Rodell Jefferson, Associate Broker - FOR SALE BY YOU: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

But no matter what your advertising platform, you’ll need professional-quality photos and a listing description that makes buyers want to book a showing.

The value of great photographs

Any fool with a smartphone can take pictures of his house. But homes photographed by a professional, which costs $95 to $300, sell faster and for more money, according to a Redfin study. The study showed that professionally photographed homes priced between $200,000 and $1 million sold for an average of $3,400 to $11,200 more than their listing price; and homes in the $400,000 range sold 21 days faster than homes photographed by an amateur. That’s a pretty good return on investment. Plus, you can use these pro photos on most advertising platforms, from email blasts to your local shopper. If your budget is tight, and you photograph your house yourself, remember these tips. • If you use a smartphone, hold it horizontally, not vertically. • Light the room by opening curtains and turning on overhead lights. • Don’t shoot into the bright light of windows and doors, which will overexpose the rooms you want to see. • Clear rooms of pets and kids before shooting. • Avoid outdoor pictures that include cars and boats. • Only photograph places that look great and will provide a marketing boost. • Take front, exterior shots at an angle, which will provide

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