Are you considering selling your Southern Maryland home and wondering where to start?  Pre-internet, curb appeal was an important early step in making your home stand out.  These days, most prospective buyers view listings online first, then make the decide whether or not to see the property in person. Taking top-notch listing photos should be your starting point and here are some tips to make sure your photos get noticed:

Clean and Reduce Clutter

What you may see as charming décor may look like clutter to potential buyers. By depersonalizing the space, anyone viewing it can get a better idea of what it would be like living there.  Ditch the baskets of toys, the stacks of DVDs, the decorative plate collection, and the pile of magazines in the living area.  Move the small appliances from the kitchen counter and out of view.  Organize the pantry, the garage and the closets. Once you’ve decluttered, give the home a thorough spring cleaning. Make the windows sparkle, sweep and mop the floors, shampoo the carpets and clean off all the surfaces. This will need to be done prior to showing the home, anyway, so why not get started now so the listing photos will reflect what the buyer will see when they visit in person.

Staging

This doesn’t necessarily require a professional’s help, but it does require a discerning eye.  Remove any bulky furniture that can make the space look smaller. Then, rearrange the existing furniture to highlight the focal point of each room. Create conversation areas using accents such as flowers, throw pillows, or additional lighting that will accentuate the natural light. Consider painting the home with warm and neutral colors that appeal to the masses and reflect well in a photo.

Lighting

Natural light is a big enticement for buyers. Once the windows are cleaned, make sure you plan to take pictures on a day when the sun is shining. Supplemental lighting, such as lamps or sconces will give the rooms additional warmth.

Photography

Listing photos taken with a cell phone aren’t going to cut it. You have a couple options— hire a professional photographer or invest in a decent camera and learn how to use it correctly. Listing photos are essentially advertising to bring potential buyers through the door. Poor-quality photos are an indication that you may be hiding something. Take your photos from the corner of the room, whenever possible, to capture as much of the room as possible. If your house has a view, photograph it from both inside and outside of the home. Be critical when editing your photos and choose the ones that best represent the home.

Review

Digital cameras allow us to take and view multiple photos instantly. Take the time to look through each photo on a monitor and choose the ones that best represent your home. If the photos look too dark or the color and contrast are off, you may need to do some editing. The buyers will expect the photo to mirror what the home actually looks like, so skip wide-angle shots or anything that doesn’t depict the actual size and features of your home.

Now you’re ready to list your photos and start the selling process. Be sure to keep your house clutter-free and clean, so potential buyers aren’t disappointed when they come to see it.  

If you have any additional questions, or you want some recommendations for top local Realtors, please reach out. I’d be happy to help.