This $200 Photo Mistake Costs A Seller $20,000 — Pro Photographer Reveals What NOT To Do

Why do some listings explode with showings while others sit with price cuts?

In this episode, we sit down with world-class architectural photographer James Burkett—a pro who’s shot over 10,000 homes—to reveal how preparation, staging, and smart visuals can add tens of thousands of dollars to your sale price.

If you’re selling soon (or preparing a listing for a client), this is your complete playbook for creating scroll-stopping photos, maximizing buyer interest, and protecting your home’s first impression.

What You’ll Learn
• Why model-ready presentation changes buyer behavior
• The three tiers of prep: essential basics, curb-appeal polish, and strategic repairs
• Common photo-killers that quietly cost sellers thousands
• When to delay a photoshoot to avoid ruining your lead image
• How twilight photography and drone angles boost clicks and perceived value
• Tips for lighting, counters, windows, yards, and more
• How to detach personal pride from true market value
• When AI staging helps—and when it breaks trust
• Real stories: a simple cottage that sold for $50k over ask, and a luxury listing that lost money by skipping prep
• Why longer buyer “linger time” leads to stronger offers

Why It Matters
Homes must look like the ones buyers shop. Clean counters, matched bulbs, sparkling windows, cared-for yards, and thoughtful staging tell buyers, “This home is worth it.” Great visuals don’t just attract clicks—they raise offers.

Have other questions about living in, moving to, or visiting St. George and Southern Utah? Just ask! 

P. 435-291-5443
E. sales@gostgeorge.com
Web: www.GoStGeorge.com
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/larkingroup
FB: https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgeExperts

🌟 Who? Jeremy Larkin was born and raised in St. George, Utah and is the owner of The Larkin Group Real Estate Advisors.

📍 Where? Washington and Iron County, Utah, including, but not limited to St. George, Washington City, Ivins, Santa Clara, Hurricane, LaVerkin, Toquerville, Cedar City and Parowan. 

💈  What?  Jeremy and his team of expert advisors at The Larkin Group walk the best clients in the world through the brain surgery of Buying, Selling and Investing Southern Utah Real Estate! And perhaps more importantly, they LOVE this community and pouring their heart and soul into it!

📻  Tune in! Jeremy is the host of The "St. George Real Estate Morning" Drive radio show 94.9 FM / 890 AM. You can stream the weekly program Thursdays at 8:35 AM here: https://tinyurl.com/radiorealestate   

🙏 Give: The St. George Basket Brigade feeds 200+ families every Thanksgiving and supports local families, students and schools through organizations like Tan's Treats. Learn more and give at http://stgeorgebasketbrigade.org/

🔍  SEARCH ALL HOMES AND LAND in Washington County https://www.gostgeorge.com/
 🔗 CHECK YOUR CURRENT HOME EQUITY @ https://www.gostgeorge.com/homevalue

[00:00:00] Setting The Stage: Zillow Fails
[00:05:11] Model-Ready Mindset For Sellers
[00:09:51] Common Photo-Killers To Fix
[00:13:25] When To Delay The Shoot
[00:17:05] Buyer Psychology: Time In Home
[00:22:15] How To Reach The Team