Library

• Are You Ready to Sell?
• Creating a Sell Sheet
• Different Types of Buyers
• Explaining Escrow
• How to Deal with Offers
• How to Find a Lawyer
• How to Make an Offer
• How to Secure Financing
• How to Take Photographs
• Is it Time to Lower Your Price?
• Is Now the Right Time to Sell?
• Negotiating Tips for Buyers
• Negotiating Tips for Sellers
• Qualifying the Best Buyers
• Setting the Purchase Price
• Should you Remodel?
• Should you use a Broker?
• Top 10 Mistakes Buyers Make
• Top 10 Mistakes Sellers Make
• Top 10 Things to Include on your Sell Sheet
• Top 10 Tips for Buyers
• Top 10 Tips for Sellers
• What Buyers Should Expect at Closing
• What Sellers Should Expect at Closing
• What to Consider Before You Buy
• Where to Place Your Sell Sheets

How to Take Photographs

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s certainly true than when it comes to selling your home. Nothing will capture a potential buyer’s interest like pictures that showcase the best attributes of your house. With a few tips, it’s easy to take great
photographs that let your home shine.

Since your pictures will probably appear both online and in print, use a high-quality camera that takes clear, sharp photographs. A digital camera set on the highest resolution will streamline your process, but a 35mm camera can produce great pictures you can scan later. Under no circumstances should you use a Polaroid or a camera phone (unless your phone includes a high-quality camera that takes high-resolution photos).

Before you begin your photo shoot, take time to get your property looking picture-perfect. Mow the lawn, trim the shrubs and trees, and clean up any toys or equipment. Make sure garbage and recycling bins are out of sight, move your car out of the driveway, and close the garage door. Then, stand on the curb and take an objective look. Personal touches – such as your lawn gnome – might turn off potential buyers.

A brightly lit photo will make your home appear more inviting, so wait for a sunny day to photograph your home. Take pictures when the sun is behind you, shining on the front of your house. Generally speaking, if your home faces west, take photos within two
hours of sunset; for east-facing homes, take photos within two hours of sunrise. For north and south facing homes, wait until the sun is no longer directly overhead and the sun is shining directly on your house.

If you take photos of your home’s interior, don’t photograph every room. Instead, choose rooms that include appealing features (like a breakfast nook or vaulted ceilings), along with the master bedroom and family room. As with the exterior, tidy up every room before taking a photograph and focus on the features of the room rather than your furniture or belongings. Turn on plenty of lights, and take photos from several angles, choosing the one that shows off the best elements of each room.

With a small amount of preparation and minimal effort, you can take great photos that showcase your home to its maximum potential. Go ahead – take a shot!