Entice Buyers with a Picture Perfect Listing

Pictures speak volumes and are noticed before the written word. The job of a photo is to present the best aspects of your sellers' property. If your snapshots are unattractive, missing important details or are simply dull, this could be a big disadvantage and a disservice to your client.

With all the mediums used to post your listing today, it is vital to show them off and show lots of them.

Here are 6 quick key tips to help you attract buyers and gain more interest in that picture perfect listing.

1. Dilemma: You have tons of light pouring in from windows, yet your photos look dark.

Key Tip: Rather than pointing straight at the window, point your camera to a different part of the room that is not showing light. Press the shutter button half way down. This will freeze the settings on the camera allowing you to move without re-adjusting the settings of the camera. Then simply point the camera at the side of the room with the window. Frame your shot and then finish the click.

2. Dilemma: Big, white spots appear in your photos when the reflection of your flash is caught on reflective surfaces, such as windows, mirrors, glass, or metals.

Key Tip: Change the position or angle of the camera so that you aren't facing the reflective surface straight on. Or, if you have enough light, just turn off your flash.

3. Dilemma: Your photos always seem to be blurry which forces buyers to strain to see important details of the house.

Key Tip: Shaking or unsteady hands can blur your shots. Hold the camera steady with both hands and brace your elbows against your sides. Position the camera on the most important aspect in the scene and make it the focus area of your photo. Next, press and hold the shutter button halfway down so that your camera locks its focus on the object then take the picture.

4. Dilemma: Your photos seem to emphasize the flaws in the room such as smudges on the windows, disorganized throw pillows, and lopsided lamp shades.

Key Tip: You do not want the imperfections to become the main focus. Before you snap the picture, take a closer look at what you're getting. Fix any distractions, like a tea towel on the stove handle or shoes in the foyer. Take a few sample photos to see what's being caught on camera before taking the final round of snapshots.

5. Dilemma: You are so focused on details that you're photos start to look alike. They tend to be the same size, angle, etc. which could become boring.

Key Tip: Mix it up and give your images variety and perspective. Take some horizontal shots and some vertical. Move around the room; kneel down or stand on a chair to take the photo.

6. Dilemma: Your photos are tilted. It looks as if the walls are leaning and the windows are going sideways.

Key Tip: Look through your camera's display and make sure the vertical lines of the walls are parallel to the sides showing on the display monitor. You may need to kneel lower, stand on stairs or a chair to get the image level.

Let the pictures speak for you, a professional realtor and the listing property you're selling. Using these key tips during photo shooting facilitates buyers better envisioning themselves and their family living in the home.

With today's technology, you can touch up and fix most of your photos once they are taken. If you don't have the time or know how, hire an experienced real estate assistant who can accomplish this for you.