Our agents are telling us that professional real estate photography is making a difference. We have been photographing many homes for multiple real estate agents in Winnipeg over the last few months. It really was a great spring from our point of view and from the agents we have been working with feel the same way. Every home has been sold within days of listing, and most for above asking. We have also been told countless times that our photographs have been able to assist in driving more traffic through the doors, sometimes without the need for an open house.
One thing I wrote about a couple months ago was enhancing curb appeal, and I can not stress enough the need for vendors to do what they can to spruce up or even clean up their yards. I know the grass is growing quick, and with the rain we have had of late it can be difficult to cut it before it gets out of hand, but when we show up to do photographs of a home, we can not “photoshop” in shorter grass. And while they are at it, consider pulling the weeds, planting a few flowers and picking up any garbage that may have come into the yard. Why am I mentioning all of this now? Well it has become apparent at a few listings we have photographed that it just needs to get done. Don’t get me wrong I have had many great home yards as well, not overly landscaped with tons of flowers and plants, but just clean yards that have been well kept, with weeds eliminated, grass cut, free of garbage and pet leftovers. I know I could be seen as preaching to the choir, as we have many great realtors as readers and they do know how to prepare a home, but this is a reminder to the odd one out there or for the home seller that may need some assistance.
Another point that can be made is to replace or repair downspouts, clean the eavestrough etc. As a photographer we have shown up to many homes to see work that needs to get done from dripping eaves to water trails that leads back towards the foundations. Some simple steps will help clean that up and ensure there are less worries to that potential buyer. A well kept home, will sell quicker as buyers recognize the care that has been taken for the home.
A point someone else had made that I thought was a great idea was to take a few quick photos of the house and yard yourself, as a home owner or realtor and you will often see things that stand out to you even more as you look at the photographs later. By preparing early, and utilizing the services of a professional real estate photographer, you will be able to better highlight the positive aspects of the yard and home.
Need ideas or assistance, let us know, we are always here to help.