You've decided to take the plunge and list your home for sale – Congrats! While it's an exciting journey, there's one aspect that can take a turn: listing photos. Whether it's distorted angles, over-editing, crazy filters, or just plain old Photoshop fails, what buyers see isn't always what they get.
Let's take a look at the most common photography tactics, buyer pet peeves, and mistakes sellers make when taking listing photos.
DIY enthusiasts – we love your passion, but buyers don't want half-finished projects to become their problem. If possible, finish your DIY remodels before listing your home (or thoroughly clean up the area before taking photos).
Everyone loves pets, right? Well, not everyone. If your pet makes an appearance in your listing photos, buyers with pet allergies or a dislike toward animals might think twice about touring. So, vacuum up that pet hair and take your dog on a walk while photos of your home are being taken.
Remember those photos where someone's hand is suspiciously lingering on a shoulder, but the person is missing? Don't list any photos that omit the nearby freeway nearby or a huge water tower in your backyard. Eventually, the potential buyer will find out and might walk away due to a lack of transparency. Honesty is key!
Just like Instagram selfies that are just a tad too perfect, an over-filtered listing photo can be misleading. Buyers will feel like they just got catfished after stepping into your home. Like a dating profile, we all appreciate a little touch-up, but always let the home's genuine charm shine through!
Buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the home by looking at listing photos, but a cluttered home is like a game of "I Spy: Real Estate Edition." To buyers, disorganized photos in your listing could indicate bigger issues with the seller or Realtor, and you don't want to leave the wrong impression.
Natural light is great, but there's no need to make it look like the sun is sitting right outside the window. Listing photos with too much brightness can obscure features or even make them vanish altogether, which can deter buyers.
This photography pet peeve is by far the most common: Photos taken with a wide-angle lens which can make a room look much larger than it really is. This tactic is bound to leave buyers disappointed after they step foot into your home, only to find the rooms are more cramped than shown online.
Have you ever seen a photo in a listing where the agent's reflection pops up in unexpected places? There they are, unintentionally striking a pose in a window, glass cabinet, or even the TV screen. This honest mistake could come off as unprofessional to some buyers, so watch out for your reflection!
Is your grass really that green? And why do those flowers look fake? Photoshop is okay for minor edits, but many buyers who see photos of a home that's retouched to oblivion find it off-putting or that you could be hiding something concerning.
While these photo mistakes can be funny, they also remind us of the importance of professional photography when selling a home. After all, these photos are a buyer's first impression of your property, and you don't want that to be "What on Earth is going on here?" Good photos are essential for attracting potential buyers, so consider working with a professional photographer or ensuring your agent has a keen eye for detail.
Want to find out if you're ready to sell now? Take our "Should I Sell My Home?" quiz that assesses your readiness and lets you know if you should sell now or wait!