Improving your home's appeal with professional photos

The images on your home listing are some of the keys to luring prospective buyers, and you can cast a wider net by hiring a professional to take these pictures.

Selling your home is one instance where you'll have to spend money to get a bigger profit, and expert photography is worth the investment. Of course, you can grab a digital camera and take your own photos, but professionals have two things that you likely lack: an understanding of the principles of photography and better equipment. They know how to properly light a subject and arrange objects so that they appeal to the eye and draw attention to focal points. Many use DSLR cameras, which can produce high-definition images.

While you may not think that the difference between your photos and professional images matters when comparing the two side by side, you'll see the effect of enhanced photography after you list your home. Additionally, selling a home is all about first impressions, from the listing to the open house. If you want to create a competitive ad, the images, which can be the first thing a buyer sees when skimming listings, need special care and attention.

Sell your home faster and for more

If you're interested in a quick sale or are concerned that your home will sit on the market for months, hire an expert photographer. Multiple studies have shown that doing so can cut down the time it takes to sell a property. This is because home buyers are more attracted to the listings with better photos, which convince them to get a look in person.

Furthermore, your chances of selling at or above your list price increase when you use professional photography. For a small investment, you can pocket an extra few thousand dollars and recoup your cost.

Get the right expert for the job

Just as you wouldn't hire a meat inspector to conduct your pre listing home inspection, you shouldn't hire a portrait photographer to take pictures of your property. When talking to prospective photographers, ask about their experience taking images of real estate and homes that are similar to your own. If, for example, one of your choices is accustomed to photographing two-bedroom single-family homes and you have a luxury mansion, he or she may not be the best choice.