Tips to a Photogenic Home
Nowadays, buyers have pretty much seen your home before they even step foot into your house!
Years ago, buyers literally needed to physically come to your house in order to see what was inside. They were lucky if there was a black and white photo of the exterior to view on a paper flyer. But now, with the Internet, buyers will see almost every nook and cranny of your home from their phone or computer…
…which is why it’s so important to have the best photographs possible! They’ll literally decide whether or not they will step foot in your house, based upon the photos.
I take considerable care when it comes to the photography, and always use a professional photographer for your home photos — no cell phone photos here! The fact is, professionally photographed homes sell 32 percent faster — and demand as much as 47 percent higher asking price per square foot — than listings without professional photos.
But in order for me to get the best pictures taken, you should do a few things ahead of time:
- Declutter every room.
- Make sure the house is clean.
- Make sure all beds are made, and there is no laundry on the floor.
- Hide unsightly things like laundry baskets, garbage cans, vacuums, etc.
- Take down as many “personal effects” as possible (pictures, things hanging on the fridge, etc.).
- Make sure all light bulbs are working (for brightness).
It is important to take care of these things prior to your photographer’s arrival, and to prepare the home in a similar manner before each and every showing. Taking the time to prepare your home for photos could literally be the difference between selling or not selling your property.
Before your “photo shoot,” I’ll provide a more detailed checklist to help your prepare your home for it’s big close up!