Remember the old saying "Image is everything."? In this day of internet shopping for homes-- 87% of buyers last year used the Internet to help find a home according to the National Association of Realtors-- any homeowner interested in selling their home should keep this idea in mind as they prepare their property for sale. With the help of a professional realtor, a seller can get objective advice as to what cosmetic "fix-it" items need to be addressed on their property before their house is put up for sale and before any photographs are taken. Just like the hair combing and primping that photographers suggest their clients do before a photo shoot, a home seller should view their home in the same way. Sellers should seriously consider making a checklist of all the cosmetic to-do items (the primping items) that need to be addressed before any photographs are taken.





Without a doubt, the first place they should start is in their front yard and surrounding exterior. For many prospective buyers, how you maintain the front exterior of your home can be the difference between a buyer telling their agent that they want to take a look at your house or to keep driving on to the next home for sale. This is what is known in the business as "curb appeal".

Next, as they move into the interior of the home, a seller should do everything to de-clutter their homes as soon as possible or even possibly consider "staging" services



While attending to all these chores, the seller should keep in mind that most home listings are now featured on major real estate websites such as Realtor.com and almost any online MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and prospective buyers will most likely get the first glimpse of your home on the internet. Your photographs represent the first curb appeal impression buyers will get of your property, so the more quality photographs you have the better.

Consider, if at all possible, hiring a professional photographer to take your pictures or hire a very good amateur photographer who specializes in real estate photos. If hiring a professional photographer is not within your budget, consider these tips as you or your agent take your home’s photos.

•Take lots of photos and try all sorts of angles. Experimenting with the angles creates a much more visually interesting photo. Choose the best photographs for your home’s listing.

•Interiors look best and much more spacious when photographs are taken with a wide angle lens.

•Be sure to take photographs of your home’s features that are of architectural interest – a fireplace, beautiful windows with great views, fish pools, pristine landscaping, etc.

•Be sure to take photographs of the exterior in good weather.

•Make sure every photograph of your home is the best possible choice! Aim for a neat, uncluttered and spacious look in the interior rooms of your home.

"A realtors’ association survey found that when it comes to web features that buyers consider "very useful," 83 percent cited photographs, 81 percent cited detailed property information and 60 percent cited virtual tours". As you can see, with the advent of the internet and online home shopping, prospective buyers will be able to view your home online first and see if your property is the right match for them even before they actually do the physical viewing of your home! Make sure that first impression is a good one!