It’s a fact: real estate pictures can make or break your online listing. The National Association of Realtors reports that photos are the number one feature homebuyers use when browsing homes on the web. And with a whopping 80 percent of potential buyers starting their search online, you’re smart if you pay some serious attention to your home’s real estate pictures. Sure, you could hire a local pro who specializes in real estate photography, or you could save the bucks and do the photography yourself. And your real estate professional can assist you with it — their experience and expertise can help you capture your home in its best light.

Here are some tips to follow when taking pictures of your DFW home:

1. Be smart with staging. You want your real estate pictures to show off your home, not all the miscellaneous stuff inside it. Do a sweep through each room, making sure the space is tidy and free from clutter. If you have kids, make sure all toys are neatly stored away. If your home looks a little sterile, add some fresh accents like a vase of flowers.

2. Make use of natural light. Dallas boasts plenty of sunny days, so take advantage. Open the blinds and let all the sunshine make your rooms look open and bright. But when you’re shooting exterior shots, the opposite is true. It’s actually better to get outdoor shots on a cloudy day so the sun doesn’t cast any dark shadows on your house.

3. Don’t be misleading. Yes, you want your home to look impressive, but don’t do it by being deceptive. For example, don’t try to make the bedrooms look larger by using a wide-angle lens. Buyers will be disappointed (and possibly a little peeved) when they discover that the rooms are much smaller in person.

4. Snap away. When taking real estate pictures, don’t limit yourself to just a couple of shots. Try out different angles and settings, and then take several photos. You can always review them later and select the best ones to show in your listing.

5. Create a listing with pizzazz. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but don’t leave it up to chance. Be sure to pair each photo with an appealing description that accurately describes the room. The goal is to get potential buyers enthusiastic about your home — and to entice them to make an offer.

There’s no doubt about it: photos can either draw homebuyers in or turn them off completely. If you’re putting your home on the market, make sure you’re doing it justice by showcasing it in the best possible light.

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