Smithfield Real Estate Market Trends 2025 - Why Great Photography Matters
The Market in Smithfield, NC Right Now
The housing market in Smithfield, NC is shifting in 2025. According to Redfin, the median home price is around $253,000, which is down about 6.5% compared to last year. Homes are staying on the market longer, with the average days on market rising to 50 days from 44 days a year earlier.
Zillow reports that the typical home value is about $289,000, while many listings are selling under list price. Buyers have more choices, and sellers are under pressure to make their homes stand out.
For realtors in Smithfield, this means competition. With more inventory and longer sales cycles, marketing strategy matters.
Why Photography Makes a Difference
High-quality photography is no longer just a nice extra. It directly impacts how quickly and for how much a home sells.
A study by Photoup found that homes with professional photography sell 32% faster than homes with amateur photos.
Research shared by Photography For Real Estate shows that homes priced between $200,000 and $1 million with professional photos sell for $3,000 to $11,000 more on average.
Listings that feature 3D tours or virtual walkthroughs receive 87% more views compared to those without, according to Lighthouse Visuals.
Buyers form opinions quickly. The first photo they see can determine whether they schedule a showing or move on to the next listing.
Connecting Market Trends to Visual Marketing
Smithfield’s softer market puts sellers at a disadvantage. Homes are sitting longer, and list prices often outpace sale prices. Professional photos can help bridge that gap.
When buyers scroll through dozens of listings online, they pause on the ones that look inviting. Aerial shots of larger Johnston County lots, bright interior images, and polished staging help listings stand out. Realtors who consistently market their listings with high-quality visuals build a reputation for professionalism, which attracts both buyers and future clients.
Tools That Work for Smithfield Realtors
There are several photography and marketing tools that fit directly into the needs of Smithfield realtors:
Drone Photography: Many local properties have larger yards or scenic surroundings. Drone photos give buyers a clear view of the property’s scale and location.
3D Tours: Relocation buyers searching from outside the area rely heavily on virtual tours. Offering a Matterport or Zillow 3D tour can turn an online searcher into an in-person showing.
Virtual Staging: Empty homes can feel cold and uninviting. Virtual staging adds realistic furniture and décor, helping buyers imagine themselves in the space.
Consistent Photography Style: When every listing you post looks professional, it reflects positively on your brand as a realtor. Sellers notice when their home is marketed well, and they remember the agent who made it happen.
A Real Example
Consider two similar listings in Smithfield. One realtor used standard smartphone photos, and the home lingered on the market for nearly two months. Another realtor hired professional photography, added aerial shots, and included a 3D tour. That property sold in less than 30 days and received multiple offers.
The difference was not the home itself. The difference was how it was presented.
How GoodLookNC Supports Smithfield Realtors
At GoodLookNC, we specialize in helping local realtors present their listings at the highest level. Our services include:
Interior and exterior real estate photography
FAA-licensed drone photography
Matterport and Zillow 3D tours
Virtual staging for vacant homes
You can view our services to see everything we offer. We also showcase examples in our portfolio so you can see the difference professional Smithfield real estate photography makes.
Final Takeaway
The Smithfield housing market in 2025 demands strategy. Prices have softened, days on market have lengthened, and buyers are more selective. Professional photography, drone imagery, and virtual tours give your listings the edge they need. When your listings look great online, they get more attention, more showings, and better offers.
If you want to stand out in the Smithfield market, start with your photos.