15 March 2023

THESE 9 ITEMS ARE HURTING YOUR LISTING: REMOVE THEM TO BOOST APPEAL

A kitchen covered with everyday clutter. A pet bed laid out on the floor. The garbage cans left on the curb in front of a home. These are common occurrences in a lived-in home - evidence of these day-to-day activities shouldn’t feature in real estate listing photos but all too often do. 

Real estate listing photos that look great and sell the space are so important as 96% of homebuyers are going online during their home search process. To generate interest and get positive results you need to display listing photos that present a property in the best light.  

Successfully showcasing a home in photography doesn’t have to involve elaborate staging. You just have to prepare a space so that it looks as attractive as possible to potential homebuyers. Here are 9 things to remove or remedy before you shoot a property. These are quick and simple ways to improve the overall presentation of a home.

1. Clutter 

Less is more when preparing a home for a shoot. Removing as much clutter as you can is a must as fewer things in a space can make it look bigger and can be more inviting. Clutter serves only as a distraction to potential homebuyers. Create a blank canvas for buyers to connect with and imagine themselves living there by removing any extra elements apart from the essential furnishings and minimal décor. 

Don’t forget:

Cut the clutter by ensuring all countertops and surfaces are cleared and as clean as possible – hide those papers, books, keys, and other belongings and have spotless countertops and coffee tables. Hide all electronic cords, phone chargers, remote controls and in the kitchen remove fridge magnets and trash cans.

Use an Item Removal and Image Enhancement edit to clean up a home and create an eye-catching photo.

2. Personal Items  

Personal items in a home should be put away, this is because they can prevent homebuyers from picturing themselves there and connecting with the space. Some personal belongings won’t appeal to everyone and can affect how they relate to the space.

Don’t forget:

Remove these personal items before shooting listing photos - family photos, kids' drawings, trophies, awards, religious items, and any overly quirky styling and décor.

3. Loud Colors  

While bright colors in a home may appeal to some, bold wall colors can turn some people off. It’s best to try to appeal to a wider audience and soften a space with calming neutrals. If you have a listing with an intense color palette it may be worth looking into a repaint.

Don’t forget:

If you want to skip the extra effort and expense of a fresh coat of paint, our Color Change Custom Edit can turn those loud colors to soft neutrals in a flash. 

4. Small Rugs and Mats 

When staging a home, creating an inviting space is the name of the game and multiple rugs in a space can interrupt visual flow and can tend to make a space look smaller. So, roll up those runners, doormats, and other small rugs and show off the flooring – buyer want to see the type, condition, and quality anyway and rugs can get in the way of that.

5. Pets and Pet Items 

Pets are great but not in listing photos. Prospective buyers see a dog bowl or a cat bed in a listing photo and can immediately start thinking about damage caused by a pet, the cleanliness of the space and the potential of odours. Keep that thinking at bay by keeping your pets and their accessories out of the frame. 

6. Pool Cleaners and Covers 

Pools are a big plus in properties which is why it is essential that they look good. Taking the time to remove a pool cleaner or a cover really pays off because it vastly improves the look of the outdoor area. 

Don’t forget

If you don’t have time to prepare the pool area or just plain forgot, you can have a cleaner removed from US$1.60 with an Image Enhancement edit and can have a cover removed with a Custom Edit.

7. Vehicles  

Cars can conceal your curb appeal, so if you have the ability to move a car from a listing photo, you should.

8. Garbage 

Garbage cans outside of homes are a no-no in listing photos. Take the time to move them out of frame so that homebuyers see a neat and appealing home exterior. 

9. Seasonal Décor

Seasonal décor can date a listing fast. If you want to keep a listing fresh either remove seasonal décor in listing photos or simply shoot the property twice – one with the decor and one without. 

Need to take some unwanted items out of your images? We can do it fast with our Item Removal edit. Get stunning photos that beautifully showcase your listing within 24 hours.

New to BoxBrownie.com? Sign up now and receive 4 edits free. No credit card needed. 

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