Thursday, November 10, 2011

Why Photos Are So Important to the Real Estate Business

A picture is worth a thousand words, according to Fred R. Barnard. This adage couldn't be more true in today's real estate market, with the Internet and print advertising competing and the Internet winning. With the majority of home buyers and sellers heading to the Internet before even contacting a broker, having winning photos to post online are a must.

When taking photos of a seller client's home, be sure to take the pictures in the best possible light, using the best available equipment. When taking interior photos, be sure that the rooms are clear of clutter and too many objects, as this will make the room appear larger to the eye. Try to use as much natural light as possible, supplemented by artificial light when the need arises.

Take multiple shots of each room, using different angles and vantage points, to highlight the size or depth of a room, as well as the features you want highlighted and most noticed by the consumers. When possible, use a tripod or other stabilizer to keep your camera from ruining a perfectly good shot. Another good tip is to keep small pets and their accessories put away so as not to distract from the room or view.

Just like when staging a home for an open house or virtual tour, staging for photos is key to presenting the best possible home for potential buyers. The same goes for both inside and outside the property. Make sure your home has curb appeal; keep those weeds and grass cut down, keep your garden tools put away and your garbage cans out of sight. The same suggestions apply when photographing a commercial property...put that best foot forward for all of your print and Internet media. Seasonal photos are okay, as long as they aren't overrun with holiday decor or obscured by piled up leaves or snow.

Lastly, after all the photo taking and sorting through, take a step back. Have a third party look at the photos and give you an honest opinion about how they look. It's better to take too many photos than not enough, that way you have plenty to go through. Having plenty of photos is also a great opportunity to further increase your visibility by creating a virtual "tour" video of the photos you took. Proper placement with some pleasing music, and you have a great marketing tool to bring in those potential buyers and brokers.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. For all your home staging needs, check out http://www.lynnobrienstagedhomes.com
Lynn O'Brien
Lynn O'Brien Staged Homes

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