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Setting Your Stage!

By
Real Estate Agent with William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance 18497

A picture is worth even more than a thousand words!

 

Do you ever sometimes wonder, when you click on images of the properties you preview online, "What was that agent thinking?" Sometimes I wonder if the seller and/or agent really wants to sell the house!

Now I certainly don't profess to be an expert photographer by any means, but marketing your client's property the best way possible should be your priority. Here are a few listing images I have recently come across and some tips for improvement:

 

Tip #1


Spend a minute to remove the personal items and shut the toilet seat and shower curtain. Since the bathroom is not an especially glamorous space, a small plant or flowers go a long way. Then, take a picture with a wider perspective, and one where the toilet does not take center stage!

 

Tip #2


First of all, remember to focus your shot! Sometimes an angled shot adds more interest to a building that lacks an exciting facade. Also, it's best to take advantage of photographing on a sunny day. For an even more dramatic effect, wait until late in the day towards sunset.

 

Tip #3

This one is a real head-scratcher...Did you forget to do something before taking this picture? Is it the couch you're trying to sell or the stuffed animals? (Sorry, had to go there!) You want to present a warm and inviting space. Declutter and depersonalize. You want a potential buyer to imagine herself living in that space and not focusing on the seller's personal items. Again, a wider shot that includes more of the room would be better.

Finally, before your listing goes live, run it by a colleague for an objective set of eyes to check out. You might be pleasantly surprised how far some constructive advice will help you to tweak a few details and ultimately sell!

 

 

Posted by

 

Brought to you by, 

Scott Webster, Realtor  

William Raveis Real Estate

203.544.8063

www.raveis.com/teammember/scottwebster/11039

scott.webster@raveis.com

 

 

  

Comments (10)

Janelle Ancillotti
Seneca Home Staging - Syracuse, NY
HSR Certified Home Stager, Syracuse, NY

Thanks for the laugh, Scott. Those are indeed some pretty bad photos. Makes you wonder.....

Jan 26, 2015 06:03 AM
Potranco Realty
Potranco Realty - San Antonio, TX
"Sold with Potranco Realty"

I agree with you Scott does the agent and seller really want to sell their listing. Pictures are worth a million words. First appearances make a hug difference so get it right the first time. Thanks for sharing....

Jan 26, 2015 06:12 AM
Dagny Eason
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
Fairfield County CT, CDPE Homes For Sale and Condo

Scott-you are right!      Crazy to think the agent would even bother.      Great post!    

Jan 26, 2015 07:22 AM
Christi Farrington
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
~ Your representative in Fairfield County, CT

Hi Scott - I think you picked my top 3 pet peeves.  I will never understand why agents don't think to put the seat down in the bathroom & removing items from counters, photos that are fuzzy and the 'mess' in rooms!  I guess they don't 'see' it .... kinda scary, huh!  

Stay safe in this 'blizzard'! 

Jan 26, 2015 09:01 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Scott Webster welcome to AR - and yes, you have perfect remark for that seat...

Jan 26, 2015 10:44 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Scott, seems like some people don't think before they click! Thanks for the reminders. Enjoy your day!

Jan 26, 2015 07:31 PM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Thanks for a good chuckle Scott.  Long ago, in a class, they told us not to take bathroom shots unless a spectacular bathroom.  We all know what they look like.  As far as the couch got nothing to say.  lol   Mark

Jan 28, 2015 02:24 PM
Judy & Allan Wagner
NextHome Mountain Realty - Boone, NC
We Promise Clients Our Best & We Keep Our Promises

Love this, Scott. We all live differently than picture perfect. It's up to us (professionals, Realtors, Stagers) to set the stage. I do take bath photos and most are appreciated. I first close the lid and empty the room contents into a bin. After i take my pics I present the bin to the owner and ask that they only return to the room what they cannot live without. Usually less than half goes back in. I carry a few things like colorful towels, a little raffia, a clear blue and clear green glass decor piece or two. Then almost always I find the portrait rather than landscape shot looks best online. DECOR items that are pops of color can be moved from room to room and look different in each room. Makes photos more interesting. As to the out if focus shot, it slays me. Many don't know that many of their camera especially mobile devices, focus with just a tap of you finger in the screen just before you snap your shot. And lastly, straighten your shot in your photo program if you were less than perfect in your aim. If the home buyer feels like they are falling off a shop looking at your pictures they'll move on.

Feb 19, 2015 03:04 AM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Scott - Some good, basic tips to help make the photos of a listing at least reflect the house in its best light.

Feb 19, 2015 02:10 PM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

The pictures like those are really a shame. Just a few touches and a better focus can make those spaces look much better.

Jul 08, 2015 04:06 PM