Are you enjoying summer so far? Maybe you are getting ready to go on vacation or you are just enjoying your own yard? Selling your home might be the furthest thing from your mind, but we wanted to take a moment just in case you were thinking about it to let you know how you can make it more attractive to buyers without all those pesky home showings interrupting your summer plans.
While you may think people would be crazy to bid on a house without seeing it in person, it does happen, especially if people are changing cities and cannot travel somewhere specifically to look at a house.
The best way to make your house attractive for potential buyers online is with high-quality photos. The good news is you don’t need a professional photographer, or to spend loads of money on equipment to take great photographs. Here are some tips to help you do this yourself.
Invest in a Tripod
Whether you own an actual camera or simply have a phone with a good camera, you will want to consider using a tripod. First and foremost, a tripod allows you to steady the camera and position it the way you want. This allows you to change the lens (if using a DSLR camera) or make adjustments as you go and keeps your device safe while you rearrange furniture to create the best photo. (Bonus: You can score a decent tripod with phone mount for about $15 on Amazon.)
Focus on Height and Location
Adjust your tripod so that it is lower to the ground than you initially thought. The photos you see in magazines are taken from lower than eye level. Start with setting the tripod to about 40 inches above the ground.
You also want to make sure the camera is straight. Any tilting will disturb the vertical lines and appear distorted. If you want to get super fancy, a camera sensor may be helpful with keeping the focus balanced, but it’s certainly not necessary.
Avoid Wide-Angle
While it may seem counterintuitive, a wide-angle lens or shot will not give you the effect you are hoping for. It makes things close to you appear larger and those far away smaller, which feels unnatural when photographing a house.
The goal is to keep everything proportionate, with minimal distortion. Potential buyers should instantly be able to envision their furniture and personal items in the space which is difficult with overly artistic or unnatural photos. So, keep all your photos simple.
No Flash!
You should never rely on a camera’s flash to adequately light up your room. Photographs taken with natural light feel more inviting, and the timing is crucial for this. Generally, photos taken about 20 minutes before the sun sets look the best.
You have taken great pride in decorating your home, so make sure you are putting your best “face” forward, by presenting it in beautiful photos whether you are selling or you just want to show it off.
Something else that you can do to make your home look more appealing and just generally more beautiful is awnings and shades. Give us a call at 587-317-6933 or contact us here and ask us about installing or updating awnings and shades on your home.