Real Estate Photo Tips for Everyone

How many times have you gone to see a listing only to hear your Buyer say - "Wow looks lots better than the picture!" Sometimes I wonder if real estate agents even got out of the car before taking the photo. You know the ones I mean - where you can see the edge of the window or the side mirror. It's almost as if the photo is an after thought to getting the listing. When I present my listing presentation there is already a photo of the house on the front cover. This let's my Seller's know that I have done my homework before I come to price their home.

Then there are the photos with spring flowers and there is snow on the ground now. Or snow pics in the summer. Photos need to be updated seasonally. Listings are lasting longer so I thought I would share with you a few photo tips.

Outside

• Crop out sidewalks and streets using your computer photo software
• Remove cars from the driveway and street
• Put away - trash cans/toys/tools/pets
• Shoot close up angled photos to make the house look bigger
• Avoid shade on the house
• Avoid shooting into the sun
• Have the lawn mowed before you take your shot
• Let it be a blue sky day
• Ask the Seller when the front yard is sunniest - then take the pic at that time of day preferably morning
• Take pics of the neighborhood dock/gym/community garden/pool/tennis court/clubhouse

Inside

• Open shades, blinds and curtains
• Turn on all the lights
• Remove toys/trash/pets
• Close toilet lids
• Avoid shooting into mirrors (unless you want to be in the pic)
• Bring in fresh flowers
• Set the dining room table
• Focus on interesting details like a fireplace
• Use a tripod so that you can get different angles

Final word of advice - take more pictures. Use all the slots on your MLS to show that listing inside and out. With everyone searching on line first you will be really glad you did. Studies have been done that show you need to take a minimum of 6 photos for internet Buyers to look at.

Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Market Center Instructor

Shannon Aldrich
Keller Williams Coastal Realty
Portsmouth, NH
www.RealEstateSeacoast.com