A Picture Is Worth.... Maybe Thousands of Dollars!

If you're reading this blog post, chances are you've taken a few minutes here and there to search the internet for real estate. Sometimes we do it because we are curious to see what's for sale in our area. Sometimes we do it because we are trying to find the new listing for the house down the street. Sometimes we do it just because we enjoy looking at real estate for sale in our community.

What runs through your mind as you check out the various pictures associated with each property listing? Do you think - wow, what a great kitchen! Or, that backyard pool looks inviting! Or, that master bathroom is what I've been dreaming of! Maybe once in a while you say to yourself, why in the heck did they put THAT photo in there? Or, shouldn't they have done a little landscaping before they took THAT picture?

If you've been thinking of selling your home, it is a very productive exercise to get on the internet, search for homes for sale in your area and your price range, and look at the photos as if you were a potential buyer. Study how nice a home looks when rooms are de-cluttered and the walls are freshly painted with neutral colors. Exterior photos are best when lawns and shrubs are neatly manicured, the grass is green and leaves are on the trees. (Take some outside photos now and save them in a computer file in case you list your home for sale during the Winter months) Fall and Winter can be great times to sell your home if you plan for the process properly. Typically, inventory/competition is reduced, buyers that are looking at this time of year are often more serious, and this year especially, interest rates as well as prices are still very attractive.

Remember, the typical first impression that a potential buyer has of your home once it's listed for sale is an online first impression. Therefore, the importance of the photos of your home (both inside and out) is not to be taken lightly. Work with your real estate agent to prepare in advance for picture taking. Try to have photos taken on a clear day. Don't be afraid to re-take photos when necessary. The pictures that I have attached to this blog post should help illustrate the message.

So, when it comes to the sale of a home, your hard work and preparation along with the right marketing photos, really could lead to a higher sale price. Make the most of your Fall 2012 in America's Hometown.