Present2Sell - Devon Today Oct 2007
A picture is worth a thousand words
The first thing that attracts buyers to a particular property (assuming it roughly meets the spec.) is the photographs, so getting this right is the canny homeseller's first step to a successful sale.
If you're selling a second or empty property, you probably already know how hard it is to create interesting shots of it, compared to a lived-in property. It's a straightforward matter to buy or rent enough furniture and accessories to convey the purpose of each room and the amount of space available. The result? As illustrated, a much more inviting, informing photograph.
If you're living in the property you want to sell, here are some quick pointers to photographic success:
If the number of pictures is limited, prioritise according to your home's best features. The order of importance to most buyers is: sitting room; dining room; kitchen; main bedroom; patio/outdoor eating area.
Allow plenty of time for the shoot! Be systematic, set up the subject,
scrutinise the shot for any detractions, or areas of improvement, correct and go again. This stage really is worth the time taken - once it's on the web, mistakes that seemed minimal will glare.
Shoot various views of the property from the road and the approaches on a sunny day.
For interior shots, choose a dull-ish day, to minimise sharp shadows, and switch on table and floor lamps (not ceiling lights).
Ensure that key features (rugs, mantlepieces) are not cropped, and avoid capturing reflections. Shoot from several viewpoints, using a ladder if necessary.
Update your pictures seasonally. Out-of-season scenes can broadcast the time your property's been on the market, tempting buyers to lower their offer.
(NB: not all estate agents will want to use clients' pictures, and they cannot use anything that's been Photoshopped)