There’s a lot of demand for homes that have a high “walkability” rating. This is an easier trait to find in urban centers, where public transport and grocery stores are usually nearby. But homes can have a lot of walkability even in smaller towns. The trick is showing that to your potential buyers.
Now, we may be a bit biased when we say this, but pictures are the easiest, most evocative way to show walkability. How so? What kinds of images work the best?
Zoomed Out Photos
It’s tempting to focus on showing off the front of the house and nothing else. And of course curb appeal is important. But don’t forget to also include photos that give potential buyers some perspective.
Well-maintained sidewalks and tidy curbs signal that the house is in a walkable location. A shady, tree-lined avenue can help potential buyers imagine themselves walking home. Well-maintained homes next door demonstrate that the neighborhood is safe for pedestrians. If potential buyers can “see” themselves walking around, walkability will feel more real to them.
You can also include things like bikes or bike lanes in the framing of the pictures. A bike lane is appealing in the same way as a nice sidewalk. It shows that the community is dedicated to keeping cars to a minimum. It’s also a nice buffer between the sidewalks and the road, keeping pedestrians safer.
Include Pictures of the Neighborhood
People have preferences in where they spend time. In general, well-maintained storefronts, coffee shops, and parks are most appealing. Include pictures of nice places within walking distance of the home. It’s easier to be excited about a specific cute cafe or a favorite grocery store rather than a vague idea.
Pictures of a neighborhood can and should include multiple businesses if possible. A really walkable neighborhood has things close together. So if the hardware store has a grocery store next door, make sure to highlight that. Ditto a hair salon located across the street from a daycare center. Having more options makes the neighborhood more appealing.
If there’s a public transport stop nearby, that’s another plus! Include an image of that stop as well. People who like walkability also appreciate public transportation. A bus stop within a short walk of the house can be a big draw. That can increase a buyer’s assessment of a home’s walkability by a lot.
Beyond Zoomed Out
Aerial shots — including drone photography — are a fantastic way to visually represent distance for people while providing them with some potentially beautiful views.
Rather than telling someone such-and-such is a few blocks away, a picture from a drone flying overhead can let them see for themselves and serve as a nice topographical map. You don’t have to stop with the immediate surroundings of the home, either. If there’s a nice, walkable shopping district nearby, you can take aerial shots to let everyone see how close together everything is.
Bottom line? “Walkability” is a difficult concept to capture with words. A “15-minute walk” may not sound appealing, but if you show people how close things are in images, it can really make a difference.
But the photos still have to be high-quality. Professional real estate photographers know how to frame their images effectively. They can help you curate the right collection of pictures to show off the home and the neighborhood. If you have any questions about getting professional walkability photos of your property, contact us today for more information.