Let’s face it, if you want to sell a house, visuals are key. Having vibrant, inviting and attractive photos of the homes you are trying to sell is paramount. The point is, you cannot overlook the idea of having a visually stunning photo of the property. Based on the an article by The Close, featuring 23 Tips for Stunning DIY Photos, we’ve compiled a list featuring some of these useful tips. Here are 9 Tips for Stunning DIY Photos:
1. Ask the Current Homeowner if they have Seasonal Photos of their Property
Having seasonal photos of the property is great for marketing the home. This small detail can actually help take that sales to the next step. Angel Pointek, Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Elite says, “Our job is to tell 
your home’s story and those seasonal photos can be used in creative ways.” Don’t just take photos of the property in its current season. Ask for photos of the home in the fall or wintertime. It can add character to the property!
2. Consider what’s in your Line of Sight through Windows
You may disregard small details, but small details are always important in marketing a property. Taking a photo of a window inside a home or condo and having the view be a garbage truck or an unkempt lawn is a no-no. “Photographers and agents sometimes neglect to consider what is in the line of sight through windows when shooting interior spaces,” says Michael Edlen of Edlen Team Coldwell Banker. Always consider these smaller details. You want your photos to be a good representation of the property.
3. A Wide Angle Lens is the Way to go
In order to make your li
sting more interesting and add depth, you need to make sure that you have the necessary tools to do so. Consider using a wide-angle lens for a change. “A wide angle lens is a must-have for shooting interiors,” says Erin Attwood, Real Estate Photographer at Dune Life Photography. “I would recommend a 24mm wide angle to help “open up” rooms but won’t break the bank at only around $130.” Make that small investment in a wide angle lens if you are doing your own photography, because who really wants a closed off space?
4. Make sure the Home is Staged
You will increase your chances of selling a property by doing so. Adding trendy pieces, setting the mood with some inviting accessories or even just adding flowers can make a difference. This will also help potential buyers visualize the space prior to even scheduling a viewing of the property. Adding key contemporary details or even just advising the seller to rearrange the furniture will already go a long way. Enlisting the help of a professional home stager is also an option, but not required. A few small changes can already do so much.
5. Avoid Developers’ Stock Photos. Period.
Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer. How would you feel if you were to click on a listing of a condo you were interested in and find that there is nothing but stock images of the building’s amenities. The image of the pool is off and the fitness room image seems like it was taken right off Adobe. Immediately, there are red flags. Taking stock images and using them as part of a listing is a big no-no. In fact, according to James McGrath, Co Founder of NYC Brokerage Yoreevo, “you’re diverting attention from what the viewer actually cares about which looks suspicious.” Using such images will immediately turn off the buyer, who will then avoid your listing or any other listings you’ve posted because they will feel scammed.
6. Post just the Right Amount of Photos
When creating a listing, you may think “how many photos I should add?” The answer is…there is no right answer. However, there are a few rules that would apply. There is such a thing as posting too few photos or not enough photos portraying the property in its entirety. There is also such a thing as posting too many similar photos, which will bore or annoy the potential buyer. But, having photos that feature lots of variety in terms of rooms and angles is a plus. You also have to consider how big the lot is and add accordingly.
7. Do not Fake Window Views
A nice view of a beach in Maui or a the Empire State Building is always tempting, but it is also misleading. Don’t fall into this trap. You want the window views in your photos to portray the real thing. As stated earlier, you do not want to have a window view of a garbage truck or an unkempt lawn, but at the same time, creating an idealistic or photoshopped image is also not recommended and could get you in trouble.
8. Use a Drone for Views of the Neighborhood
Drones are a big thing and have quickly grown into a big thing in a matter of a few years. If you want to your listing to a new level, investing in drone photography and video is a great way to start. Buyers are always curious about the neighborhood and how things look like in reality. “Drone photography of the whole property in relation to high-value sales features like a golf course or a lake speaks to what it is like to live in the neighborhood and 
the home,” states Diana Bourgeois, Real Estate Writer at Fit Small Business. “Investing in drone photography of the home can increase buyer interest and reinforce the value of the property for the price.” This doesn’t mean you have to go out and spending thousands on a drone; hiring a professional will suffice.
9. Filters Count
This specific point was not in the article, but it could be a useful one. Especially if you are planning on adding listings on your social media. Using apps or even the Instagram photo editor can make a huge difference in the way your listing looks, which could also attract the buyer. Making a few tweaks to the photo of the property, such as contrast, the brightness and even a preset filter will speak volumes. However, there is a fine line between using a filter to tastefully edit a photo and completely editing a photo, making it look childish and commercialized. If you are still unsure, do some research on how professionals in the industry do it or even have someone help you out.
In Conclusion…
Remember, your photos are like windows of opportunity. If you have misleading, overly commercialized, photoshopped images of properties you are trying to sell, you will see negative results. Make note of these tips next time you are posting photos for a property. For more helpful tips and tricks in real estate, read up on our previous blog posts and follow us on our social media!