A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words….Really!

As we start of the new year, I am certain many of you reading this are considering selling while the market is up. In preparation for your sale, I thought a few tips on photography would be helpful. This information would apply whether you are selling your home, marketing a rental, or even a vacation home.

1. Hire a professional real estate photographer – With high definition cameras literally in our pockets these days, many simply take a few snapshots and post the listing on the internet or in the MLS. This is the biggest mistake one can make in marketing a property. A professional photographer will capture the best angle for every room/outdoor space, with the best lighting, and the best composition to showcase the home.

2. Ensure the home is “staged” correctly for photographs – whether your home is vacant and has been professionally staged, or you live in it still, the home should be set up to capture the best features – not the furniture and accessories. This is where your real estate professional comes in. I personally guide my clients through prepping the home for marketing, guiding them through what to remove, where to move furniture/accessories, and what the prospective buyers will be keying in to. I will also fill in the gaps for homes with staging accessories such as artwork for the wall, plants, etc. to dress up a home if necessary.

3. Be sure the photographs portray the home correctly. There is nothing worse than having a prospective buyer or renter walk in to a home they found online only to be disappointed. Many photographers will use too wide of an angle, giving the impression that a 10×10 room appears like a 20×20, or a smaller yard appearing expansive in the pictures. This is a mistake. Although it will get people through the door, they will turn around and walk right out if the home does not meet their expectations. I always suggest realistic angles, and posting the pictures in an order that shows the layout of the home.

By following these three easy steps above, you will attract prospective buyers who are excited about the home from the moment they walk through the door – the first step to generating an offer on your home. I hope this information is helpful. You can always contact me for more information and advice about how to prepare your home to maximize your value.