Great real estate photography and beautiful home staging can make a huge difference in the price you are offered and the timeframe you close in.
Investing extra effort in incredible photography and professionally staged spaces can significantly enhance the appeal of a property, often yielding returns that far exceed the initial costs. High-quality photos capture the essence of the home, highlighting its best features and creating an emotional connection with potential buyers. Professionally staged spaces, on the other hand, help buyers envision themselves living in the home, making it more likely they will place an offer. The combination of stunning visuals and thoughtfully arranged interiors can transform a listing from ordinary to extraordinary, attracting more interest and potentially leading to higher offers. For more detailed tips on staging and photography, be sure to check out our latest post!
Real Estate Photography and Staging to Sell Your Home in Fort Myers
Before The Photos Are Taken and The House Is Shown…
Bringing in professionals is essential for fully leveraging staging and photography for your property. It’s advisable to hire experts, likely two distinct individuals. A photographer may excel at capturing light and maximizing space in photos, but they might lack proficiency in accessorizing or furniture arrangement. Conversely, a professional stager might not possess the skills to optimize lighting or capture the best angles. The synergy between these specialists is what will elevate your property’s visual appeal and attract the attention it deserves.
As They Say, A Picture Says A Thousand Words…
Great photography is paramount when listing your house on the MLS and other platforms. We have all seen the photos. Those listings where you say, I can’t BELIEVE they used that shot! Some people take photos themselves, while others rely on their agent.
Some agents have a good eye, however, nothing can compete with hiring a professional photographer. They will have all kinds of tricks, allowing them to get the absolute BEST photos of your house. Tripods, wide angle lenses and natural lighting are just a few must-haves.
Hiring a professional will easily pay for itself. Keep in mind, a photographer is NOT a stager. They are not there to clean up or position items throughout your home. They are there to capture the best photos of what “is”.
Get it “Magazine Pretty” With a Professional Stager
Professional staging is still largely seen as a “boutique” service, or something only used by people in big cities. But the fact is, staging has a HUGE impact on your ability to successfully sell your home.
People largely buy based on emotion. You will want to create a neutral environment, yet still, allow the viewer to feel as if they are in their own home. Some stagers will refurnish and decorate a whole house, however, it is much more common to focus on a couple main rooms.
Depending on what you already have, a stager can bring in many pieces or simply replace and repurpose items you already have to be more aesthetically pleasing. The ultimate goal of staging is to maximize the perceived value of the home.
Tip #1: Declutter
Creating an inviting atmosphere in your home is essential when showcasing it to potential buyers. Before any photos are taken or viewings are scheduled, it’s crucial to declutter and depersonalize the space. Remove personal items such as family photos and heirlooms, as they can distract buyers and prevent them from envisioning themselves in the space. Clearing out clutter also helps rooms appear larger and more inviting, making it easier for buyers to imagine living there. This attention to detail can significantly impact the speed and success of your home sale, creating a positive impression that encourages buyers to explore further.
Tip #2: Say Goodbye To All Personal Items
Temporarily storing personal items such as photos, awards, bills, as well as religious and political paraphernalia can significantly enhance the comfort and appeal of your property to potential buyers. By depersonalizing the space, you create a neutral canvas that allows visitors to more easily envision themselves living in the home. Removing such personal artifacts not only helps in creating this inviting atmosphere but also makes it simpler for visitors to mentally picture their own belongings in the space. Moreover, packing away unnecessary items and personal effects streamlines the process for the current homeowners when moving day eventually arrives, making the transition smoother and more efficient.
Tip #3: Don’t Neglect the Outside Areas
For both photography and viewing purposes, you will want to spend some time fixing up the outside of your home. Don’t leave your cars in the driveway, instead park them down the street.
This will allow the focus to be on your home in the photos and will make people feel like they are pulling into their own driveway as opposed to someone else’s. You should also put away all personal items and kid stuff. They say people decide if buying is a possibility in only a matter of seconds.
This is why it pays to clean up the front yard, plant a few flowers and refresh the front porch. The backyard should also be clear of clutter, with a warm and inviting feel. People should want to spend their time there!
Tip # 4: Keep it Tidy… Like Really Tidy
Understanding the diverse perspectives people have on living spaces is crucial. What may seem like minor details to some, such as leaving food out or having exposed cables, can significantly impact how a home is perceived. It’s essential to consider the standards one would expect from a well-maintained hotel or Airbnb when preparing a home for viewing. By aiming for a level of cleanliness and tidiness that would satisfy even the most discerning guest, you can make a positive impression on potential buyers and create a welcoming environment that enhances the appeal of your home.