MLS Photos: Make a Great First Impression

Most likely the first time a potential buyer sees your home it will be online either via the MLS or one of the big real estate sites. It is imperative that you make a great first impression. If your pictures don't excite buyers immediately they will click to the next one.

For my listings I hire a professional photographer in most circumstances. Unless the home is very dated or a fixer-upper. I can take a decent photo but the correct lighting, camera angle and lens makes a huge difference. The MLS is loaded with bad amateur photos that do a great disservice to the seller. Imagine a million dollar listing captured with an Iphone on a cloudy day. Will that entice buyers to take a closer look?

Declutter and Staging

Prepare your home for photos. Make your bed. Clear your countertops. Mow the lawn. Put away the kids toys. Put the car in the garage.

Be Selective

Some advocate loading the listing with tons of photos. I prefer to be selective and create some curiosity. If a photo doesn't enhance the listing leave it out. This is especially true of bathroom pictures. 12 to 18 photos is usually enough for an average size home. If you have 3 dozen or more photos posted, I bet not all of them are appealing. The purpose of the photos is to make buyers want to view your home in person. Then the real selling can take place. Drone aerial photography can be cool if there is something captivating about your homes surroundings, like a water feature or golf course. If your home is surrounded by just a bunch of other similar looking homes I would forgo the expense of drone photography

Don't Post Your Listing Without Your Best Photos Ready

Whether your listed with an agent, or selling yourself, a lot of buyers get automatic updates of new listings that fit their criteria. It could be from the MLS, or one of the major real estate sites. Don't leave out your pictures to be posted later, or post mediocre photos until the professional ones are ready. You will likely miss your opportunity for a great first impression and may not get that second look.

Finally Don't Be This Guy

(Actual photo from the Ft Lauderdale MLS)