How to Take Exterior Photos That Sell Homes Faster
In real estate, a picture really is worth a thousand words – or at least a thousand clicks. The exterior photo is often the first impression buyers get of a property, making it a critical factor in generating interest.
But not all photos are created equal. From the angle of the shot to the lighting and even the sky in the background, every detail plays a role in making your listing stand out. Let’s break down the strategies, tools, and techniques to ensure your exterior photos captivate buyers and drive more views.
Drones vs. Ground-Level Shots: The Highs and Lows
Drone photography has become a game-changer in real estate marketing. Aerial shots provide a unique perspective, capturing the property, surrounding landscape, and even neighborhood amenities in a single frame. This is especially valuable for homes with large lots, stunning views, or architectural features that are hard to appreciate from the ground.
That said, ground-level shots still hold their own. They offer a more relatable view for potential buyers - the perspective they’ll actually see when they arrive at the property. The key is knowing when to use each approach. For suburban homes, a drone shot might highlight the backyard and proximity to parks. For city homes, a well-framed ground-level photo with clean lines and great lighting might do the trick.
Houses on a hill are a special case. A ground-level photo can often feel unflattering, like looking up the nose of the house. A drone shot or a vantage point from eye level with the property can provide a more balanced and inviting perspective.
Lighting and Timing: The Magic of Golden Hour
Lighting can make or break an exterior photo. The best time to capture a property is during the "golden hour" - just after sunrise or before sunset. The warm, soft light at these times reduces harsh shadows and highlights the home’s best features, giving the image a welcoming, polished feel.
Midday shots, while sometimes unavoidable, can lead to overexposed skies and unflattering shadows that might make the property feel harsh or dull. Overcast days, on the other hand, offer even lighting that can work wonders for highlighting details without the distraction of stark contrasts.
PRO TIP: Schedule your photos as late in the day as the photographer will allow to take full advantage of the softer, more flattering light. If the property has exterior lights or unique features like landscaping that glows at night, a twilight shot can add an extra layer of charm. These photos are especially effective in showcasing the ambiance of a home, making it look like a cozy retreat.
Sky and Background: Setting the Scene
The sky and background play a crucial role in framing the perfect exterior photo. A clear, blue sky creates a clean and vibrant look, while a few wispy clouds can add depth and texture to the image. On overcast days, while the lighting may be even, the sky can look flat and uninspiring. In those cases, sky replacement tools can work wonders - swapping in a brighter, more appealing sky can transform the overall feel of the photo.
Be mindful of other background elements as well. Power lines, cluttered neighbors’ yards, or construction equipment can distract from the property’s appeal. A quick adjustment to your angle or cropping the shot can minimize these distractions.
If you’re shooting near trees or other tall structures, ensure they complement rather than overshadow the home. The goal is to make the property the star of the image while letting the surroundings enhance its appeal.
Straight On vs. Angled Shots: Choosing the Right Perspective
The angle you choose can dramatically impact how a property is perceived. Here’s when to use each approach:
- Straight On:some text
- Ideal for homes with strong curb appeal or striking architectural features.
- Emphasizes clean lines and provides a balanced, symmetrical view.
- Works best when you want to showcase the full front of the property without distractions.
- Angled Shots:some text
- Adds depth and dimension, making the photo feel more dynamic.
- Perfect for corner lots or properties with expansive front yards.
- Highlights unique shapes or features that may not be fully appreciated straight on.
- Helps shift focus away from elements like garage doors that might dominate a straight-on shot.
Experiment with both perspectives during the shoot, and let the property’s design and layout guide your choice.
To Edit or Not to Edit: Navigating the Gray Area
Digital edits can be a game-changer in making a property photo pop, but they come with a catch - and sometimes, controversy. Minor tweaks like replacing a dull sky or removing power lines can make a home look its best without changing its inherent features. These adjustments are widely accepted as enhancing the image, not deceiving potential buyers.
But what about more drastic edits? Digitally patching dead grass, hiding peeling paint, or erasing a neighboring eyesore can veer into misleading territory. Buyers expect the home to look like what they saw online, and over-editing can lead to disappointment or even questions of ethics.
Real estate agents should tread carefully in this gray area. The goal should always be to present the home in its best light while maintaining accuracy. When in doubt, stick to edits that enhance rather than alter. For example, cleaning up the photo with tools like sky replacements or minor background edits is fair game, but anything that changes the property itself - like digitally "fixing" structural issues - could cross the line.
Transparency is key. If you’re making edits beyond simple enhancements, consider disclosing them in your listing description. It helps build trust and ensures buyers are clear on what they’ll see when they arrive at the property.
Bonus Tips for Picture-Perfect Photos
- Prep the Property: Before snapping a single shot, make sure the exterior is clean, the lawn is mowed, and any clutter is cleared. A little staging goes a long way in making the property photo-ready.
- Use a Wide-Angle Lens: This can help capture more of the property in a single frame, especially for larger homes or tight spaces.
- Check the Weather: A sunny day is ideal, but a lightly overcast sky can work just as well for even lighting. Avoid shooting in harsh midday sun whenever possible.
- Hire a Pro: While smartphones have come a long way, a professional photographer with the right tools and experience can make all the difference in showcasing a property’s true potential.
Tie It All Together with Nekst
Taking the perfect exterior photo is just one part of attracting buyers. Once you’ve captured their attention, you need a system to keep them engaged and manage the transaction seamlessly. That’s where Nekst’s Real Estate Transaction Management Software comes in.
With features like Automated Real Estate Workflow Tools and Automated Transaction Management for Real Estate, Nekst helps you track leads, manage tasks, and communicate effortlessly with buyers and sellers. You can spend less time buried in administrative work and more time creating standout content and building relationships.
The perfect photo gets the clicks - Nekst helps you close the deal. Ready to make your real estate process smarter and more efficient? Let Nekst handle the details so you can focus on what you do best.