Did you know that a vast majority of buyers start their home searches online and that most first impressions are made from online photos? So if you want to get people interested in buying your home, you need to make sure that impression is a good one.

Follow these tips for taking listing photos that stand out, attract buyers, and get your home sold.

Photography basics

Change perspectives
Listing photos can blend together when all the images shown are taken at an eye-level perspective. Keep a buyer’s attention by getting low and shooting up or standing on a step stool for a bird’s-eye view to create a more dynamic perspective.

Zoom in
It’s tough to notice the original crown molding or your brand-new, eco-friendly appliances when the photo is taken from the doorway. Take a few steps forward to get a closer shot of can’t-miss features.

Steady the focus
Blurry images are a huge turnoff to buyers. The most common culprit is a shaky hand; a tripod can fix that. Don’t have one? Simply steady the camera on a flat surface for an innovative alternative.

Lighting matters
It’s best to photograph your interior in natural light. Open up the blinds to let the sunshine in, but be careful to avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which causes intense shadows. Photograph each room at the time of day that shows it in its best (and natural) light.

Avoid the flash
A flash can result in glare and add some unsightly or dated coloring to your home. In rooms with little-to-no natural light, turn on as many warm light sources as it takes to produce an inviting ambience.

Consider the time of day
Outdoor photographs should be taken on a clear day with minimal clouds. Follow the sun; sunlight adds warmth to photographs, but consider where it is in relation to your home before snapping the shutter. You want the sun behind you in the photo, so if your home faces east, photograph the front of it in the morning and the back of it in the afternoon.

Content that sells

What you choose to photograph is just as important as the quality of the photos. Make sure your listing has the following shots.

Favorite home features
Walk around your home, and note your favorite features. They can be vanity elements, like reclaimed wood built-ins in your living room, or functional details, like an updated ventilation system that reduces energy costs. Photograph the unique characteristics that can impress with just their looks, and capture brand names or features that convey “updated and green” without saying a word. Buyers rank kitchens, bathrooms, storage options, and eco-friendly features as the top of their priority lists in a home. Make sure to highlight at least one wow-worthy item related to each so that your listing showcases all four.

The great outdoors
It’s easy to want to point your lens toward your the front of your home when it comes to outside shots, but don’t forget about the other outdoor features. Flaunt the play area for kids and pets, and snap some images of your budding flower beds or fruit trees. Decks, outdoor storage, and even a spacious driveway are all photo-worthy areas.

Creating a picture perfect listing doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Just follow the advice above or download our printable guide to show off your home like a pro.