|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
The Staging Diva’s Photography Tips for Real Estate Agents
Written by: Debra GouldArticle Overview: Internationally recognized home stager, The Staging Diva®, offers photo tips for real estate agents to help encourage prospective home buyers to click on their online listings and get their phone ringing.
 |
Free Download - Staging Diva Graduate Demonstrates Importance of Sticking to It By Debra Gould |
The Staging Diva’s Photography Tips for Real Estate Agents
According to a 2008 real estate trends report, more than 80% of all home buyers start their property search on the Internet. After narrowing down the tens of thousands of possibilities based on price range, location and number of rooms, the next thing prospective buyers look at are the photos.
First impressions are especially important in a slow real estate market when there are so many homes competing for buyers’ attention, so real estate agents are more concerned than ever before that their listings’ photos stand out and attract showings. It's not only how well the shots are lit and whether they're straight and in focus, the content of the shots is critical too.
When you’re photographing a listing for MLS and your website, consider the following tips to ensure your photos make a good enough impression to have a prospective home buyer click your ‘contact’ link:
Foyer, kitchen and dining room shots: Make sure the entry way looks clear and that all shoes and coats are out of sight. Clear papers and other clutter from table tops and counters, ensure dishes are put away and remove rags and towels from faucets and ovens. Do a quick sweep of the front of the fridge. All those magnets and photos can be a real distraction in a kitchen photo. Any collections on top of the cabinets should be removed at least for the photo and preferably for the entire time the house is on the market. Last but not least, if your coat is hanging on the back of a chair, move it before taking your picture.
Living room shots: Turn off the television or this will end up being the focal point of your photograph! Ensure that art and lampshades are hanging straight and pick up any piles of books and magazines from the floor or coffee table. Remove family photos, clear clutter from the tops of mantles and pianos, pick up any toys and look at the room through your camera’s viewfinder before taking the photo. If you see anything overly distracting in the shot, remove it before you take the picture.
Bedroom shots: Make sure the beds are neatly made and there are no piles of laundry sitting around. Where there’s a dust ruffle on the bed, make sure the bottom edge of it meets, and is parallel with, the floor.
Bathroom shots: Don’t take a photo of a toilet with its lid open. Remove toothbrushes and other personal things from the counter. Make sure towels are hung neatly and don’t keep the shower curtain wide open. Also take care to not photograph your reflection in the bathroom mirror.
Other tips for better digital photos: Be careful that your finger isn’t covering the lens or flash and be sure to hold the camera straight. Try not to move after you’ve focused and don’t move when you’re shooting. Don’t shoot towards a window, or everything in the picture will be too dark. Instead of just pointing and shooting randomly, experiment by taking pictures at different resolutions, with and without flash and with lights on and off.
Adopting these tips should make a big difference in the quality of your photos. If you are reluctant to rearrange your client's possessions to get the best shots, consider having them present while you're shooting the rooms to be able to direct them to make the necessary changes for you.
To make an even bigger impact on buyers by increasing the emotional appeal of your listings, consider the services of a professional home stager. They will attend to all these details, arrange flowers for photography, and can even be present during your shoot to ensure everything is in perfect shape.
Real Estate Agents Need Home Stagers In A Slow Market
Staging Diva Announces Resource To Help Stagers Effortlessly Promote Their Services
Stagers, Don’t Let Real Estate Agents Discourage You
Slowing Economy a Boon for Home Staging Entrepreneurs
RecessionProof Your Real Estate Career
|
About the Author: Debra Gould RSS for Debra's articles - Visit Debra's website  Click here to visit Debra's website   What if a Home You Stage Fails to Sell Parttime home stagers just as likely to succeed Home Staging Training Courses Make the Right Decision for You How to approach owners of FSBO properties about home staging Staging Helps Home Sellers Blossom this Spring |
Related Forum Posts
Here to Meet Great People!
- Hi Matthew Ferry here!
I am a life coach and also an entrepreneur. I work with people from all walks of life, Real Estate Agents/Brokers, Entrepreneurs, Businessmen.
Great to be here in this forum! Looking forward to hear from you!
Thanks!
Re: No money Down real estate Webinar
- I wish I could attend. I want to learn more about Real Estate investing although I have to have other priorities at the moment. Can you keep me updated about the next one though?
Re: Hi
- Thanks guys! I have been helping Real Estate and Mortgage professionals generate leads from the Internet for 5 years now!. I'd be glad to exchange some ideas. Have a great day=)
Re: Hi All,
- Welcome Aaron!!
what type of Real Estate investing do you specialize in?
in Toronto I am involved in purchasing properties at wholesale prices prior to the owners going into Foreclosure.
Re: Invest in Real Estate or Stocks?
- You can consider investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Buy and sell shares like stocks so they are easy to buy and sell, diversify and management is included.
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: 
Lesson #3: “Tell ‘em quick and tell ‘em often”
Searching for the Stars: How Yang and Filo Took Their Business to New Heights
Salesperson Wimp-Out: I Need Help 
February 2012 Top 100 Leadership Experts to Follow on Twitter
Please Stop Calling it Coaching!
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Common Sense Stress Management
The True Cost of Employee Turnover
Winning Market Share in a Tough Economy
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.