Do I Need Amazing Photos When Selling My House?

First, how do you define the word “Amazing”? If you think that you need Hollywood-level equipment, then the answer is no, unless you’re working with Hollywood-level people (not that everyone there is the same). But, to stay competitive in this house-selling game, you need to keep up with what everyone else is doing.

Why do listing photos matter?

As mentioned earlier, it’s pretty essential in business to look at what people are doing. Especially in today’s world, where phones can do almost anything, it’s practically funny NOT to put your listing online. Where else would you find them now? In the newspaper?

With that, it’s critical that your house stands out from the rest. Putting a decent photo with your listing results in more clicks than having bad photos since people are more likely to click on what’s more attractive. Just look at how you shop around in Amazon. So, just because you’ve put in great photos, you’re already at a great advantage to those who don’t.

If you remember our article on Curb Appeal, you know we’ve talked about the impact of first impressions. They definitely last, as studies even suggest. When a buyer is trying to decide which house to get, the best-looking ones are bound to be at the top of the list.

Not only do better photos boost the “appeal” of the home, but the price tag as well! Because you’re already on your buyer’s mind, you can capitalize on that notion and give a slight bump to the digits of your asking price.

On the topic of impressions, taking good photos makes it appear that you care about the property. We’re not saying that you don’t, but if you post half-hearted images of the house, then people are inclined to think that you don’t care about the place at all! That could be a seed of doubt in their mind which may eventually lead them elsewhere. Also, who do you think buyers would choose, the professional or the one who doesn’t seem to know what they’re doing?

How Should the Photos Look Like?

Like how we should choose our words when talking to someone, we should also understand what we’re showing when taking pictures. Treat these photos as a virtual tour for those who might be interested. Make them feel like they’re doing a house visit and walking around the property.

If you’ll be the one taking photos, then here’s a quick guide:

1. Again, you won’t need expensive cameras. If you have a phone from the last three years, you should be good. If you have an older phone, either you’ll need a steady hand when taking shots, or just borrow your kid’s phone for just a bit.

2. Have a quick look at what house tours are like on YouTube, and take notes. Homes don’t look “as-is” with clutter sprawling on the floor, but they’re staged in a way that presents the home in its best light. Take the time to tidy up every nook and cranny of the house. It’s going to be worth it. Imagine seeing a bedroom with the sheets all tucked in versus one that looks like you just woke up from.

3. You’re going to take photos from outside too! Take out the trash, do some yard maintenance, and improve your overall curb appeal. It works just as well online as it does on the internet!

Where Should You Point and Shoot?

Well, you should try taking snaps of pretty much the entirety of your house. It’s a virtual tour, after all! Show all the angles of the home. One good way to make them feel like they’re physically in the room is to take photos from the corners to make them see everything inside. You can take pictures of multiple corners of the room, so they see all the sides as well.

Other Tips

Keep in mind that cameras need tons of light to create good photos. Thus, it may be good to do the photoshoot when the sun is out. For rooms that don’t receive any sunlight, ensure that all the lights are on for optimal results.

Always remember that your intent for these photos is to sell the home. Give your potential buyers a great experience even in just a slideshow of photos!

When in Doubt

Yes, we know what you might be thinking.

“I’m just no good with technology.”

Hey, don’t feel so down about it. Others don’t even know how to get to this article like you do! Everyone has their strengths, and sometimes you just have to find the right people to help you out. Or if you’re selling the house by yourself or your agent doesn’t have a photographer, consider hiring one. We even totally glossed over the fact that your agent may already have someone prepared! It comes at a cost, but hey, at least you don’t need to fumble around taking photos.

But what if taking photos is just part of a bigger problem? What if you just don’t feel like doing all this work to sell the house? Sure, taking pictures may be simple enough for you, but with the extra work of renovating and finding buyers, you just might see yourself burnt out.

Is there a way out of this hole? You’re closer than you think.

Try working with a real estate investor! Compared with real estate agents, investors buy houses in any condition! No more computations for renovations, no constructions at home, no random strangers visiting every week, and most importantly, no waiting!

Who’s the nearest investor right now? Well, you’re reading an article from real estate investors, so why start your search with Shorefront Investments? We’ve been in the business of providing (and buying) homes for years! If you think this is something you want, give it a shot! You can give us a call at (850) 713-4866, send us an email, or fill a form on our front page.