How to Take Real Estate Pictures When Trying To Sell Your Home

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By BellaCasa
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Real Estate Pictures

With the recession and down market in real estate, competition is stiffer than ever. The last thing that you need is a terrible picture of your house for sale on the Internet for the whole world to see. Here are some tips on taking pictures that will help sell your home:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Good camera
Good Eye
Declutter the room
Focus on the positive

Step 1

Real Estate Picture - Exterior

First, let's look at the exterior of the house. Clean up the porch, roll up the garden house (or remove it altogether), open up all of the blinds and curtains -- just tidy up the whole front yard. Now you are ready for your close-up!
Step 2

Real Estate Picture - Fireplace

Now, let's move inside. Is there a fireplace? Make sure to highlight that feature if there is. Clean off the mantel and decorate it sparingly, make sure to remove any personal photos, too. You want the buyer to imagine that this could be their home. Less is more, let that fireplace take all of the attention.
Step 3

Real Estate Picture: Kitchen

Now let's take a peek at the kitchen. Make sure to clear off all the counters and take the magnets off of the refrigerator. Wipe everything down to give it a good shine for the picture. Kitchens are one of the most important selling features in a home, so you want it to look its best. Say cheese!
Step 4

Real Estate Picture: Bathroom

Next, the bathroom. Do we dare? Actually, unless it is a gorgeous, redone bathroom, I would not even take a picture of it for a real estate listing. But if you must, then make sure that it is clean, decluttered and decorated tastefully. This means no rugs on the floor, no toilet seat covers and definitely no crocheted doll toilet paper holders! And for goodness sake, put the toilet seat down!
Step 5

Real Estate Picture: Bedroom

And lastly, the bedroom. Here again, I would only take a photo if they were updated and tastefully decorated. Clean and declutter the bedroom and yes, make sure the bed is made and that all (ahem) "toys" are put away!
Step 6

Hooked on Houses Blog

Whatever you do, do not take pictures like the ones you can see at "Hooked On Houses: Bad MLS Photos" section or the "It's Lovely! I'll Take It!" blog. (Links below) But they sure are fun real estate pictures to look at!

Comments

susanhorton72 said

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on 10/8/2009 You're article was not only thorough and informative, but very funny. I couldn't imagine posting pictures of a bedroom with someone's toys left out. How hilarious! *snap* *snap* : )