when selling your home the listing photos are an important marketing tool. They are often the first impression potential buyers have of your property, and they can be the deciding factor in whether those buyers decide to tour your home. Which is why it is so important to make sure there is nothing in those photos that could be a turnoff to buyers.
So what, exactly, are those turnoffs?
A recent article from realtor.com outlined things that should never be visible in your listing photos, including:
Mess and clutter.
When buyers see mess and clutter, they often jump to the conclusion that the home doesn’t have enough storage, which can be enough to make many of them walk away. Before you take your listing photos, make sure to clear the space of any visual clutter and/or mess. And while you are at it, do a deep clean!
Too much pet memorabilia.
You love your pet, but not everyone is an animal lover. If a potential buyer spots too much pet memorabilia in your listing photos, they might make the assumption that the home has pet-related damage, like odors or stains on the carpet. Make sure that any pet items (like a dog bed or litter box) are out of sight when you take your listing photos.
Obvious signs of damage.
No home is perfect. But if someone looks at your listing photos and sees damage, it may make them think twice about coming to see your home in person. If your home has any visible signs of damage — like water stains or a cracked wall — keep it out of your listing photos. The best way to keep it out of listing photos isn’t to avoid including them in your photos, but rather to fix the things you wouldn’t want to scare away a buyer when they are looking through the pictures, since they will eventually see them in person anyway.
From experience, here are some additional things to avoid in real estate photos:
Poor Lighting
Dark or poorly lit photos can make a property look uninviting. Use natural light whenever possible and avoid using a camera flash.
Blurry Images
Blurry or out-of-focus photos can give the impression of a lack of professionalism. Ensure your camera or smartphone is steady when taking pictures. It is best to use a professional real estate photographer. The cost is well worth it.
Unkempt Exteriors
The exterior of the property is the first thing potential buyers will see. Make sure the lawn is mowed, landscaping is tidy, and any exterior repairs are addressed before taking photos.
Unmade Beds and Untidy Rooms
Bedrooms are a focal point for buyers, and an unmade bed or messy room can detract from the overall appeal. Present bedrooms and living spaces in a neat and organized manner.
Distracting Elements
Avoid including distracting elements in your photos, such as pets, people, or personal items. The focus should be on the property itself, not the current occupants.
Extreme Photo Editing
While some editing can enhance photos, excessive editing can misrepresent the property. Avoid overly saturated colors, unrealistic lighting, or heavy filters.
Reflections
Be mindful of reflections in mirrors or glass surfaces. Make sure the photographer is not visible in mirrors, and be aware of what is reflected in windows.
Inaccurate Angles
Use wide-angle lenses cautiously. While they can capture more of a room, overly distorted images can give a false representation of space.
Unfinished or Dilapidated Areas
If there are parts of the property that are unfinished or in poor condition, try to minimize their presence in the photos. Focus on showcasing the best features of the property.
Unattended Pets
If there are pets in the house, make sure they are not in the photos. Not everyone is a pet lover, and some people may be allergic.
Unappealing Seasonal Photos
If possible, avoid taking exterior photos when the weather is unfavorable, such as during heavy rain, snow, or when the landscaping is not at its best.
Bottom Line
By paying attention to these details, you can present your property in the best possible light and increase its appeal to potential buyers.
Thinking about selling? Let's connect. We can help you present your home in it best light and help you maximize your return-on-investment from the sale!
