Many homebuyers look online first to start their search for a new house. The first impression that the listing sets determines whether the buyer is interested in seeing more. Your success in selling the home starts with the online listing and the photos of the home. Here are 5 important ways to improve your home’s online listing.

Take Professional Photos for Your Home’s Online Listing

Shooting photos of real estate requires special skills. Because it is hard to capture an entire room in one shot, the angle that you shoot from can make the room look larger or smaller than it really is. To get the best photos of your home inside and out, hire a professional real estate photographer. You’ll get high-quality photos that will display your home in a flattering way.

Shoot at the Right Time of Day

Schedule your photographer to shoot the home on a day with nice weather, either during the morning or late afternoon. When the sun is directly overhead, it will cast harsh shadows in the photos.

Also, ask for some photos during the “golden hour”, which is just after sunset when the sky is a variety of colors. These photos will show off your landscape lighting. Turn the lights on inside the house for these photos to make the home look inviting and cozy.

Tidy Up the Yard

Before taking photos, mow the lawn and clean up the yard. Trim back bushes and clear leaves and debris off the lawn and roof. Plant flowers or add flower pots to the porch for a pop of color. These steps will not only improve the photos but prepare for potential buyers touring your home.

Stage the Home for Your Home’s Online Listing

A home that is staged with simple and attractive furniture is more appealing than an empty home. There are professional staging companies that specialize in this service for home sellers. They will bring furniture of a neutral or complimentary style to your home and arrange it in an attractive and functional way.

When staging your home, refrain from having any personal decor or objects in the home, like family portraits.

Declutter

Clutter in the home makes the inhabitants anxious, so it would make any potential buyer anxious as well. Declutter the home inside and out before taking photos or showing it to any buyers.

 

Northern Florida Home Inspections provides pre-listing inspection services to home sellers. Contact us to schedule an appointment.