you show others that you care about your appearance and take your job seriously. Whether they realize it or not, this will draw them to you.
Business-like attire is typically best for realtor headshots. Many realtors choose to wear a fitted suit or blazer. You could follow this path or try for a more business-casual look if you feel it will mesh better with your customers.
Solid colors that complement your features and don’t distract from your face are best. You don’t want anything too busy or eye-catching.
4. Take Practice Shots
Just as you would study for a school test, it doesn’t hurt to take several practice shots. Doing this lets you get an idea of what poses work and don’t work for you. You can assess different outfit options, lighting, backgrounds, and other details to see if they’re flattering on camera.
Taking practice shots can also help you feel more confident when it’s time to take your headshot. Your confidence will naturally exude from the photo, which can only help your business.
5. Show Your Natural Smile
People can tell if a smile is forced, which makes you seem standoffish–the last thing you want as a realtor! A genuine smile can give off a warm and comforting feeling to others. Again, it helps establish trust.
It might feel strange, but it’s not a bad idea to practice your smile. Smile at yourself in the mirror, trying different angles, bigger and smaller smiles, teeth and no teeth, etc. Choose a smile that conveys a friendly sort of camaraderie.
And don’t be afraid to ask your photographer or an AI generator to make those pearly whites a little whiter. This subtle adjustment can significantly improve the finished product.
6. Your Background Makes a Difference
Choosing a background can make all the difference for your headshot. Avoid other people or objects in your background because it draws the focus away from you. Depending on the style you’re going for, you’ll typically see the most success with either a solid background or natural surroundings.
Many modern realtor headshots are stepping away from the plain backdrops and moving toward nature settings that are blurred out in the background. Your headshot could also feature a stunning home behind you or a beautiful brick wall.
These backgrounds will help you keep your professional look while adding modern interest to the photos.
7. Order Multiple Headshots
You might think one headshot is enough, but it’s better to have multiple options. Not only does it allow you to select the best headshots out of a collection, but it also enables you to update your profile occasionally without going out and getting new headshots done.
8. Keep It Simple
While it’s a good idea to compare your headshots with those of successful realtors in the area, don’t overthink it. Simplicity is often the best tool in conveying your best self.
It’s true that details matter, but keep those details simple as well. An attractive background, simple accessories, a real smile, fitted clothing, and well-groomed features can go a long way in making your headshots great.
9. Pose Confidently
A confident pose means standing tall and straight. Your arms will most likely be at your side or folded in your lap, and you should look directly into the camera. Put on a genuine smile to give off a welcoming vibe. You want the look on your face to say, “I’ve got you covered!”
Avoid intimidating power poses like keeping your arms crossed or standing with hands on hips. Your body language should be open and inviting.
10. Maintain a Polished Appearance
Having a polished appearance shows professionalism and leaves a good first impression. Overall, think “clean-cut and well-groomed.” Your hairstyle and makeup (if applicable) should be conservative and carefully applied. Accessories should enhance your features and not distract from them.
Putting a small effort into the details of your appearance is such a simple part of creating a headshot that makes a massive difference in the long run.
Setting Your Realtor Headshot Apart from Others
If you’re in somewhat of a rut when it comes to drumming up new real estate business, maybe it’s time to look at revamping your professional image. Getting new headshots is a great place to start.
Having a high-quality headshot shows you’re serious about yourself and your work. You want this professional portrait to be welcoming and inviting, giving a promise that you’ll do your job well in the subtle details of the image.
