With over 90% of buyers doing most of their home searching online, photos are more important than ever. The old adage that 'a picture speaks a thousand words' has never been more true. A photo can also do more than simply show space... it can create a feeling.
I hire a professional photographer to do my listing photos and he does an awesome job... but sometimes I find that a little tweaking can make a good photo even better. The property in the photo below just came on the market. When I got this photo I thought it showed the room very well, but because of the intense light streaming in the patio doors you can't see outside.
I cut out the 'white' windows, dropped in a view of the back yard behind (muted to mimic the screens on the porch) and viola! The photo below not only showcases the lovely living room, it also highlights one of the best features of this home... the private wooded view, creating the feeling of a private retreat. Check out the flyer to learn more about this unique St. Lous Park listing.
Sometimes the vantage point of a photo can make all the difference. The standard lead listing photo is a street view of a property. I chose the interior photo above rather than an exterior front view for that listing because it is the spacious yet cozy interior with private wooded views that are its best selling features.
In the listing below, the street view is less than exciting... you can hardly see the house because of the trees which also overshadow the lovely plantings and walkways.
I suggested a different perspective for the exterior shot below...you may not even recognize it as the same house! This view creates a welcoming feeling created by the trees, plantings and brick walkway. This property had a full price offer in 6 hours!
Photos are huge in today's market where most buyers decide which properties they will consider based on the photos, with the lead photo being most important because if they don't like that one they will never click through to see the rest.
Photos not only document the building, they can also create a feeling about the home. This is not to be taken lightly because buyers search with their minds by entering search criteria... but they usually buy with their hearts. They often can't explain it, but a property just 'feels' right. Carefully designed photos can create the feeling that will help bring a buyer to your home.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Email - Twin Cities Realtor
