How to Take Pictures of Your House to Sell

In real estate, a picture can certainly say a thousand words. High-quality, captivating images can pique interest, attract potential buyers, and expedite the selling process. In fact, properties advertised with professional photography sell 32% faster than those without. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to take pictures of your house to sell, ensuring that you capture your home in its best light.

As we dive into this journey, it's helpful to understand the value of good-quality real estate photography. Let's look at some compelling data that emphasizes the importance of a good photo shoot.

High-resolution images are an asset for Realtors, with 72.2% reporting that superior photos assist in securing more listings. Furthermore, a whopping 83% of potential home buyers state that images are a crucial deciding factor when they are selecting which properties to visit. Real estate agents who leverage professional photographers double their commission, a testament to the power of great photos.

High-quality photography is helpful and considered “crucial” by 61.3% of real estate brokers. Pictures captured using High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology not only expedite the selling process by 50% but also boost online views by 118%. Finally, properties advertised with drone or aerial photos sell 68% faster. These statistics highlight the role photography plays in the real estate transaction process.

The first step in preparing for a real estate photo shoot is decluttering and depersonalizing the space. Remove family photos, personal belongings, small appliances from kitchen counters, and any clutter from the bathroom counter. The goal is to create a blank canvas where potential buyers can visualize their belongings and lifestyle.

While it might be tempting to try and save money by taking the photos yourself, hiring a professional real estate photographer can significantly enhance the quality of your listing photos. They come equipped with the right equipment, like a wide-angle lens, understand how to use natural light, and can create compelling stories through their pictures. Their experience and expertise in post-production can make a big difference in how your property is presented to potential buyers.

The bathroom can be a tricky room to photograph. Ensure the space is impeccably clean, with fresh towels neatly folded, the toilet seat down, and no personal items in sight. A clean, well-lit bathroom can create a good impression on potential home buyers.

Weather can significantly impact the outcome of your real estate photos. For exterior photos, an overcast day can provide the best lighting conditions as it eliminates harsh shadows. A few hours after sunrise or before sunset can also provide warm, soft light that's perfect for exterior shots.

While staging is important, it is crucial to focus more on the pictures you are taking rather than the décor itself. Remember, you are not selling the furniture but the space. Your images should showcase the space and potential of each room, not necessarily the decorations.

Clean windows are essential in real estate photography as they emphasize natural light and potentially attractive views. Bright, naturally lit spaces appear larger and more inviting, both crucial selling points for potential buyers.

Every property has its unique features that set it apart. Whether it's a gourmet kitchen, a stunning fireplace, or a spacious backyard, ensure these features are captured in your real estate listing photos. High-quality images of these selling points can create a compelling story for buyers browsing properties online.

To capture the entire room in your photos, shoot from the corner. This angle makes the room appear more spacious and allows potential buyers to understand the room's layout. Using a wide-angle lens can further enhance this effect.

While anyone can take pictures, there's a notable difference between photos taken by an amateur and a professional photographer. Professionals have a keen understanding of lighting and composition and can expertly capture your home's best features. They also have access to professional-grade equipment that can dramatically improve the quality of your images. Their knowledge of post-production techniques can further enhance these images, ensuring your property looks appealing and inviting.

A critical factor in real estate photography is lighting. The best times to shoot are typically a few hours after sunrise or before sunset, known as the "golden hours." This timing provides soft, warm light that beautifully highlights your property's features. Overcast days can also provide excellent lighting conditions for both interior and exterior shots, as the clouds diffuse sunlight and minimize shadows.

Colors play a crucial role in creating attractive real estate photos. Neutrals like whites, grays, and beiges tend to photograph well and appeal to a broad range of buyers. They also make spaces appear larger and more light-filled. If your home has bold colors, consider repainting walls in a neutral shade before the photo shoot.

With a broad range of real estate services, Jillian Rosen is a seasoned professional in the field. Known for her timely, reliable market insights, she places immense value on offering unmatched client experiences, a quality that her numerous satisfied clients can vouch for.

Operating mainly in Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton, Jillian's areas of expertise include relocations, residential properties, second homes, and vacation properties. With her detailed market knowledge, she proficiently assists her clients in finding homes that fit their unique needs and financial parameters. Should you need to buy or sell a home or require any information about the South Florida real estate market, feel free to contact Jillian Rosen today.