How To Take Listing Photos That Sell

In an online world, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have high-quality photos of your listings in order to catch the eye of a home shopper. Many real estate agents enlist the help of a professional photographer in order to get the best shots of a home, but if you prefer to take pictures yourself, here’s some advice to ensure that your listings are picture-perfect.

1: Show the home in its best light

Photos taken at dusk, with the lights aglow, can often create a striking impression, but this time of day can be difficult to capture without looking gloomy. If you’re an amateur photographer, get your exterior shots on a sunny, blue-sky day, at a time when the sun is facing the home (so, take photos of eastern-facing houses in the morning) so that shadows are less visible. The bright weather will allow potential buyers to envision spending time in the yard and enjoying the outdoors in their new home. For interior shots, get as much natural light as you can - open the curtains and turn on all the lights to make the home feel bright and airy. Dim rooms can feel claustrophobic and small, so be sure that every room is illuminated as best as possible.

2: Use a tripod to get a steady photo.

It may seem like an unnecessary piece of equipment, but using a tripod is the only surefire way to get a crystal-clear photograph. Even the tiniest bit of unsteadiness of the hand can make a photo seem blurry, and that fuzziness can make the photo seem darker and less tidy. Using the tripod can ensure that you capture the best lighting and all of the architectural details - like moulding or accent trim pieces - in the best possible resolution.

3: Stage the home.

Staging is an important step when it comes to showcasing the home in all its glory. Make sure the home is immaculately clean, and store away any personal photos, kids’ artwork, or other decor that can detract when potential buyers are envisioning themselves and their families in the property. Pick a neutral color scheme and embrace current decor trends to make the home more appealing. If your client has already moved out of the home, consider a digital staging service, which will use stock photos of furniture and decor overlaid on your photos to make a home appear furnished. Bonus - virtual staging can be less time-consuming, and less expensive, than traditional staging services!

4: Get the right equipment.

Photography gear isn’t cheap, but it can offer a healthy return for a savvy real estate agent. High quality photos help ensure that a home is sold more quickly by drawing in home shoppers, which means you can sell more homes and build your business faster. Look for a digital camera with five megapixels or more at the very least, or ideally a digital SLR for more settings and versatility to use a variety of lenses. Many agents consider a wide-angle camera lens an absolute must-have for making a home feel larger and more welcoming.