I cannot tell you how many times in the past decade I have heard this. From other agents, from sellers, from the guy at the grocery store-though I think now he may not have been a qualified expert so maybe we should disregard his opinion. The point is so many people underestimate the importance of GOOD PHOTOS for homes on the real estate market.
The thing is, I never hear that photos aren’t important from the people who matter most…buyers.
More and more people are beginning their home search on line. I have heard the number tossed about that 90% of the buyer begin their search online now. Now that number may seem high, but I know the answer is A LOT of people do. My mother who has never stepped close to a computer for fear that it would bite her, actually requested a laptop 2 years ago for her birthday so she could search for a condo online. Folks, if my mother is searching online, then 90% may be just about right.
So why are photos so important? Isn’t it more important for the house to look good?
While the house does need to look good in person, it HAS to look good in photos. WHY, you ask? Right now in Frederick County there are 984 properties listed. In Washington County there are 728. Because there are so many homes on the market in Frederick and Washington counties, a buyer may cross your home off the “go-see” list if the photos are unappealing. That’s just the way it is in this market. I know when I was searching for my future home online, I eliminated homes based on things I saw in the photos–did the master bedrooms windows look into the neighbor’s windows? Did the rooms seem dark? Did they appear small or oddly shaped? When there are so many homes to choose from it is really easy to find something to be picky about. Yes, these same deterrents are true once a buyer is physically in your house, but that unsightly view into your neighbor’s windows may be bearable when you combine it with the fantastic view from the family room and the gorgeous wood-burning stone fireplace. You don’t want your photos to be a reason for someone to not see your house.
Now this paragraph is time to brag about me You knew it could be coming, but just stick with me. For years I have worked on developing the art of real estate photography. I KNOW pictures matter to buyers. I don’t rush in, take 5 photos, then declare my job done. I take the time to walk you through areas that need to be improved before I show up to take photos. I may ask you to put things away, pre-pack, declutter, clean, and yes- sometimes redecorate or restage a bit. If you let me, I will be right there with you dragging your furniture across the floor if I think it will make a difference in the way your home appears to buyers in photos and in person. Then, while I’m actually taking photos if something catches my eye, or plays in the camera in a funny, that item is removed for the pictures-but I’ll put it back!
The reasoning it simple. Would you rather the buyers know you are Ravens fans, or notice your beautiful South Mountain view?
Your home does not have to look like a fancy decorator magazine, but the photos do need to have a fair representation of room size, and show the special features of your home, without distractions that could easily be eliminated. I’ll admit, sometimes being the photographer is easy. Sometimes its a little harder. In the end its worth the extra effort because photos DO matter that much.
So, is your home ready for its close-up? To find out, give me a call at 240.233.8818 or email me.
