Photography tips to help you create an effective marketing piece
Before you take any pictures, make sure that your home is picture perfect. A little effort goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you capture that appeal.

General Suggestions

• DO use a digital camera and set it the highest resolution possible. This allows you to instantly see your photos right after you've taken them and makes it easier to download onto your computer for listing sites and marketing materials.
• DO photograph amenities such as a pool, recreation center or tennis court if you are listing a condo or townhouse.
• DO use photo editing programs to enhance your photos. You should crop out sidewalks and streets in your exterior shots and adjust brightness and/or contrast when needed.
• DO turn on lights in the house to make it more inviting. Use a flash if needed.
• DO remove evidence of pets.
• DO avoid shooting into mirrors or directly in front of windows because your image will reflect in the picture.

For Exterior Shots

• DO consider the time of day and weather. Shoot in the middle of the day when the sky is blue. When your house faces:
  • WEST: Take photos in the evening, within two hours of sunset
  • EAST: Take photos in the morning, within two hours of sunrise
  • SOUTH: Take photos in the afternoon, when the sun is no longer directly overhead (sometime between 1pm and 4pm is a safe bet)
  • NORTH: Watch for the time of day when the sun shines on your house. If your house doesn't get any direct sunlight, try to snap the photo on a bright day when the sun moves behind a cloud.
• DO mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Make sure nothing is blocking the front door or pathway to the front door.
• DO remove objects that take away from the beauty of your house. Garbage cans should be stored in the garage or out of view. Vehicles should be removed from driveway and front of the house. Potted plants that have seen better days should be left out of the picture.

For Interior Shots

• DO clear away clutter such as children's toys, dirty dishes, as well as paper piles that might distract buyers from the house. REMEMBER that you are selling your house's features, not your personal possessions or furniture!
• DO take lots of photos. Sometimes a room or an angle of the room might turn out better than you'd expect. Rooms buyers are most interested in are the kitchen, master bedroom and living room, dining room and your house's best features such as a home theater room or exercise room.
• DO open drapes and blinds when shooting interiors.
• DO remove trash cans and close toilet lids in bathrooms.
• DO focus on unique details such as a nice backsplash, wood floors or fireplace mantle. (Come back often for more great marketing tips!)