It can be tempting to snap your own photos when putting your home on the market.
After all, mobile phones have come a long way in terms of quality. But there’s no beating professional photography for a powerful sales strategy. Not only do the right photos initially grab people’s attention, but they present every room of your property – including those dark or awkward ones – in the very best light.
Let’s explore how professional photography encourages potential buyers to book a viewing.
Make a strong first impression When over 80% of searches begin on online property portals, you’re often up against plenty of competition – and this is especially true in the current buyer’s market. Your mission? Lead with an image that stops people from scrolling past, thanks to its high resolution, bright colours and pleasing composition.
So, what’s your most visually arresting photo? Maybe it’s an exterior one, shot at dusk for an atmospheric effect? Or maybe it’s an aerial view that shows off the surroundings?
Since you might only get one chance to pull your buyer’s attention, don’t settle for a less-than-spectacular photograph.
Maximise the perceived property value Let’s say someone has tapped on your property listing. Now you want to show them further, equally impressive photos of your home and garden.
A professional photographer with a tripod, extra lighting and specialist gear can capture those challenging areas – for example, your galley kitchen with light pouring through the windows or the ‘box’ bedroom.
That way, you can show potential buyers the finer details, help them imagine how they could enjoy the various spaces, and encourage them to judge the property as of a higher value than one with amateur photos.
Create more interest and competition Most homes receive 70% of their interest in the first fortnight, says a credible source. You therefore want to make the most of this initial period by booking in plenty of viewings early on. If people know your property is in demand, they’ll promptly put in an offer if they’re keen.
Conversely, sellers who adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach with amateur photos might find it hard to later build momentum if they realise they do, in fact, need professional images.
Photography_2 Tips to prepare your home for photography Here are some ways to help the photographer take beautiful images.
Consider your home’s kerb appeal – how about a spot of gardening and sprucing up your front door? Think about that all-important first impression when people flick through your online images. Declutter surfaces – if you’re short on time, focus on your kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. You don’t need to clear away every personal item, but you do want to create a sense of space. Wash your windows – this is especially important in dim rooms where you want the natural light flooding in. Hire a professional or else get busy with the warm water. Add a pop of colour – depending on your tastes, you might add a vase of flowers to your hallway or kitchen. A bowl of fruit can work nicely too. Professional photography is a must-have feature of an effective sales strategy. At PropertyZoom, we work with experienced photographers who know how to capture your home to look its most appealing.
You can use our "Find a professional" page to see our recommended photographers or talk to a member of our team about your moving plans.