A guide to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area real estate, rentals and lifestyle
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1099162
As more people search online for their next property, photography and videos have become even more important for getting your property to stand out. Statistics report 90 percent of buyers searched the web for properties, and real estate-related searches increased more than 250 percent between 2013 and 2017. In a fast-moving, mobile- device society, many potential homebuyers are making snap decisions based on the quality of the images that they fi nd online. While sellers may choose to take photos and videos on their own, that does not mean they should exclude their real estate agent from the picture-taking process. As the experts on the home and property, real estate agents can provide valuable insight and expertise. e photographer or seller might know the best way to take the shot, but the agent's knowledge in knowing what will capture the attention of potential homebuyers is just as critical. Here are some pointers to keep in mind to maximize your home's online curb appeal: PLAN AHEAD Work with the photographer and videographer to develop the shot list. ere are the staples that should be included in every shoot -- wide-angle shots of each bedroom, kitchen and living room, for instance. But don't forget the bathrooms or the backyard, particularly even if there are some unique features. A good photographer will know which images are necessary, but the agent can be especially helpful in identifying characteristics that make the home unusual and might appeal to a potential buyer. Have the person handling the photos/video visit the property beforehand, and communicate your desires. TIGHT IS RIGHT– Videos have become much more commonplace, but real estate agents should know what they're looking for when they approve the fi nal product. In today's rapid-fi re world, it's critical that the length of the video be concise. Some videographers believe anything more than 2-2:30 minutes is too long. Attention spans are short in a mobile device society. Your videos should be, too. THE DAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE– If the scheduled day for a photo or video shoot turns out dreary and overcast, the images are likely to refl ect that -- and will make the property harder to sell. ere are challenges in shooting with too much light, but experts who are doing the shooting will have the experience and technology to solve them. KEEP IT MOVING– Drones are becoming more prevalent in real estate photography, and they are ideal in obtaining exterior images. Photographers also use sliders to pan, tilt and zoom in to produce wonderful images from a variety of viewpoints. e potential buyer wants to move inside and outside the house. e images in a listing should help them do so. IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN A HOUSE– Especially in today's climate, it's important that visuals refl ect the lifestyle and location of the property. Millennials, especially, are purchasing more than a home. ey want to see what extras the location has to off er, and seeing them just might be the diff erence between setting up a showing or moving on to the next listing. (www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/sc-is-best-state-in-the-us/) gave Coolest State In America." vi es, friendly pe ople, Cole e Stevenson is the CEO of MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc. and a CMLX3 Cer fied Council of MLS Leader. HHIMLS Serves Licensed Agents & Realtors® from the en re state of SC, as well as GA and If you're considering a move to the Hilton Head area, contact an HHIMLS agent. We have access to the latest data, inventory, and tracking trends to help you find your perfect piece of the Lowcountry. With the most advanced pla orms to make the process smooth and sim- ple, we're ready to help buy- ers and sellers. Turn to HHIMLS to make Hilton Head your home today. www.HiltonHeadMLS.com 30 Considering a move to the Hilton Head, Beaufort or Jasper area? Our Members access the latest Real Estate data services, inventory, and tracking to help you fi nd your place in the Lowcountry. We enable a smooth and simple process for buyers and sellers. Find an HHIMLS Agent on our APP and make South Carolina your home today! www.HiltonHeadMLS.com Colette Stevenson, CEO MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc. and CMLX3 Certifi ed Council of MLS Leader HHIMLS serves Agents & Realtors® representing properties in SC and GA Tips for Maximizing a Property's Online Curb Appeal Picture This: Maximize Curb Appeal