Home Sellers--Why Quality Photographs Help Sell Your Home Faster

By: Nef Cortez | Posted: 06th June 2007

Remember the old saying "Image is everything."? In this day of

internet shopping for homes-- 87% of buyers last year used the

Internet to help find a home according to the National Association of

Realtors-- any homeowner interested in selling their home should keep

this idea in mind as they prepare their property for sale. With the

help of a professional realtor, a seller can get objective advice as

to what cosmetic "fix-it" items need to be addressed on their property

before their house is put up for sale and before any photographs are

taken. Just like the hair combing and primping that photographers

suggest their clients do before a photo shoot, a home seller should

view their home in the same way. Sellers should seriously consider

making a checklist of all the cosmetic to-do items (the primping

items) that need to be addressed before any photographs are taken.



Without a doubt, the first place they should start is in their front

yard and surrounding exterior. For many prospective buyers, how you

maintain the front exterior of your home can be the difference between

a buyer telling their agent that they want to take a look at your

house or to keep driving on to the next home for sale. This is what is

known in the business as "curb appeal". Next, as they move into the

interior of the home, a seller should do everything to de-clutter

their homes as soon as possible or even possibly consider "staging"

services



While attending to all these chores, the seller should keep in mind

that most home listings are now featured on major real estate websites

such as Realtor.com and almost any online MLS (Multiple Listing

Service), and prospective buyers will most likely get the first

glimpse of your home on the internet. Your photographs represent the

first curb appeal impression buyers will get of your property, so the

more quality photographs you have the better.



Consider, if at all possible, hiring a professional photographer to

take your pictures or hire a very good amateur photographer who

specializes in real estate photos. If hiring a professional

photographer is not within your budget, consider these tips as you or

your agent take your home's photos.



¡¤ Take lots of photos and try all sorts of angles.

Experimenting with the angles creates a much more visually

interesting photo. Choose the best photographs for your home's

listing.



¡¤ Interiors look best and much more spacious when

photographs are taken with a wide angle lens.



¡¤ Be sure to take photographs of your home's features that

are of architectural interest - a fireplace, beautiful windows with

great views, fish pools, pristine landscaping, etc.



¡¤ Be sure to take photographs of the exterior in good

weather.



¡¤ Make sure every photograph of your home is the best

possible choice! Aim for a neat, uncluttered and spacious look in

the interior rooms of your home.



"A realtors' association survey found that when it comes to web

features that buyers consider "very useful," 83 percent cited

photographs, 81 percent cited detailed property information and

60 percent cited virtual tours". As you can see, with the advent of

the internet and online home shopping, prospective buyers will be

able to view your home online first and see if your property is the

right match for them even before they actually do the physical

viewing of your home! Make sure that first impression is a good

one!
About the Author
Nef Cortez
Occupation:
http://www.nefcortez.com
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Tags: prospective buyers, chores, internet shopping, clutter, photographers, front yard, goo, curb appeal, next home, professional photographer, property for sale, national association of realtors, association of realtors, multiple listing service, professional realtor, first glimpse, objective advice, home listings, quality photographs