Selling a home? Here are five tips to get your space ready for its moment in the spotlight.
When homebuyers are scrolling through online listings, photos play a pivotal role in their decision whether to visit a property in person. In fact, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023 Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers revealed that buyers think photos are the most valuable features of an online listing.
Selling a home? Here’s how to prepare your place for stunning listing photos.
1. Don’t let clutter steal the show
Cleaning and decluttering are important parts of prepping a home to hit the market – and these tasks are especially critical prior to taking listing photos. Clear off countertops, remove overflowing jackets and shoes from the entryway, pare down on excess items, optimize floor space and store personal items out of sight. This ensures that photos showcase your home’s best features rather than unappealing clutter.
2. Stage the home
Staging is an impactful way to elevate a home’s appearance, make it feel modern and help homebuyers see the place as the backdrop for their own life. The latest home staging report from NAR found that 81% of buyers’ agents believe staging helps buyers envision the property as their future home.
When staging your home for sale, determine the best focal point for your listing photos and arrange your space accordingly. To stage with intention, try things like setting a dining table or arranging a spa-like bathroom.
3. Make sure lights are bright
Effective lighting can help house photos appear brighter and cheerier. To brighten your home, replace any burnt-out lightbulbs and consider upgrading to brighter, energy-efficient bulb options like LEDs. Plus, don’t forget to open the shades in each room to maximize natural light.
4. Consider simple upgrades
Certain upgrades can help a home appear more move-in ready. Consider applying a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color to walls and kitchen cabinets for a clean finish, and swap out outdated light fixtures for timeless or trend-forward options. It can also be helpful to update smaller accents like cabinet hardware or dated faucets.
5. Don’t forget curb appeal
The exterior of your home is generally the first thing potential buyers see when they come across the listing online or see related marketing materials. To make a strong first impression, enhance your curb appeal before photos are taken. Maintain the yard for the season – be it raking leaves, shoveling snow or plucking weeds – and ensure your gutters are clean. Touch up chipped exterior paint and consider upgrading items like front lights and house numbers for a polished look.
Adding outdoor furniture, seasonal decorations and pots of vibrant flowers can also help boost your home’s appearance in photos.
For other photo pointers specific to your property, it’s best to consult your trusted real estate agent. With experience and expertise, they can share insights on how best to showcase the top features of your unique space. Your agent may also hire a professional photographer to take high-resolution images. Together, your agent and photographer will know which shots and angles will likely perform best when your listing is marketed to buyers.
Ready to sell your home? Connect with a local RE/MAX agent today.
Article originally appeared on RE/MAX.com.
