Finding Diamond in the Rough: Making Difficult Commercial Properties Shine

This article discusses how professional photography can transform the marketing of "difficult" or unattractive commercial properties. It explains how strategic framing, drone context, and expert lighting make industrial and flex-spaces look like premium investment opportunities.

Not every commercial property is a sparkling new resort or a high-end office tower. In Las Vegas, many of the most lucrative deals involve "diamonds in the rough"—industrial flex-spaces, older retail centers, or vacant lots that might not look like much at first glance.

The secret to moving these "difficult" properties? Exceptional marketing. Even an unattractive building can look like a premium investment opportunity when viewed through the right lens.

Turning "Ugly" into "Opportunity"

  • Strategic Angles: I use 15 years of experience to "shoot away" from aesthetic flaws while highlighting the property's functional strengths, such as loading docks, high ceilings, or ample parking.
  • Drone Context: A lot might look neglected from the ground, but a professional drone shot can reveal its prime location near the I-15 or a thriving master-planned community.
  • Lighting the Potential: Using professional HDR techniques, I can make dark industrial interiors look bright, clean, and ready for a new tenant’s vision.

The Pro Advantage

An amateur might just document what is there. A seasoned pro documents the potential. I know how to frame a shot to highlight a property's hidden value, ensuring your listing stops the scroll for the right investors.

Make your "difficult" listing look exceptional. Book your commercial shoot at RCRdigital.com/#contact

Sources

  • 32% Price Premium: Properties marketed with professional photographs sell for an average of 32% more than those with amateur visuals.
  • The 70% Rejection Rate: 70% of potential buyers will skip over a listing entirely if the photos are of low quality.
  • Architectural Detail ROI: Optimized photos highlighting specific details (like those found in commercial or unique residential properties) have been shown to sell homes for up to 15% above the asking price.
  • Source: Marketing LTB - Real Estate Marketing Statistics 2025