According to a recent study by Michael Seiler at Old Dominion University, “the majority of buyers spend 60 percent of their online time viewing listing photos but only 20% of the property description. Quality photos have also been linked with more qualified buyers and a higher sales price.
Tip 1) Avoid low lighting. Do whatever you need to do – open blinds, turn on lights, etc to avoid taking a photo in low lighting. This is the #1 reason for bad photos. Lighting is everything.
Tip 2) Avoid reflections. Never take a photo in a bathroom aiming directly towards the mirror. Instead, take 2 photos at an angle from opposite sides of the bathroom. You can even take the photo on your knees to avoid being in the photo from the mirror’s reflection. As a bonus, this second method often also gives the photo a unique perspective
Tip 3) Stage the house before you take photos. If you are on a low budget, remove any unique bright color items and ask homeowners for neutral color blankets, pillows and decorations before you take any photos. Even use just plain white or tan sheets with matching decorative pillows and paintings to dress up a room.
Tip 4) Similar to tip two, try to take photos from an angle where you get 3 walls in the photo. This usually makes for a more visually appealing photo.
Tip 5) Hide clutter in kitchens and bathrooms. These two room should be minimal – perhaps some tissues and a hand towel on the counter in the bathrooms and some fresh fruit in a decorative bowl in the kitchen. Less is more when it comes to staging. Remove most small appliances (coffee maker, toaster oven, etc) to help highlight the counter space. These 5 tips alone should help you get more viewers of your listing. If you are still having trouble consider hiring a amature photographer – maybe contact your high school, local college or university and pay a photography student to take photos for you. Until next time…