Getting your listing ready for its closeup!
Yep, it’s true. A picture is definitely worth a thousand (or even just a few dozen) words and when it comes to MLS photos, we encourage sellers to tap into this super important marketing resource. Did you know that nine out of 10 buyers start their home search online? Millennials especially – today’s largest demographic of home buyers, are actively (99%) looking online for their new homes. In fact, 91% of Millennial home buyers say that quality MLS photos are crucial to their decision to view a property. (Source: RESA 2019)
And here’s a few more numbers – 77% of today’s buyers say it is easier to visualize a property as their future home when it’s been professionally staged. Nearly 30% are willing to overlook other property faults when a home is staged. (Source: NAR 2019 Profile of Home Staging)
Okay, you’re convinced! Your listing needs amazing MLS photos taken by a great real estate photographer. But it also needs photo styling - a professional process by accredited stagers/stylists (think set designers!) whose goal is making sure your listing is “picture perfect” for buyers.
In 2019, House Dressings proudly partnered with agents and sellers to photo style over 85 Acadiana listings. We learned some things along the way and wanted to share a few of our best “behind the scenes” tips with you this month:
1) Start at the curb! This is photo number one. Buyers form their first impression from the MLS photos. (source: Zillow Blog) Make sure your front exterior is warm & welcoming and shows great yard maintenance and love.
2) Pack up all personals - photos, trophies & plaques. This is super important in photos as well as showings because “personals” can be a huge distraction to potential buyers.
3) Declutter & tidy all rooms and please - just say no to floor storage, including boxes, bags and tubs that eat up valuable square footage and look very “mysterious” in pics.
4) Clear and clean kitchen, laundry and all bathrooms. Especially counters. Sell those spacious counters and accent with just a few on-trend accessories.
5) Turn night into light: avoid dark furnishings that compete with key selling features. Examples include dark leather sofa sets sitting on top of dark wood floors in the living room. Make those wood floors a feature by highlighting rooms with neutral-toned furnishings.
6) Art therapy hints - go big and stand alone. You need just one strong piece of art per room. We love abstracts to limit unnecessary attention spent on art interpretations.
7) Style to sell the key features! What areas will you or your agent highlight in your property description? Make sure these spaces pop with on-trend accents and accessories that will dazzle buyers and make them want to schedule a showing.
And don’t forget to schedule a photo styling appointment with your favorite House Dressings stagers for professional finish styling services to really make your listing a shining star for all buyers to see!
http://www.housedressingslft.com/request-photo-styling
