Photography for Marketing Your Home for Sale

Photography for Marketing Your Home for Sale

I am often surprised at the number of listings in our MLS that have no photographs at all and the number of listings that have only one photo.  In a day when everyone has a smartphone with photographic capabilities, why is there only one picture or none for that matter?  The other thing that surprises me, is the poor or blurry pictures.  

There are even add-on lenses for our cell phone cameras that are relatively inexpensive - I saw one on Amazon recently.

Here are a few tips for Photographing Your Home For Sale

• At Coldwell Banker, I use our concierge service that includes professional photographs and a virtual tour for 99% of my listings.  This is a service I offer to my sellers and is part of my marketing plan.  
• Tour your own home as if you were the buyer.  Imagine your home through a potential buyer's eyes and what features might be best presented.
• Choose what time of day to photograph.  A bright blue sky day is perfect for exterior shots.  Schedule your shoot for when the sun is shining on the front of the home so as not to get the glare of the sun in your front photograph.
• If you are shooting with a smartphone using the high dynamic range (HDR) setting to capture greater detail without having to use additional light.
• Watch for curb appeal before you get behind the lens.  Hide trash cans, clear debris, and clean up child toys and pet clutter.  Remove cars and bikes from the driveway so they aren't in the photos.  You may also want to plant some pansies in your flower beds to give them a pop of color too.
• Declutter the interior.  Before taking shots inside, do your best to minimalize the decor in each room that might distract from a blank canvas. Clear countertops in the bath and kitchen areas and make sure the toilet seats are down when you start to take pictures.
• Lights, camera, action.  Wash your windows and leave curtains and blinds open.  Turn on every light you can but turn off the ceiling fans. 
• Hold your camera chest high and shoot straight while trying to make the rooms look as expansive as possible.  Too many agents show pictures that don't show the room and all you see is the furniture.  Using a wide-angle setting will help you capture the whole room.

Does your agent offer professional photography as part of their professional marketing package?  I do.  Homes sell homes and professional photographs can make a world of difference in getting buyers in the door.