In a visually-driven world, the quality of your listing photos isn’t just important—it’s paramount. But what truly makes a potential homebuyer pause their scroll and click to see more? Groundbreaking insights from an eye-tracking study shed light on the subconscious visual preferences of homebuyers, offering valuable lessons for agents aiming to maximize engagement.

Understanding what buyers really see

To understand the science behind a captivating listing image, Virtuance, a leader in real estate photography, collaborated with Tobii Pro, the global expert in eye-tracking research solutions. “Eye-tracking is a powerful tool to objectively measure consumers’ attention and spontaneous responses to marketing messages,” a Tobii Pro representative explains.

The study involved participants who were active homebuyers, looking to purchase a property within the next 12 months. These participants viewed a screen displaying 16 different listing images from various photographers.

Tobii Pro meticulously tracked their eye movements to identify which listing photos grabbed attention first and held it the longest. Following this initial viewing, participants selected the one listing they were most interested in learning more about.

Key findings: Quality images aren’t just pretty, they’re persuasive

The results were clear: higher quality, professionally enhanced images, like Virtuance’s HDReal® photos, consistently outperformed others.

  • Noticed Faster: Virtuance’s HDReal® images were among the quickest to capture initial visual attention.
  • Held Attention Longer: These images also retained visual focus for extended periods.
  • Preferred by Buyers: Crucially, the study found that “Two-thirds of homebuyers preferred to view Virtuance’s HDReal® images [more] than any other photography solution,” stated Shannon Finetto, who was the Tobii Pro Research Manager at the time of the study.

This data confirms for agents that compelling photos attract home visits, boosting showings, offers, and quick closings.

The enduring power of HDReal® in listing photos

These eye-tracking insights weren’t just an academic exercise. Virtuance utilized this deep understanding of buyer psychology to develop its HDReal® automated imaging system. This technology, refined over years of research and development, is engineered to ensure every image possesses the specific aesthetic attributes proven to make homebuyers click on listings—even those they might have otherwise overlooked.

Where science meets visual appeal

HDReal® is more than just software; it’s a sophisticated synergy between the skill of professional real estate photographers and a suite of 25 proprietary algorithms powered by artificial intelligence. The result? Consistently breathtaking images scientifically designed to help your listings receive significantly more interest—potentially up to 2x more—than properties marketed with standard photography.

In a competitive market, every advantage counts. Understanding the psychology behind a buyer’s click, backed by scientific research, empowers agents to make smarter marketing choices. By prioritizing high-quality, attention-grabbing photography, you’re not just showcasing a property; you’re significantly increasing the chances of capturing a buyer’s interest from that very first glance.

Ready to see the HDReal® difference for your listings? Schedule your professional photoshoot today!

FAQ

Virtuance’s 2018 eye-tracking found high-quality, enhanced images capture attention faster, hold it longer, and are preferred by homebuyers.

High-quality listing photos are crucial because they attract more home visits, which directly leads to increased showings, offers, and faster closings.

The study found Virtuance’s HDReal® images were noticed fastest, held visual attention longer, and were preferred by two-thirds of participating homebuyers.

HDReal® is an automated imaging system combining professional photography with 25 proprietary AI-powered algorithms to produce scientifically optimized listing images.

HDReal® images are scientifically designed to help your listings potentially receive up to two times more interest than those with standard photography.