Real estate photography

Pictures as advertising tools

Pictures recorded by specialists are more appealing to the eye, according to a photography studio's overview of the work. Many people share photographs online with friends and family, the overview observes, and industries have taken the same habit into their marketing: one route to attracting customers is to show them pictures of what is being sold. In the property market, the overview describes pictures as a tested tool for raising the chances that a house will sell.

The overview sets out what it sees as gains on both sides of a sale. A seller, it says, can market a home faster, because buyers are more drawn to listings that carry good pictures, and a photograph helps a buyer decide quickly whether a property is a good fit. It also claims that when more people take an interest, the seller is in a position to ask for more.

What agents are said to gain

For a property agent, the overview says a good photograph can improve a reputation, because a listing presented well reflects on the agent who presents it. Quality photography is one way, in its view, to show a client that a listing is in careful hands, and pictures from past work can be shown to later clients as evidence of experience. The overview holds that an appealing profile built from such images is one route to bringing in new business.

Getting a home ready inside

A property company's guide to preparing a home for a shoot begins with the thought that the photos on a listing are often the first look a buyer gets at a property, and that they shape how the place is seen. Preparing the home well, the company says, matters for that first impression.

Inside, the guide asks for kitchen counters cleared of appliances and personal items, and for bathroom counters and towels to be tidied. The guide also asks for burnt-out bulbs to be replaced and for lights and lamps, inside and outside, to be switched on. It asks for curtains and blinds to be opened so natural light comes in, for furniture that is not needed to be taken out so rooms look larger, and for family photos, extra decor and other personal items to be put away. Beds are to be made with clean bedding, the guide says, and signs of pets such as bedding, toys and bowls removed, since some buyers have allergies or would rather a home had no pets.

Getting the outside ready

Outside, the guide asks for trimmed landscaping and a tidy yard, and for driveways, walkways and patios to be swept. The guide has cars moved off the driveway and the street, and notes that closed garage doors give a cleaner look; it even suggests asking neighbours to move their cars so the street looks quiet. Garbage bins, garden tools and other outdoor equipment are to be stored away, while features such as barbecues are shown by taking off covers and setting out seating. Umbrellas are opened, outdoor furniture is arranged, and fresh pillows and plants are added.