To say that the Twin Cities' real estate market, as well as its related housing market, is highly competitive right now is something of an understatement.
The fact is, the number of homes available for sale is lower than the number of potential home buyers.
Additionally, buyers are more discriminating. They know what they want and they aren't willing to settle for less. In fact, they are already concerned about the long-term economic consequences that a home purchase involves at this time.
So, what does this competitive market mean for sellers?
Sellers might think fewer homes on the market mean good news for them, but today's home buyers don't want to compromise when they are making what probably amounts to the largest purchase in their lifetime. This means they're being more cautious and discerning in their decisions.
This actually creates a more competitive atmosphere, and means sellers need more competitive real estate marketing strategies to stand out.
As a home seller in today's market you need to showcase your home in a way its amenities and characteristics are highlighted. Photos of your home that make it look vacant, cluttered or outdated could mean you'll leave money on the table.
The Right Real Estate Photography is Key
There's no simpler way to put it: professional photography is a crucial element when it comes to increasing the appeal of your home.
This is true whether you have a starter home you are trying to entice first-time buyers, one that has been remodeled or a home roomy enough for a large family.
Why should you opt for professional photos of your home?
READ ON to learn our TOP 5 REASONS why real estate photography is so crucial to getting your home sold quickly and for the price you desire.
1. Most people spend more time looking at pictures
According to the Wall Street Journal, a home buyer will spend about 20 percent of their time reading the listing description and another 20 percent is devoted to the description of the agent. A full 60 percent of their time is spent looking at the home's photos. If these photos are grainy, blurry, dark or show cluttered rooms, your home might not make it to that buyer's short list.
2. Photos give you more time to capture their attention
If your home is listed without a photo, you have about two seconds to pique the reader's attention enough to make them want to explore further. A home with real estate photos, on the other hand, has about 20 seconds in which to show the viewer its appealing features.
3. A professional photographer shows the entire space
While it's important for potential home buyers to know about the unique features that make your home stand out from others nearby, it's only one area of focus.
A professional photographer, on the other hand, focuses on more than just the features. Potential buyers will be able to tell where the rooms are in relationship to others as well as the flow of the home's layout.
Sellers will often take close-up pictures of those unique features such as a stand-out countertop, brand-new cabinets or stainless steel appliances. A professional can capture those elements but also provide an overview of the entire space.
4. Your pictures won't have mistakes
A professional photographer is exactly that: a professional. As such, this photographer is going to know how to properly stage the photos so they each have something valuable to say.
A professional won't leave key doors closed so viewers can't see how rooms flow from space to space. They'll also open the curtains and blinds in order to maximize the natural light that's available in the space.
Home sellers who use their smartphone to take pictures of their home often wind up with simple mistakes that cause significant negative impacts. While they might make you laugh when you see them, these mistakes could leave a potential buyer with a negative impression of your home.
Some common mistakes you might make when photographing your home include capturing yourself in a mirror when you're taking a picture of the bathroom. You also might mistakenly take a picture of a window with your reflection in it. Family pets often wander into your photos and make an unfavorable impression on a buyer.
5. Professional photographers = professional equipment
Today's smartphones make it easy for nearly everyone to take a decent picture. When you're trying to sell your home in a competitive market though any old picture will not be enough to win over your buyers. Instead, you're going to want to tap into the equipment and techniques a professional photographer uses to present the very best look for your home.
When the Homes by Ash Real Estate Team asks if we think professionaly photography really makes a difference, the answer is always the same. YES!
So much so, Lisa Ash hires professional photography for the listings entrusted to our marketing team.
Lisa Ash is an experienced real estate agent in the Twin Cities, known for her attention to detail and strong sales presence.
She's the person to contact if you have a home in Hennepin County, Anoka County, Wright County or the Northwest Metro area that you want to sell.
