I picked up a copy of the newly updated book, "Success as a Real Estate Agent for DUMMIES", by Dirk Zeller, to see what he had to say about the relative importance of photography in selling houses today.  Here is a synopsis of what the author writes in reference to Real Estate Photography:

1. Most home tours occur online before they occur in person.  More than 90% of all buyers use the Internet to search and review homes . . . so visual information is essential to selling homes.

2. According to the National Association of Realtors, 42% of buyers find their home online and then contact the listing agent or their own agent.  We've seen a 425% increase in buyers finding their next home through independent Internet searches.

3. The first rule of online property marketing is pictures, pictures, pictures.

4. When buyers encounter property listings with few photos, they reach one of several conclusions:

• They don't want to waste their time.  Many buyers think properties are like buses; another one will be along in a few minutes or day.  "I'll wait," they say.
• The property is a dog!  If the property was a quality one . . . the agent would have taken more pictures of it.
• The agent is unskilled.  Their thinking is that if they can't easily get a basic understanding of this property, everyone else who finds this home online will have the same issues.  You have little chance of securing their business in the future.

So, there you have it!  "Pictures, Pictures, Pictures" says it all!  Great photography plays a very important role in enticing prospective buyers to inquire further about a home.