Closeup rear view of a male real estate agent photographing new property

Ok – it might be a bit hyperbolic to say that image is everything when it comes to real estate. But it’s not an exaggeration to say that first impressions matter.

There’s a reason that buyers care about curb appeal, and that real estate agents put so much effort into creating a warm, welcoming environment for an open house. Buyers want to be able to feel at home when they look at a property, to imagine themselves living there. They also want to be able to trust the real estate agent they’re working with, whether it’s a buyer’s agent or a seller’s agent – they don’t want to feel like they might be lied to or taken advantage of over such a big transaction.

Taking great photos is the first step toward helping prospective buyers connect with a home. Whether they first see the photo on your website or on a “Just listed” postcard that arrives at their door, many buyers will start to fall in love with (or reject!) a house based on the first few photos they see. Poor lighting, fuzzy photos, and weird angles will turn a buyer away.

When you’re taking pictures, try to think about how prospective buyers will interact with them. People don’t typically make a decision to view a house after a single glance through pictures. Instead, they’ll save the house to their favorites, maybe email a link to a friend or family member. They’ll scan through the pictures several times, or share them with a significant other. They’ll often start mentally cataloging the features they like best.

Make sure to include pictures of the home’s best features: a gorgeous tiled kitchen floor, a cozy fireplace, a spacious deck, bright sunlight streaming through the windows. Don’t be afraid to include lots of photos; too few pictures, and buyers will think that you’re hiding something.

Once you’ve captured your great shots, use them! Send out some “Just Listed” or open house postcards, create a real estate flyer with a couple of great interior photos, and upload the pictures to your social media accounts. Give potential buyers the chance to make a first impression, and you’ll be able to make the sale that much faster.