On our MLS we are allowed 9 photos plus we can post a virtual tour link. Why some agents dont make use of those photo spots is beyond me.
I have sat with customers at the computer and they have actually refused to go see homes that didnt have any pictures posted even if all of the stats were there. They thought if the agent didnt care enough about the listing to take photos it must not be very nice.
One theory I have is that those agents only want to sell the listing themselves and so don't care if another agent shows their property. This is a diservice to their clients who are trusting them to put their property out there in the best light possible. People are strange.
Here are some actual photos from our MLS of homes listed for more than $300,000.
Not much of a photo for a $900,000 listing.
The incredible tilting Kitchen
Gorgeous $700,000+ home, sort of sad photo.
Anyway at least some photos are better than no photos. So agents remember...use the resources you have to make your homes look their best.
Here are some tips to make your home shots look better from Kimber Malone at Purple Dragonfly Designs
http://www.purple-dragonfly.com/article-better-photos-better-flyers.html
1. Setting the Stage
Clutter is distracting. Remove everything from counters and tables, store toys in a basket or bin, and stuff all that bathroom clutter into the nearest drawer. Focus on counters in the bathroom and kitchen, for nothing ruins a great photo more than a can of hairspray sitting in plain view. Consider replacing the clutter with fresh flowers in an attractive vase, setting the table, and closing all closet doors. Despite what you're heard, it IS the little things that sometimes do make the biggest impact- good or bad.
2. Find the Best Angle
Digital cameras are great because you can instantly see whether or not the picture you just took will appeal to your buyers or repel them. Try standing in different spots, turn the camera sideways, avoid making the television the central feature, don't stand right behind the couch - these are a few pointers to keep in mind. You can always delete any photo, so take more, not less!
*I have just got done uploading 395 photos from this month. Sheesh - That was 3 listings*
3. Remove the Date Stamp!
Turn off the date stamp feature on your camera. Yes, the date can be removed by someone who has the software to do so, but most people don't. If you post the photos online, your potential buyers see when you took the picture, and what if the house has been on the market for months? Plus, the bright yellow or orange numbers can ruin an otherwise nice photo.
4. Open the windows, Turn on the lights
Natural sunlight is the best lighting for any picture. People want houses that are bright with sunlight, but turning all the lights on in a room (if it's dark outside or the room has little natural light) can achieve almost the same results. However, if the only light source is the window, and you don't use the flash, then the only bright spot in the photo will be the window. So, turn the overhead lights on, turn on the lamps and any other light source you can find. The more lights, the better your photo will be.
*Also a trick that I have found is that if you aim at the floor with no windows in the photograph, then click the button halfway down to get your meter reading - then go up and take your shot it makes the room much brighter.*
5. Choose the Best Rooms & Features to Highlight
Not every room in a home needs to be photographed. There are some rooms that should be seen only in person, and after a new coat of paint, a massive clean-up, and maybe even new furniture. Why take photos of rooms that will turn potential buyers away? Instead, focus on the house's best features, and drop a few hints to the seller, like, "I know this great painter...."
6. Make the Photo Count
There is a limit to how many photos you can post online with your listing, so make all your photos show something good, make them work for you, and not against you.
7. Improving Outside Photos
The front of the house is probably the most important photo of all, and for outside photos, the best thing to do is check the weather report. Bright sunlight, maybe some fluffly clouds in the sky, that's the ideal setting for any outside photo. Don't take pictures at dusk or at night, unless it's for a special effect, for drama. Unless the house has great outside lighting, it will just look gloomy.
- Kimber Malone
Purple Dragonfly Designs
Have a Great Day!
Katharine
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