AH, INSTAGRAM. Where would we all be without you?
We would be living in that unfiltered world known as pre-2010, when Insta first made an appearance.
Perfect world
Since 2010, everything has become perfect. Everyone looks perfect. Everyone’s lifestyle is perfect. And everyone’s house in as spick and span as Marie Kondo’s sock drawer.
Social platforms have raised everyone’s expectations of what houses look like. Which means we all know to tidy up when we put our property up for sale. And when I say tidy up, I mean something akin to a deep clean. It’s not enough just to remove suitcases from wardrobe tops. Every toy in every child’s room needs to be banished from the floor.
And dirty T-shirts lying about in teenagers’ rooms are S-O-O-O-O-O-O pre-2010.
Because everyone’s expectations are through the roof, everyday items need to be out of sight during every property photoshoot.
With all that in mind, here’s a few things estate agents would do well to remind vendors about so they can be sure their house is photographed in the best possible light.
A tidy idea. No matter what time of year it is, it’s time for a spring clean. Pick up all unnecessary bits and bobs, pack them in a box (or shove them in a drawer) and put that box in a garage, shed or cupboard. Or anywhere else where clutter can’t be seen by the camera.
Transparency. It’s a really good idea to clean every window. Not just so they let in more light, but because clean windows give a really good impression, while grimy glass can sometimes be seen in photos.
Drive sales. To drive sales, drive your car away from your house so the photographer can get a good, clean shot of the front of it.
Also, drive your wheelie bins round the back of the house, if possible. You (and your house) only get one chance to make a good first impression. So, please don’t trash this idea.
Let there be light. Open all curtains. All blinds. And all internal doors. Photography depends on light. The more natural it is the better.
Let there be more light. Flick every light switch on. Yes, even if it’s day time. The photographer can always turn them off if they’re a distraction or are providing a ‘warm’ (yellowish) light.
Spark joy. It’s also a really good idea to light a fire, if possible. This may not sound like a great idea in the middle of July.
But a real fire, or lit wood-burner, will make your property photography even more appealing.
Having packed everything away, now add clutter. Joking! Well, kind of. Now that you have all your usual clutter packed away in the garage, some things really do ‘add’ to a photo. Fresh flowers. Fresh fruit. Freshly brewed coffee, in a cafetiere or similar, can really enhance photos of your house in the eyes of potential buyers. Just be careful not to overdo it. One vase of flowers on a dining table is great. Lit candles also work well. A bowlful of fresh fruit on a kitchen counter – or a coffee pot – gives your pad a bit of homely zing.
Please drop me a line if you have any questions. I’d be happy to chat to you about photographs that help sell properties in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Let’s start exploring ways to give your marketing even more kerb appeal.
– Lucas
Spick Brick Pics
Info@spickbrickpics.co.uk