How to Take Great Photos for Home Buyer Appeal

There is always a challenge when trying to convey the amenities of a home without images, right? Nothing helps sell a home like good images. As the saying goes “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Nowhere is this phrase more applicable than in taking photos for buyer appeal. Good photos aimed at your client’s target audience will help generate interest more than anything else. Selling a house is a difficult task in any economy but the numerous properties on the market these days make the task particularly overwhelming. The best way to enhance your marketing and promotion efforts is by taking good photos of your clients’ properties. The National Association of Realtors states that 9 out of 10 homebuyers start their house hunt online so you should be ready to impress them from the word go. Avoid the common mistakes novice photographers often make and take photos professionals would be proud of. Here’s how to go about it.

Tips for capturing the best assets of the home

Ensure lighting and sunlight are advantageous to your photo

According to the National Association of Realtors, 49 percent of all homes sell because of curb appeal. The exterior is everything; it is what determines whether homebuyers will want to look at the rest of the property. Make the house visually appealing and presentable as listing photos are your main means of advertising. They are the first images people see when looking at your property images or portfolio. When taking photos of the exterior, ensure that the sun is behind you. Take the photos at a time when the sun is shining on the property’s front and showing it in the best light. If the home’s main entrance is always in the shade, photograph it on a partly cloudy day as this helps to lower the contrast. You can also take stunning exterior photos at dusk. As the sun sets, it throws a warm glow on the house creating a homely look. Use this to your advantage. It is important to make sure your exterior photos are good ones or interested homebuyers will not bother to visit.

Take Interior Photos at Dawn or Dusk

At dusk or dawn, the light coming in through the windows matches that of the interior. You can easily balance the inner and outer light level. The soft light makes photos more flattering and softens the exterior. You can also take interior photos after sunset when the lights are switched on as this makes a home more interesting. Open the curtains to make the room look more spacious and bright. Avoid using your camera’s in-built flash as it may create unappealing shadows and reflect off windows and mirrors.

Ensure there is plenty of natural light

Use Interior Design Props

Use props to make the photos look like they were taken by a professional. Tell the homeowner to add flowers, fruits, and pitchers of water with lemons in different areas. Props enhance a home’s interior and make it look lived-in. Dramatic flowers can light up a minimalist home just like a lit fireplace can create a cozy ambiance.

Take Pictures of Mirrors and Windows at an Angle

Mirrors, windows, and glossy surfaces should be photographed from angles. This helps you to avoid showing up in the photos. Rooms also look bigger when photographed from angles. Bathrooms, studies and other small rooms can greatly benefit from this technique.

Choose focal points to create a beautiful composition

Use a Tripod for Stability & Styling 

A tripod helps you to avoid deep shadows and decreases overexposed areas which have too much light. It gives you longer exposure even when you’re using a small camera. Unlike hand-held cameras, it provides great stability enabling you to take clear and sharp photographs.

There’s no doubt about the fact that a good-looking home will sell. If you want to take good photos that will help sell your clients’ properties, use the above simple tips to ensure their home shines in it’s best light.

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