What this step involves
90% of buyers start their search online. Your photos are your first showing. Listings with professional photos sell 32% faster and for up to $11,000 more on average. This is not the step to DIY if you're not confident with a camera.
How to do it yourself
DIY Path
- Use your phone's wide-angle lens (or a clip-on wide-angle lens for $30)
- Shoot during golden hour — morning or late afternoon light is most flattering
- Turn on all lights, open blinds, remove trash cans and personal items from frame
- Shoot from corners and doorways to maximize the sense of space
- Use Google Photos or Snapseed to lightly edit exposure and white balance
Common pitfalls
What goes wrong
- Shooting with flash: Creates harsh shadows and dead eyes. Use natural + ambient light.
- Vertical photos: All listing platforms expect horizontal. Vertical photos get cropped or rejected.
- Skipping the exterior: Lead with your best curb appeal shot — it's the thumbnail.