Research shows photography can decrease your home’s time on the market by more than half. But in this competitive real estate market, you have to go above and beyond a standard set of photos to command the attention (and price) you want.

Here are five tips for getting the real estate photos you want for the greatest impact among potential homebuyers.

Stage for Dreaming, Not Home Décor Shopping

Looking at photos of an empty room makes it difficult for buyers to visualize the space. Appropriately furnishing can identify its purpose, provide scale, and show lighting in the room.

Staging can also effectively emphasize custom elements such as light fixtures, built-ins, and other design features in the home.

The key is remembering to avoid clutter and personal touches. It is difficult for buyers to dream if they become distracted by your personal style and décor.

Hire a Professional Photographer

Digital-savvy millennial homebuyers want stunning visuals – especially when they’re being asked to pay top dollar for a new home.

Professional real estate photographers are experienced in specific types of equipment, photo angles, best lighting practices, and editing your digital images in order to capture the most impressive pictures of your home.

Also, true industry professionals can offer virtual tours and drone imaging services, as well as accurately recommend when they are best-suited for showcasing your home (which isn’t always the case).

Don’t Forget Your Curb Appeal

Believe it or not, part of captivating the kind of buyers you want through a digital home listing includes curb appeal.

Millennial homebuyers, currently the fastest-growing segment today, are just as interested in the outdoor aesthetic as they are the indoor one.

Listings that don’t begin with the front yard and end with the back have the potential for leaving your listing passed over in the blink of an eye.

Diversify Your Visual Media

There are three primary options for diversifying the presentation of your home for maximum impact. Discuss them with your real estate agent and photographer.

Floor Plans

Behind photographs and detailed information, the National Association of Realtors reports floor plans are the third-most important visual to include in real estate listings. It’s easy to add them, too.

3D Virtual Tours

The amount of home purchases being made sight-unseen has jumped to 45% according to Redfin. One primary reason? 3D-tour technology. It can be especially effective here in Alaska due to our proportion of out-of-state buyers.

Drone Shots

Drone photos are great for hard-to-reach angles that could wow potential buyers, as well as showing proximity to walkable community amenities. The option is usually a must for large, high-end properties and listings with acreage.

Four Tips for Getting the Real Estate Photos You Want