Won't you look at this listing and see what you think? I get this request frequently as do most stagers from agents and home sellers. When we get these requests I usually go onto the MLS or Trulia and look at the photos and a couple of comparative properties, and try to zip out a response within 15 minutes or so of my initial impressions. BUT -- when I received a request this week it took me quite awhile to really be able to analyze the property -- why? Here are the MLS photos - what do YOU think?
These were the only interior shots that were posted on the MLS. There was an exterior shot which showed snow and a lit Christmas tree, as well as one showing a sunny day.
This first one looks like a family room - nice french doors to a patio and a ceiling fan - but I really can't tell much else about the room.
Looks like a large bed that takes up the entire space and a cave . . .
Bookcases, puddling curtains and a dining room table - but again I really can't see much of the room.
Now if you think that buyers as they are clicking through the MLS are going to spend this much time straining to see the room - think again! These rooms paint a dark and hazy view of this home. Yes, I think this house can benefit from the advice of a stager - but -- even more so, I think it deserves great photos!
With over 85% of home buyers looking first online, you can't afford to have bad photos representing a home for sale. (I'd like to repeat this 10 times in a row if it would help getting the message across!)
Even these dark photos can be enhanced through online software. One easy one to use is Picnik.com. No membership required if you are willing to process 5 photos at a time.
Upload the photos, adjust the exposure. Remember that people respond positively to light and bright rooms!
Adjust the saturation and temperature to warm things up to the correct colors.
Sharpen the image to appear more crisp and clear.
Save the image to your computer for your use. These few minutes are a good investment of time!
These are the same photos as above that I quickly took through the above steps so I could analyze these rooms. What type of impression do you have of this home now? I little different than above? From these enhanced photos, I can now really see the room sizes, how it is decorated and if I was a buyer, on whether I'd want to make sure to put it on my "must see" list!
Poor photos on the MLS don't represent the home well, but also don't represent the listing agent well either. This is your showcase of your product - make sure it is the best possible representation!
Creative Concepts and Contracting provides quality home staging and repairs for Salem Oregon and surrounding areas. Contact us at 503-881-0886 for ideas on how to set your home apart from the competition and presented well on the internet and in person!
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Great job Margaret stressing the importance of MLS photos and the impact just some minor changes can make. I use Picnik and I love it. All of my photos, whether personal or business, pass through Picnik before going anywhere else.