What Buyers Really Notice In Real Estate Photos

What Buyers Really Notice In Real Estate Photos

A photo of a mailbox in front of a white residential building

In today’s digital age, where everything from clothing to cars to real estate can be easily accessed and marketed online, the role of visual content has become increasingly important. In particular, high-quality photographs are essential for showcasing a property for sale or rent. While professional photographers are usually employed to capture the most stunning images of a property, the average realtor can also benefit from some basic photography knowledge to evaluate the quality of pictures they want to utilize.

Clutter and Mess

One of the crucial aspects of capturing appealing photos is to ensure that the space looks as clean and tidy as possible. While it may seem obvious, It’s important to realize that even slightly messy or unorganized rooms can put off potential buyers, leaving them with a negative impression of the property.

If the property is empty, it is crucial to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and free of any clutter or random objects that could distract viewers. Even the smallest detail, such as furniture or a random book, takes from the property’s appeal. Therefore, it is best to take a minimalist approach when staging the property, creating an open, airy feel that allows viewers to envision themselves living in the space.

An extremely messy hoarder's room

This property was one of the messiest homes I’ve ever shot!

If the property has occupants, it is even more essential to ensure that rooms are clean and all personal items get removed from the frame; shoes, dishes, extra furniture, clothing, mail, and pet items, can all be considered clutter and may detract from the overall appeal of the space. The focus should be on the property’s unique characteristics rather than distracting or unappealing details.

In addition to cleaning and decluttering, it can also be helpful to consider staging the space with attractive furnishings, adding touches of warmth and personality that can make the property feel more inviting and livable. Maybe you don’t have the time to stage a property; Then you would consider virtual staging. SellFastPhoto offers many real estate photography services such as virtual staging that you can check out here. By creating a polished, visually appealing space, you can help potential buyers or tenants envision themselves living in the home and make it easier for them to make an informed decision.

Naturally Lit, Clear Photos

Another factor in taking great property photos is lighting. Lighting can dramatically impact a room’s look and feel; Therefore, paying attention to the type of light used when taking photographs is essential. Typically, natural light is the best option for capturing a property’s true colors and textures. By taking pictures during the day, every room containing windows can be fully taken advantage of, allowing for a brighter, more natural appearance.

However, some rooms, such as bathrooms or storage closets, may not have windows or adequate natural light sources. Flash photography with overhead lighting can be an effective alternative in cases like this. This approach can ensure that the space appears evenly lit, with no dark shadows or areas.

A room with shiny wood floors and sepia walls

Regardless of the lighting situation, it is always essential to ensure that the main lighting in the room is on when taking photographs. Doing so helps provide a clear and comprehensive view of the room, highlighting its features and details.

By paying attention to lighting, particularly the use of natural light and the main lighting in the room, one can capture stunning photographs that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of a property.

Accurate Representation

Taking accurate real estate photos is imperative to improving the buying process for the realtor and the client. Even with the right equipment, such as a high-quality camera and lens, it is possible to produce results that are cut off or do not show the entire room, resulting in an incomplete or misleading representation of the property. Additionally, excessive editing or manipulation of the photo can lead to an exaggerated and unrealistic portrayal, which may be off-putting to potential buyers.

A living room with a TV and family photos

It is crucial to take the time to ensure that the angles and height of the camera are correct, providing an accurate size comparison of the space to ensure you don’t make any mistakes. A process that can be particularly challenging in smaller rooms or areas with limited lighting, where additional equipment or techniques are necessary for capturing the best shot. While editing photos, it is pertinent to balance: enhancing the photo’s features and maintaining a natural look that accurately represents the property. The process involves removing grain and fixing blurriness when necessary, but it should not involve excessive manipulation or enhancement of the property’s features.

By taking a holistic approach to real estate photography, incorporating technical precision and artistic vision, it is possible to create visually stunning photos that accurately represent the property and attract potential buyers or renters.

Highlighted Features

An outdoor waterfront deck with boat dock and palm trees

This cozy waterfront deck belongs to an AirBNB in St. Petersburg

When it comes to selling a home, it’s essential to highlight its unique features and standout qualities that make it stand out from other properties on the market. While showcasing the entire house is one step, the specific features, and details will capture the attention of potential buyers and convince them to move toward making an offer.

It’s crucial to thoroughly analyze the property and identify the standout features that appeal to buyers. These features could range from newly installed decks and recently remodeled rooms to upgraded amenities such as new countertops, carpets, or appliances. By highlighting these features through engaging photography and marketing strategies, you can capture the attention of potential buyers and set your property apart from others on the market.

In addition to showcasing a property’s standout features, presenting them in a way that resonates with potential buyers makes all the difference. This process may involve using creative angles, lighting, and composition techniques to make these features more visually appealing and impactful. For example, a newly installed deck could be photographed at sunset, highlighting the beautiful view and creating an emotional connection with potential buyers.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a sense of urgency and excitement around the property by showcasing its unique features and qualities. By combining technical expertise with artistic vision and a deep understanding of the market, you can create a compelling visual story that drives interest and ultimately leads to a successful sale.

Detail Shots

Potential buyers want to see what makes a property unique, what separates it from other homes, and what special features or finishes it offers.

Here is where high-quality photography can make a significant impact. By capturing the custom cabinetry, crown molding, or other unique architectural details that make a property special, you can help potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space and appreciate the value and craftsmanship of the home. These details make a property more appealing and enhance its overall value, making it more attractive to buyers and potentially increasing its sale price.

Effectively capturing the finer details requires using proper equipment and techniques. Using specialized lenses or lighting setups to bring out the intricate features of a room or experimenting with creative angles and compositions to showcase these details in the most compelling way possible may be more effective than first assumed. By paying attention to the small details, you can create a visual story highlighting the unique character and charm that sets it apart from other homes on the market.

Highlighting the finer details and showcasing the craftsmanship and design that went into the home can help potential buyers connect with the property on a deeper level and increase the chances of a successful sale.

Aerial Photography

Drone photo of a multi-family home in St. Petersburg

Aerial shots have become an increasingly popular tool for real estate photographers. These shots offer a unique perspective on a property and its surroundings, providing potential buyers with a bird’s-eye view of the area and helping them to get a better sense of the neighborhood and surrounding amenities. By showcasing the property from above, aerial shots can highlight the size and layout of the property in a way that traditional exterior shots may not be able to do.

In addition to providing a comprehensive view of the property, aerial shots can showcase nearby features and attractions that may interest potential buyers. For example, if a property is near a park or other green space, aerial photos can help to highlight the proximity and accessibility of these amenities. Similarly, if there are nearby shopping centers or other commercial areas, aerial shots can showcase the convenience and accessibility of these areas.

But it’s not just about showing off nearby attractions – aerial photography can also help create a sense of context and place, allowing buyers to understand the surrounding neighborhood and community. By showcasing the layout and development of the area from above, aerial shots help highlight the character and charm of the neighborhood and give buyers a better sense of what it would be like to live there.

Of course, capturing aerial shots requires specialized equipment and expertise, and working with a qualified professional to ensure that images get safely taken is imperative. To work with a qualified professional that offers drone photography and more, contact SellFastPhoto today!

Closing

When selling a house, presenting it in the best possible light is crucial to getting the best price and finding the right buyer. Focus on curb appeal, making necessary repairs and updates, and decluttering and staging the interior, can increase the chances of a successful sale. Selling a house can be daunting, but with the right person taking your real estate photos, listing your property becomes easier to manage. For more information on SellFastPhoto and the services offered, check out our website or contact us today.

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