Photo-Ready Living RoomA prospective buyer might not get their first impression of your home in person. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, 84% of home buyers start their search with the Internet. That remarkable figure demonstrates that a home needs to make a brilliant online impression through photos and virtual tours in order to lure many buyers.

As you begin the listing process, your agent will set up a time to photograph your home. Showing your home is about creating a storyline. Not only are homebuyers looking for certain specifications and amenities in their new home, they are looking for a house that will give them the lifestyle they seek. To remedy this, you must ensure your home has an ambiance that is appealing to a broad audience.

To create your virtual “storyline”, you must develop a plan.

  • Remove Clutter: Grab a box and walk through each room picking up toys and taking old magazines to the recycling bin.
  • Tidy Up:  Sweep the floors and wipe down counters and mirrors. Replace burnt out light bulbs.
  • Make Repairs:  Re-grout tiles, fix drawers and cabinets.  Old, dated wallpaper can turn some buyers off.  If you have very obvious issues in your home that need attention, there will be buyers who notice. Making these repairs before your photos are taken could increase the number of buyers who request a showing.
  • Remove unnecessary knick-knacks and décor:  Less is more when it comes to photos.  You want a room itself to shine through.
  • Stage Rooms:  Set up your dining room and table with your best china. Light candles and set out fresh flowers. In your kitchen, have a plate of fresh cookies sitting on a plate and clutter-free counters.
  • Clean-Up the Yard:  Fresh plants and flowers can make your house pop in photographs.

Be sure to embrace natural light during the photography session and arrange for the photographer on a sunny day.  Not only do buyers look for homes that are light and bright, but natural light also has a way of opening up spaces. The photographer should take several pictures of each room from different angles to get the full scope of the space.  

HAR.com allows for your agent to list up to 16 pictures of your home. These photos collectively tell potential buyers the tale of your home; and the more pictures potential buyers see, the more they can incorporate their own “storyline” into that house.