No one is more aware of the power of a great real estate photo than a seller’s agent. We’ve all seen a property sit on the market for months, only to have a new agent come in, take some great pictures, and get the house sold in no time. If you’re new to real estate on the seller’s side, here are a couple of quick tips to help you make the most of your listing photographs:
Look for your light – Great lighting makes for great spaces. Shoot on a sunny day, with lots of natural light coming in through the windows.
Curb appeal is key – If the sellers aren’t willing to spring for a fresh coat of paint and some updated landscaping, spruce up the entry with seasonally appropriate potted plants in bright colors. Don’t go overboard with tons of holiday light or blow-up lawn decorations, though: the house should still be the main focus. And make sure you get your RE/MAX real estate yard sign in the shot!
Every shot matters – You’ve probably heard the advice to put up as many photos as the listing allows to have the best shot at selling a home. But that doesn’t mean you should include a closeup of the toilet lid in the second-floor bathroom! For the best results, aim for quality over quantity. If you can’t get a great shot of a room, it’s ok to skip it.
Attention to detail – Does the house you’re listing have some amazing features, like original hardwood floors, a chef’s kitchen, a million-dollar view from the backyard? Make those details a central focus of some of your pictures. Those small details often give potential buyers a better sense of the home than generic whole-room shots can, and they’re especially effective on a RE/MAX Just Listed flyer.
When you follow these tips and elevate your real estate photography, you’re not just showing prospective buyers what a house looks like. You’re helping them build a connection with their potential home. Use an amazing photo or two on a “Just Listed” postcard, and suddenly it’s not a generic mailer, it’s an invitation.
And don’t forget, as a seller’s agent, great real estate photography doesn’t just benefit that listing. It can be featured on your farming postcards or your RE/MAX brochures, and it can also be a selling point in your listing meetings. Include some of your best sample shots in a custom presentation folder you give to prospects, so they know you’ll be showing their home in the best possible light.