How To Photograph A Home For A Real Estate Listing

How To Photograph A Home For A Real Estate Listing. Even the loveliest house won't bring buyers out if the photos in the listing are lacking. Here's a guide to taking pictures that will make an impression- and hopefully, a sale.

You Will Need
* Digital camera
* Computer

Step 1:
Get a Tripod
Even a cheap tripod will give you a steadier shot than free-handing it.
Step 2:
Clear Out the Exterior
Trash cans and any other clutter should be taken out of the way. If your house faces the street, move any cars out of the driveway and away from the front of your home. If you have a brick or tile patio, wet it down so the color looks rich and the glare is minimized.
Step 3:
Shoot The Exterior
Now that you've cleared out, pick a good time of day to shoot so that you avoid stark shadows. Take a good, wide shot of the house. Zoom in and photograph any nice features too, like a pretty pathway or bay windows. Now walk around the house and shoot other details, making sure to shoot another wide shot of the backyard and the view if you have one. Finally, you'll want to crop your photos appropriately once they're on your computer. Even the simplest programs will let you crop out the street and other houses.
Step 4:
Prep The Place
Before you shoot the interior, declutter. Clear off all tables, and organize your shelves. If there's a surplus of furniture in the rooms you're shooting, move it out of the way.
Step 5:
Light Right
According to a recent article in the L.A. Times, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to close the blinds and turn on all the lights, creating uneven lighting. Daylight is your friend- just make sure to face away from the windows to avoid backlighting. Also, use your camera's flash to create an even light.
Step 6:
Shoot The Interior
Shoot every room- even a small room may surprise you and photograph well. Focus on details like a nice mantlepiece or new floors. Avoid shooting into the backs of chairs or bookcases. In the breakfast nook or dining room, set the table and make sure the chairs at the table are spaced evenly. In the bathroom, get rid of trash cans and close the toilet lid.
Home photography is a learned skill, so practice a little, and hopefully, the next picture you take of your house will have a "Sold" sign in it.