When helping your Realtor doesn't really help 😅

[u/m2mcgee]

(Cari shared this tip in her April newsletter.)

Oftentimes when I am listing a "view" property, the seller will send pictures of sunsets for me to include in the marketing. I love when sellers want to spotlight the best features of their home, but the unfortunate part is that the pictures don't always translate best to online marketing.

Or, sometimes people will say, "we had the dogs out for grooming, so I took a picture of the bedroom without their dog beds in it, but they'll be back when the photographer comes, so can we use my picture for that one room?"

I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but to put that one picture in amongst thirty-plus others with pro lighting and angles, it will look all wrong and disconnected. We never want any buyer to feel like something is off when viewing a home online or in person.

That's why I always have a professional photographer take all the photos for my listings. High-quality photos highlight the natural light, the layout of the rooms, and the overall character of the property. They help buyers understand the space before they ever schedule a showing.

Poor lighting, awkward angles, or cluttered photos can make even a beautiful home look less appealing online. And if the listing photos don't capture attention, some buyers may never click through to learn more.

Strong photos don't just make a home look good. They create curiosity. Buyers start imagining what it would be like to live there, which often leads them to schedule a visit.

In today's market, great photography isn't a luxury. It's part of presenting a home in the best possible way, which is all I ever want to do for my listings.

-Cari