Why New Construction Deserves New Photography Approaches
Between October and November 2025, Johnston County added over 700 new listings - many of them new construction. Yet with a 25% increase in average days on market since summer, builders and Realtors alike are facing a more competitive climate. A For Sale sign and MLS upload are not enough anymore.
Brand-new homes require thoughtful photography tailored to their unique challenges. Here is how to ensure your new builds capture attention and convert online traffic into in-person tours.
1. Empty Does Not Sell
Unfurnished new homes dominate Johnston County’s inventory right now. But most buyers cannot visualize room flow, furniture scale, or how spaces function from blank photos alone.
Use Virtual Staging
Goodlook’s virtual staging service ($100 per photo) adds realistic furnishings and decor digitally - ideal for models, spec homes, and under-construction properties. It helps buyers see how life fits into each room, especially in large open-concept layouts.
2. Buyers Need Context
Even in high-demand neighborhoods like Flowers Plantation or Bellamy, new builds can feel isolated. Landscaping takes time. Community features are not always complete.
Add Drone Photography
Aerial stills show proximity to shopping, trails, schools, and highways. They can also show how a home fits into the larger community layout - critical for developments where only a few homes are built so far.
3. The First Image Matters
As inventory climbs, listings must make an instant impression. According to Zillow research, homes with high-quality main photos receive up to 60% more views than those with poor lighting or framing.
Schedule Twilight Exteriors
Sunset lighting and interior glow make new homes feel lived-in and aspirational. For empty properties, this is your best chance to convey warmth. Johnston County homes with twilight main images saw a higher share of saved listings in Q4 preview data.
4. Amenities = Lifestyle
Johnston County’s new communities are building out pools, playgrounds, clubhouses, and trail systems. But many agents miss the opportunity to include these visuals in listing packages.
Capture the Full Experience
Buyers are not just shopping for a house - they are evaluating the entire lifestyle. Goodlook can include amenity shots in the same session as the home shoot.
5. Uniformity Builds Trust
Many developments list multiple homes at once. Inconsistent lighting, angles, or file types across listings can make your marketing look amateur.
Standardized Media Libraries
We help agents and builders create consistent media across similar homes, with reusable content where applicable. This is ideal for spec homes, model photos, or sister plans in new phases.
Why This Approach Matters in Today’s Market
Johnston County’s median days on market has risen to 31, up from 24 just three months ago.
Buyer activity has shifted to more selective online behavior - homes with immersive media retain attention longer.
Builders are offering incentives - photos are your first and best chance to avoid the need for price cuts.
Visual marketing is not a nice-to-have for new construction - it is your frontline sales tool.
FAQs
How quickly can virtual staging be completed?
We typically deliver staged images within 24–48 hours. Just choose your photos during checkout and add design notes if needed on our order page.
Can I shoot before landscaping or amenities are complete?
Yes. Drone photos or tight compositions can focus on finished elements. You can also schedule follow-up shoots to update listings later.
Is twilight photography really worth it?
Yes. In cooler seasons and for empty homes, it adds mood and lifestyle appeal. Listings with twilight main images show increased engagement.
Do your photos meet MLS standards?
Yes. All images are MLS-optimized with high-resolution versions also available for print and social media.