Five Best Practices for Listing Photos

Today's consumers are highly visual, especially when it comes to online property searches. Since 90% of home buyers start their search online (NAR), a well stocked arsenal of listing photos can quickly attract attention. While the right listing photos can draw in potential buyers, the wrong ones can scare them away. According to NAR, "98% of home buyers who searched for a home on the internet found photos to be among the most useful features." Here are five best practices to keep in mind when preparing your listing photos.

If it fits in to your budget, hire a professional. Professional photographers have the skills, training, and equipment to make each shot look its best. At the same time, a photographer may not know the house as well as you do. If you're going to be hiring a professional, make a list of the top selling points of the house so the photographer will know what to focus on.

If you are unable to hire a professional, invest in some decent equipment. While most smartphones boast an 8 to 16 megapixel resolution, digital cameras are usually better for capturing quality images. In fact, 90% of REALTORS® prefer a digital camera to a smartphone when taking their listing photos (NAR). Also, a good flash and a tripod can turn an adequate photo into a great one.

When you're taking the pictures, open all the curtains and upgrade light bulbs to a higher wattage — the more light, the better. Remember that taking pictures from the corners can make a room look more spacious. Finally, avoid snapping your own image in mirrors or reflecting windows. Potential buyers should be left thinking about your listing, not your outfit.