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December
9
9
How to Stage Your Home for Real Estate Photos
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what would it say about your home? When it comes to listing your home for sale, you have one chance to make a first impression, and in most cases that first impression will be your real estate photos.
Stunning photos will make your listing jump out from other Augusta homes for sale. Use these valuable tips and stage your home to tell a story buyers can't resist.
- Hire a Professional Photographer
No matter how well you've mastered Instagram, it's worth the cost to hire a professional photographer. A Redfin study found that homes with professional photos in the listing sold from one to three weeks faster than those without. - Start on the Outside
Make sure your curb appeal is highlighted in your real estate photos. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, remove toys and other extraneous items from the yard and get cars out of the driveway. - Clear the Clutter
You might think kids' schoolbooks, piles of magazines and shoes left by the front door add a homey touch, but it doesn't read as "our home" by prospective buyers. Toss or hide away anything that may detract from a clean, neutral look. As a bonus, the home will appear bigger. - Design for the Camera
What looks amazing in real life may come off as dull in a photo. Look through a camera lens and use that as your guide to stage your home to the best effect. - Take Advantage of Natural Lighting
Sunlight has the most flattering effect on home interiors and results in clearer photos. Schedule the shoot during the late morning and early afternoon when sunlight is indirect and less likely to create shadows. - Edit Rooms Carefully
Fashion experts recommend removing one item before finalizing a complete outfit. Follow the same advice when arranging rooms. The small act of removing one item can make a huge difference, making the room look less crowded and restoring a sense of balance. - Clean All Surfaces
Floors, countertops, mirrors, and other surfaces should be sparkling clean. Be sure to remove any smudges. - Use Color Sparingly
Black, white, gray, cream, and other neutral tones blend well. If you want to accent with red, yellow, blue, or other rainbow colors, stick with one hue per room to avoid a chaotic, distracting look. - Smooth the Linens
A rumpled bed may be comfortable, but it has little visual appeal. Smooth out the wrinkles in sheets, covers, and pillowcases along with shower curtains, towels, and other items that may look disheveled. - Add Flowers
Colorful bouquets of fresh flowers put a smile on anyone's face. Strategic placement of tasteful arrangements makes a home appear more cheerful and well-kept. - Put Toilet Seats Down
This is one of those seemingly minor details that can derail your best efforts when they turn up in photos. - Check the View
While the emphasis is on the interior of your home, some photos will display the view beyond the windows. Bags of trash, scattered toys, and other debris will negate the impact you've created so carefully.
Our REALTORS® know all the best tips and tricks to sell a home quickly for the best price. Contact us to learn more.