Professional real estate photography and strategic home staging can dramatically impact both your selling price and how quickly you close the deal.
Investing in exceptional photography and professional staging typically delivers returns that exceed the initial investment. Read our latest guide for expert staging and photography tips to help you secure a win-win price when selling your property!
Real Estate Photography and Staging to Sell Your Home in Lubbock
Essential Preparations Before Photography and Showings…
Consult with professionals. To maximize the benefits of staging and photography, hiring specialists is crucial. These are typically two different experts. Photographers may not excel at furniture arrangement or accessorizing. Similarly, professional stagers might not understand how to capture optimal lighting or photograph rooms to enhance spatial perception. It’s the collaboration between these professionals that will give your property the visual appeal it deserves.
Your Photos Tell Your Property’s Story…
Quality photography is essential when listing your property on the MLS and other platforms. We’ve all seen those listings where you think, “I can’t BELIEVE they used that image!” Some sellers take photos themselves, while others rely on their real estate agent.
While some agents have a good eye, nothing compares to hiring a professional photographer. They come equipped with specialized tools and techniques to capture the BEST possible images of your home. Tripods, wide-angle lenses, and natural lighting expertise are just a few of their essential resources.
The investment in professional photography pays for itself. Remember that photographers are NOT stagers. Their role isn’t to clean or arrange items throughout your home. They’re there to capture the best possible images of what “is” already present.
Achieve “Magazine-Worthy” Presentation With Professional Staging
Many still view professional staging as a “luxury” service or something reserved for high-end urban properties. However, the reality is that staging has a TREMENDOUS impact on your ability to successfully sell your home at a win-win price.
Buyers primarily make decisions based on emotion. Your goal should be creating a neutral yet inviting environment that allows viewers to envision themselves living there. While some stagers will completely refurnish and decorate an entire house, it’s more common to focus on a few key rooms.
Depending on what you already have, a stager might bring in new pieces or simply rearrange and repurpose your existing items to create a more appealing aesthetic. The ultimate goal of staging is to maximize the perceived value of your home, helping you solve your real estate problems faster.
Tip #1: Declutter
Never photograph or show your house to potential buyers until all clutter has been removed. Buyers don’t want to see your personal possessions or family photos while touring your property. These items can make visitors feel intrusive and subconsciously prompt them to leave – not the feeling you want to create!
Tip #2: Remove All Personal Items
At least temporarily. Storing away photos, awards, bills, and religious or political items creates a more comfortable environment for buyers. Your objective is to help people imagine themselves living in the space, which becomes difficult when faced with your personal memorabilia. Additionally, packing unnecessary items now will simplify your moving process later, helping you get your freedom back sooner.
Tip #3: Prioritize Curb Appeal
For both photography and viewings, invest time in enhancing your home’s exterior. Avoid leaving vehicles in the driveway; instead, park them down the street.
This approach keeps the focus on your property in photos and allows potential buyers to imagine pulling into their own driveway rather than someone else’s. Remember to remove all personal items and children’s toys from the yard. Research shows that buyers typically decide whether a property is a possibility within seconds of arrival.
This is why it’s worth investing in tidying the front yard, planting colorful flowers, and refreshing the front porch. The backyard should also be clutter-free with a warm, inviting atmosphere. You want potential buyers to envision enjoying their time there!
Tip # 4: Maintain Immaculate Cleanliness
Everyone has different living standards. Leaving food on counters, toilet lids up, or cables running across walls can be significant turnoffs for potential buyers. Think about how you’d expect a premium hotel or vacation rental to look upon check-in, and aim for that level of presentation.