A good first impression is invaluable, especially when it comes to selling a home. When you want to catch a buyer’s eye, you really need to think about what they’ll be seeing when they see your home for the first time. With today’s technology, many first impressions of your home are going to be received online. When they say a picture is worth a thousand words, when it comes to selling a home, it is more like the right pictures are worth thousands of dollars.
Providing pertinent information about the property to buyers through a property description is important but it often lacks the impact of a stellar photo that showcases the best aspects of a property. With 47% of home buyers starting their home search online, 96% of buyers using the internet as part of their home search process NAR 2023), the right listing photos can make a dramatic impression that can have buyer’s interested before they know anything else about the home.
When photos are so powerful, how can you make sure that you’re taking the right pictures to best market your home?
- Show Everything – If you want a buyer to make a connection with your home, you need to show them your home! Take a photo of every room. Snap a photo of the exterior from a few different angles. Maybe include a shot of a gorgeous view from the porch or patio. Let buyers explore your home as they flip through. Listings with only a few photos, a single picture, or none at all will not attract buyer interest- they’ll probably avoid your listing entirely. Digital cameras don’t run out of film, so don’t worry about taking too many pictures- you can always choose from the best shots later.
- Highlight the best aspects – Make sure you get good photos of desirable features, such as a gorgeous fireplace or expansive walk-in closet. That massive center island in the kitchen deserves a photo of its own. Same with that deck that frames the perfect sunset view.
- Different Angles – For key rooms like the kitchen, master bedroom, and dining room, don’t be afraid to take more than one photo. Different angles can help showcase the size and flow of a home, giving potential buyers a better idea of what your home is truly like. Flat, uninspired photos can make a home seem small and lifeless.
- Getting the best photos – Just like before you get photos taken of yourself, you make an effort to ensure you look your best, the same holds true for your home. Do all staging and repairs prior to photos being taken. Declutter and depersonalize the space. Strive for a clean and well-organized feel to the property.
- Light it up – Showing a light and bright home is ideal. Take advantage of natural lighting to make your home look its best. Avoid photos that are too dark, or conversely, are too bright and lack detail. When taking exterior shots, consider the weather and how that may impact the photos.
- Avoid the most common mistakes – From using blurry or low-quality photos, to showing too many personal items or collections, and even using totally outdated images, there are some pitfalls to listing photos that can ruin the look and feel of your home and distract buyers from the finer points of your home. Avoiding some of the more common mistakes will help to give your home a great first impression through photos.
- Work with a professional – While cell phone cameras have come a long way and they certainly do make taking a photo easy, it’s hard to beat the talented eye and equipment of a professional photographer who knows how best to capture your home’s beauty in still images. A professional photographer also has a trained keen idea to help capture photos that promote a way of living, a lifestyle, as opposed to just rooms in a house.
Listing photos will be the first impression your make on potential buyers, so make sure it’s a positive one! Remember to highlight the best aspects of your home while including everything, so that buyers can get a good idea of what your home is like. With a little luck, they might just fall in love with your property without ever stepping foot inside!