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Refining to Sell: The New "Curb Appeal"

 

 

 lap top computer

Where do buyers first view a home? 

If you think buyers are seeing your house or listing for the first time on a Sunday afternoon drive-by, think again.  Today's buyer shops for homes just like most other products: on line.   Now, more than ever, Realtors and sellers need to pay special attention to photos that are displayed on web sites and MLS search engines.   Nothing tells a potential buyer that you lack attention to detail more than a dark, fuzzy or "unnecessary" photo.   Here are a few Staging tips for taking or choosing photos to use for advertising your home or listing: 

1.  Remember what really sells a house.  Many photos we see are of corners of rooms, beds, floors or ceilings.  Make your photos count.  Buyers will only look at a listing for 10 seconds and then move on if the photos don't have an emotional appeal.  Remember the primary selling areas of most homes: Exterior-lot, kitchen, primary living space, and Master Bed and Bath.  Unless secondary rooms are stellar, such as an amazing finished lower level, unusual balcony, etc., limit your photos to the rooms that really sell a house.

2. Size matters.  If a photo  appears blurry or the pixels are actually visible resize it .  If a photo is not crisp, it is a complete waste, viewers will quickly pass it by if it offers any visibility problems.  Make sure photos are sized appropriately for your website format.

3. Color says: look at me!  Make your photos "pop" with color.  Moving a few pillows or accessories into a frame that would be too neutral otherwise will be worth the small effort.

4. "Don't take it if it's Vacant".  You've heard it before: "vacant homes have no soul".  Neither will your photos of vacant rooms.  Enlist the help of a local Stager to make your rooms shine on line!

Professional Real Estate Photographer Lisa Foster suggests using your photo editing software to make your pictures look their best.  "Balance lighting, color and crop them if necessary.  If you take vertical photos, rotate them before posting".

       

                    Dark and Dreary                                        Light and Bright after Staging by Refined Design

 

This publication can be re-printed only in its entirety. 

Refined Design Property Staging LLC, Jodi Poliseno ASP, IAHSP, President CIRC. 740.972.0065, www.refineddesign.info, jodi@refineddesign.info

 

Comments (10)

Diane Lombardino
Keller Williams Realty of Jupiter - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Thanks for sharing.  I learn something every day! 
May 08, 2008 12:07 PM
Jim & Maria Hart
Brand Name Real Estate - Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Real Estate
I agree 100%, Jodi. Great job with the after photo. Take Care, Jim.
May 08, 2008 12:08 PM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

This is so true. I am not no photographer myself. But I am shocked to see listings that does not have no picture. As we both know,80% of home buyers go to the internet first before they purchase a house. So if you are not making a very good impression with the photos of your listing,then you missing out. Great post.

May 08, 2008 12:12 PM
Mara Hawks
First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL
Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL
I get so annoyed when listings are posted with no photos. I happen to love all the photography aspects and warming up photos.
May 08, 2008 12:18 PM
Debi Ernst
St. Charles County, Missouri - Prudential Alliance Realtors - O'Fallon, MO
GRI, e-PRO, Broker/Sales Associate
Great post.  I agree.  Thanks for sharing!  :)
May 08, 2008 12:39 PM
Konnie Mac McCarthy
MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD
Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"
You got it...photos are everything...these days, they turn people off or bring them to your home....
May 08, 2008 01:22 PM
Steve Shatsky
Dallas, TX
This is GREAT advice.  I agree... more and more often, photos do make a difference in attracting buyers!
May 08, 2008 01:34 PM
Patty Carroll
Vancouver, WA

Your pictures really sell the vibe and your post explains why. Great job.

May 08, 2008 04:26 PM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals

If you don't grab them on line , in most cases someone else did.

 This is a tough market - get tough on yourself (& change).

May 11, 2008 04:06 PM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

Especiallly with gas prices so high, it's even more incentive for buyers to look on line.

May 11, 2008 04:35 PM