Sellers, Don’t Give ‘The Ick’ To Buyers. Here’s How:
If you’re gearing up to sell your home, you’re embarking on an exciting journey! One crucial aspect that can make or break your listing is the quality of your real estate photos. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words; in real estate, it could be worth thousands of dollars, too!
In listing photos, you should avoid giving buyers “the ick” – that uncomfortable, off-putting feeling. Much like in the world of romance, the homebuying journey is marked by a quest for “The One.” House hunters persist until they discover their perfect match.
In our recent episode of Design Time: From the Floor Up, host and home stager Lindsay Wilson had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Harmon from Harmon Property Solutions, a seasoned professional in real estate photography. Harmon shared valuable insights on attracting potential buyers, which we’ll break down for you.
Here are six expert tips for taking stunning real estate listing photos:
1. Professional Photography
During the episode, Wilson mentions, “To sell your property to get as much money as possible, wouldn’t you want it to be presented as well as possible?”
Investing in professional photography can be a game-changer when selling your home.
Here’s why:
- Avoid cellphone photos: While smartphones have come a long way, they still can’t compete with the capabilities of a DSLR camera. A professional-grade camera captures details and nuances that a phone simply can’t.
- The significance of first impressions: Your listing photos are the first impression potential buyers will have of your property. High-quality, professional images can make a world of difference in how your home is perceived.
- Benefits of hiring a professional photographer: Professional photographers like Matt Harmon have a trained eye for composition, lighting, and angles. They know how to highlight your home’s best features and create images that truly showcase its potential.
“We don’t use a fisheye lens,” says Harmon. “We shoot with a nice 17-40mm lens. That gives us a good wide width for a shot.”
For more in-depth insights, check out our post on 8 Expert Tips for Real Estate Photos: A Pre-Shoot Checklist.
2. Minimal Editing
Suppose you can’t afford to hire a professional photographer.
In that case, balancing photo enhancement with authenticity is crucial when creating compelling listing photos.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The dangers of excessive photo manipulation: While some editing can enhance your photos, going overboard can lead to unrealistic representations of your property. Skip out on the Instagram filters for your home’s MLS listing. Instead, opt for slightly increasing the brightness and contrast of the photos.
- Building trust with potential buyers through genuine images: Authenticity in your photos is key to building trust. Buyers appreciate transparency and honesty in the listing process.
3. Proper MLS Listing Photos Order
The sequence of your listing photos can tell a compelling story to potential buyers.
Matt Harmon recommends the following order:
- Start with the front exteriors: These give a great first impression and set the tone for the rest of the viewing.
- Move to the main living areas: Showcase spaces like the foyer, family room, kitchen, and dining room, allowing buyers to envision their day-to-day lives.
- Flow through the house: Progress into secondary first-floor areas like a home office or laundry room, creating a narrative of how the space is utilized.
- Transition to beds and baths: Next, transition to the second floor or primary rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Complete the circle: Finally, complete your home’s photo listing story by ending with photos of the basement, rear exterior, and neighborhood amenity photos.
4. Maximizing Natural Light
Natural light can work wonders for your listing photos.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Preparing the space for optimal lighting: Clearing obstructions from windows and arranging furniture to maximize natural light can significantly improve the ambiance of your photos.
- Importance of clean windows and open curtains: Clean windows allow natural light to flood in, enhancing the overall appeal of your space.
- Balancing natural and artificial light: Finding the right balance between natural and artificial lighting creates a bright, inviting atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers.
If you have blinds, it’s best to keep them open in a specific direction.
“You want the blinds angled 45 degrees up,” Harmon recommends. “The light from outside comes up through the blind, diffusing up to the ceiling. That’s really what you want.”
5. Eliminating Personal Items
Creating a neutral canvas is essential for helping potential buyers envision themselves in your space.
Here’s why it matters:
- The impact of family photos and personal memorabilia: While your family photos and personal mementos hold sentimental value, they can be distracting for potential buyers. Removing them allows buyers to imagine their own lives in the space.
- Allowing buyers to envision themselves: A neutral canvas provides a blank slate for buyers to mentally move in and start picturing their future in your home.
6. Decluttering and Cleaning
Creating a clean, inviting environment through photos is a must.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The negative impact of clutter on photos: Clutter can make spaces feel smaller and less inviting. Clearing away unnecessary items allows your home’s true beauty and potential to shine through.
- Avoiding common turn-offs: Ensure beds are neatly made, clean counters, and tidy rooms. A well-maintained environment creates a positive first impression.
- Presenting an inviting environment through photos: Clean, well-maintained spaces are more likely to attract potential buyers. Make sure your listing photos showcase your home at its best.
Remember, great listing photos can significantly speed up the selling process.
Put in the effort to follow these expert tips, and you’ll increase your chances of attracting serious buyers.
For more valuable insights on preparing your home for sale, check out our post on Home Selling Don’ts: 5 Costly Mistakes To Avoid.
Happy snapping, and best of luck with your home sale!
