The importance of high-quality property photos when selling your house
As potential homebuyers flick through newspapers or scroll websites of infinite properties, seize their attention with stunning, high-quality photographs of your charming home.
Good-quality photos make a huge difference in converting a scroller into a physical being inspecting your property. They’re your first impression, so make them count.
The better your photos, the more traffic you’ll have at your home opens and the more people in touch with your real estate agent. This can significantly cut your property’s time on the market and hopefully get you closer to your asking price. After all, your big investment ought to deliver a big return.
Below are our tips for getting the most out of your property photos and upping your sales prospects.
Invest in professionals.
Homes with professional photos sell faster.
While they are an expense, professional photos are totally worth the investment. If it’s for an investment property, you’ll be able to claim them as a tax deduction.
A professional real estate photographer, complete with high-end equipment and superb editing skills, is the difference between a good shot and a bad one. Day in and day out, their job is to create well-exposed and composed photos, so they know all the tricks and techniques to get it done.
Timing.
While professional photographers will know how to use lighting to create well-exposed photos, you might want to negotiate for that particularly dreamy time of day.
Twilight photo shoots are a popular choice in real estate photography due to their stunning results, particularly for the exterior shots. The sunset hues of golden hour produce a magical effect that a day shoot could never mimic.
If lighting is a problem inside your home, don’t worry too much. Natural light isn’t overly important because photographers use an external flash during the day and photos can always be brightened during editing.
Rain, shadows and harsh sun can also make photographing more challenging, so try to avoid or mitigate these where you can.
Standout features.
Every home will have its own unique selling points. Your photographer will know what features of your home to accentuate and what will stand out in photos.
Your photos will tell a story about what it’s like to live in your home. Is it a gardener’s dream, a bachelor pad, a romantic abode or a spacious family home? Your photos should reflect and embolden that story to draw in your target demographic.
Photographers typically spend a little more time capturing the external shots, as they are the face of a home and usually offer the most unique shots. Same with the kitchen and living area, the heart of the home, where most people spend the majority of their time.
If your property is vacant land or a knock-down house, aerial or drone photography might be a good option. It’s great for showing a property’s dimensions, location and proximity to points of interest.
Complete the checklist.
Generally, you’ll receive a presentation checklist from your photographer (or real estate agent) before the shoot. Complete the checklist as this will ensure your home is at its most presentable, making the photos more visually appealing. Your home should be tidy and free of clutter (no unmade beds or dirty dishes), which can be off-putting to buyers. Opening the curtains and turning all the lights on will make your rooms bright and airy, and your home more inviting.
Selling your house?
If you’re thinking of selling your property, contact our team at Ascent Property Co to ensure you’re financially structured to see the biggest return from your investment.
You might also be interested in
Oct 22, 2023
Difference Between Buying Property as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common
When you decide to purchase a property with another person, you're faced with a crucial decision regarding the type of ownership you want to establish. There are two primary forms of co-ownership: Joint Tenants and Tenants in Common. Both have distinct features and implications for the rights and responsibilities of co-owners, especially in the event of one owner's death. 1. Joint Tenants When two or more individuals purchase a property as joint tenants, they equally share ownership of the entire property. Key Features Equal Interest: Each joint tenant has an equally owned interest in the property. This means that no individual can claim a specific section of the property. Right of Survivorship: A standout feature of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. If one joint tenant dies, their share in the property automatically passes on to the surviving joint tenant(s). This process bypasses probate, allowing for a smoother transition of property rights. Requires Mutual Consent: One joint tenant cannot unilaterally sell or transfer their interest in the property without the consent of the other joint tenant(s). Common Uses: Due to the right of survivorship and equal interest features, joint tenancy is a popular choice for spouses and de facto partners. It ensures that in the event of an unexpected death, the surviving partner retains the property without legal complications. 2. Tenants in Common As tenants in common, individuals own specific, distinct percentages of the property, which might be equal or different. Key Features Varied Interest: Tenants in common can own different percentages of the property. For instance, one can own 60% while the other owns 40%. No Right of Survivorship: Unlike joint tenancy, if a tenant in common dies, their share doesn’t automatically pass to the other tenant(s). Instead, it goes to their beneficiaries as specified in a will (or by the rules of intestacy if no will exists). Independent Transactions: A tenant in common can sell or transfer their portion of interest in the property to a third party without the consent of the other tenant(s). However, this can introduce a new co-owner into the arrangement. Common Uses: Given its flexibility, tenants in common is often favoured by business partners or investors. It's also suitable for friends or relatives buying property together, especially when they've contributed different amounts and wish to reflect this in ownership percentages. Deciding Between the two The decision between joint tenancy and tenancy in common should be made after careful consideration of your circumstances and long-term goals. It's vital to reflect on your relationship with the co-buyer, the desired flexibility for future transactions, and the inheritance plan. For instance, if ensuring that your share of a property passes directly to a child or another beneficiary upon your death is a priority, tenants in common might be more appropriate. In conclusion, understanding the implications of these ownership types is essential when co-purchasing a property. Both have their advantages and potential drawbacks. Regardless of the chosen arrangement, it's beneficial to consult with a legal professional to ensure the chosen structure aligns with individual intentions and offers the best protection for all parties involved. Your decision and it’s tax implications When co-purchasing a property and deciding between Joint Tenancy and Tenancy in Common, an accountant can offer invaluable advice and assistance when it comes to the tax Implications. For example, when selling a property, there may be CGT implications. We can help you understand how your type of ownership will affect your CGT liabilities, especially if the property appreciates in value. Additionally, if the property is rented out, the rental income may have tax implications based on the share of ownership. To talk about this and more, contact us today.
Sep 17, 2023
The importance of professional property management: insights & advice from Ascent Property Co.
When it comes to investment properties, maximising your returns is paramount, which is an area investors often struggle with. One way to achieve this is by enlisting the services of a professional property manager. Recently, Luke Langford, Director/Licensee at Ascent Property Co, sat down with Chris Brown, Senior Financial Adviser at Chapters Retirement Partners, to explore residential property management. They cover the key advantages of professional property management, the preferences of quality tenants, and essential questions to ask when considering property management services. Here's a closer look at their conversation. Follow Ascent Property Co on Instagram & Facebook! Chris: What are some key advantages for a property owner engaging professional property management when leasing a property? Luke: Professional property management offers many advantages for property owners leasing their properties — I’ll give you 10 off the top of my head. Expertise: Property managers possess extensive knowledge of local real estate markets, rental laws, and industry best practices, ensuring optimal rental pricing and tenant selection. Time Savings: Delegating tasks like tenant screening, maintenance coordination, and rent collection to professionals frees up property owners' time for other pursuits. Quality Tenants: Property managers rigorously screen potential tenants, reducing the risk of problematic renters and minimizing vacancy periods. Reduced Vacancies: With efficient marketing strategies, property managers attract tenants quickly, minimizing downtime between leases. Legal Compliance: Professionals stay updated on ever-changing rental regulations, helping property owners avoid legal pitfalls and potential liabilities. Maintenance Management: Property managers handle repairs and maintenance, preserving the property's condition and value while minimizing owner involvement. Rent Collection: Timely rent collection is ensured through streamlined processes, reducing the hassle of chasing payments. Tenant Relations: Property managers act as intermediaries, addressing tenant concerns, and handling conflict resolution professionally. Financial Oversight: Comprehensive financial reporting keeps property owners informed about expenses, income, and overall property performance. Peace of Mind: Entrusting property management to experts provides owners with confidence that their investment is being well-managed. Chris: Amazing! Just on your point about quality tenants, do you find quality tenants prefer to lease a property managed professionally? Luke: The short answer is “yes”, definitely. Quality tenants generally prefer to lease a professionally managed property and see the value in it. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, reliability: professional property management ensures prompt handling of maintenance, repairs, and tenant communication, giving tenants reassurance. These properties are generally better maintained and have timely repairs which creates a better living experience. Another plus is efficiency. Experienced property managers streamline lease agreements, rent collection, and administrative tasks for smoother tenant processes. Dedicated management also offers tenants peace of mind because they can rely on managers to address issues during their lease and manage communications with the property owner, which can sometimes feel a bit awkward. Finally, property managers have an extensive knowledge of rental regulations and ensure legal compliance — that’s good news for both parties. Chris: What questions should you ask a property manager if you’re considering using their services? Luke: It's essential to ask the right questions to ensure your chosen agency aligns with your needs and goals. Obviously being in the industry, I’ve received just about every question you can think of. These are the topics I think it’s most important to ask about. Experience and qualifications. Services and fees. Tenant screening and placement processes. How rent collection and other financial aspects work. Maintenance and repairs. How communications (particularly, difficult conversations) are managed. How vacancy and marketing are handled. Property inspections — they’re frequency and what’s checked. If needed, the tenant eviction process. Legal and compliance aspects. Contract and termination. Asking questions in these areas will provide a comprehensive understanding of the property manager's capabilities and approach to property management, ensuring a good fit for you and your property. Chris: And if they choose to go ahead, what are some things a property owner can do to make their home more appealing and achieve the best rental return? Luke: Making your property appealing to renters involves aesthetic improvements and practical considerations. An obvious one is cleaning and repairing. Take some time to ensure the property is well-maintained, addressing any maintenance issues to create a positive first impression. This could be as simple as a fresh coat of paint — I always suggest neutral colours to enhance the property's appeal. Maintaining the exterior, landscaping, and entrance also makes the property more inviting via good curb appeal. A more expensive aspect to think about (but well worth it in my experience), includes modernising the home where possible. Consider updating features such as appliances, countertops, and fixtures to increase aesthetics and functionality. Kitchens and bathrooms are no different — if owners can afford to upgrade these key areas, they’ll attract higher-quality tenants. In saying that, understanding your target market and tailoring improvements accordingly is crucial for achieving the best rental return. Chris: Talk to me about property management fees. Are these fees normally a tax-deductible expense? Luke: Yes, property management fees are typically tax-deductible expenses for property owners. These fees are considered operating expenses directly related to the management and maintenance of your rental property. As a result, they can be deducted from your rental income when calculating your taxable rental profit. Chris: How can professional property management help when a property is to be sold with a tenancy agreement in place? Luke: Professional property management can be incredibly beneficial here. For starters, they ensure the existing tenancy agreement remains intact, providing a consistent rental income stream during the sale process. This includes documentation and lease transfer — managers handle the necessary paperwork to transfer the lease to the new owner. They also maintain communication with tenants, minimising disruptions and preserving a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Additionally, property managers are well-versed in local landlord-tenant regulations. They ensure that the sale process is conducted in compliance with these regulations, protecting both your interests and the rights of the tenant whilst ensuring all legal requirements are met during the transition. Explore the Ascent Property Co advantage Choosing the right property management team can significantly impact your financial outcomes. Ascent Property Co sets new standards in property management and currently offers a special introductory management package for new clients. To seize this opportunity, visit their website or reach out to Luke Langford directly on 0493 672 956 or at luke@ascentpropertyco.com.au. You can also speak with Nigel Parker on 9356 8033 or at nigel@ascentpropertyco.com.au. And, don’t forget to follow Ascent Property Co on Instagram & Facebook!