The BVAS Connection

When listing a property it is crucial to have good pictures for potential buyers to look at on the web and in print advertising.  Now a days, most web consumers will just plain skip over listings that they cannot see pictures of, or have pictures that are too dark and of poor quality.

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take great photos of your new listings.  Here are a few tips on taking better photos of your listings to maximize your advertising potential.

1. Sunny Skies - Try and take photos of the exterior on clear, sunny days. Grey skies dull the impression of the exterior walls and landscaping leaving a photo just blah.  Also, try taking the photo at a slight angle instead of straight on. Shooting from a slight angle gives the house more definition.
2. Underexposure - Avoid underexposure problems by cutting down on the background light. Take the exterior shots when sun is in front of the house, and interior shots away from bright lights.
3. Let There Be Light - The easiest way to improve indoor shots is to turn the lights on or open drapes and curtains in dark rooms.  But again, avoid taking shots directly towards bright light to avoid background light issues, or your room will look like a cave.
4. Clear Out the Clutter - Make sure countertops, dressertops, floors, etc., are as clutter free as possible. Too much clutter may make rooms look small and undesireable to potential buyers.
5. Focus on the Key  - Before shooting the interior, check around for the important features that should be highlighted. Think about what key features you would want to see if you were looking for a home.
6. Location, Location , Location - When shooting an interior room, try and position yourself in a location that best views the features of a room.  No one wants to see just boring walls.
7. Pets Are Cute, Sometimes - If there are pets, it is okay to include them but be wary of their location. No one wants to see them on a kitchen counter.
8. Mirror, Mirror - Avoid shooting directly at any mirrors.  You don’t need a shot of the photographer. 
9. Close the Closets - Make sure closet and cabinet doors are closed for a cleaner appearance.  Only take shots of a closet if it is extremely neat and orderly.
10. Zoom Out - Make sure you zoom all the way out to get as much of a room in as possible. If you have a wide angle attachment, use it. This also helps when creating virtual tours.

Use these tips and your listing photos should turn out beautifully. If your photos still aren’t coming up to par,  look upon the help from a Real Estate Virtual Assistant to help with your photo editing.