Preparing to add your home to the list of Bakersfield homes for sale? Your listing photos can make or break your sale. First impressions matter and those listing photos give homebuyers the first impression of your property. As much as 80% of house hunters start the search for homes on the web, and if the photos accompanying your home's listing are not attractive, the buyer will be dissuaded from giving your home a second thought. Conversely, good photos can turn views into in-person showings. Here are the areas to bring into focus when you take your listing photos.

• Living Room
  The living room is a common place for families to spend quality time together. It should be staged and photographed with functionality, comfort, and square footage in mind. You can increase your home's appeal and help buyers envision life in your home by decluttering and removing personalized items from the living area, painting the space a neutral tone, professionally cleaning the carpet. Incorporate additional lights to display the full size of the room. Decorate with abstract artwork, fresh flowers, and greenery to breathe life into the room. Define the space and rearrange your furniture to make the space warm and inviting. Also, let in natural light to make the room appear bigger.

• Bedrooms
  The bedroom plays a major role in a buyer's decision. Photos need to bring it out as a restful retreat. This means removing personalized items, clearing any clutter away, and making sure all clothing items are properly stored or hung. Make the bed appear welcoming with comfortable throw pillows, freshly washed linens, and a throw blanket near the foot. Avoid a themed bedroom because it can distract buyers. Turn on table lamps and pull back window treatments to let in natural light. 
  
  
• The Kitchen
  It goes without saying but the kitchen is a huge selling point in your home. It is the heart of the home and should be showcased in the best light. To get your kitchen prepped for the shoot, clear the counters of personal items and small appliances. This will remove distractions and emphasize the space you have in your kitchen. But you can keep up to three small appliances or a bowl of fruit on your countertop. Clean and wipe down all surfaces. Hide trash cans, dish towels, mats, or oven mitts. If you have a kitchen island or breakfast nook, set the table but avoid cluttering.
  
  
• Dining Area
  Your listing photos should showcase a comfortable area for friends and family to gather. Start by making sure the table is the right size for the room. If it's too big, the space will look extra small in the pictures.  But you don't want the dimensions of your room to dwarf your table, either. You can remove or add a leaf to make your table proportional. Remove personal items from the area and keep décor to a minimum. Place a centerpiece on the table or set the table with nice place settings to help buyers envision themselves enjoying meals there.
  
  
• Bathrooms
  Your bathrooms are another huge selling point of your home. Whether you have one or three, your pictures should portray them as luxurious retreats. Scrub the bathroom from top to bottom, make sure all the toiletries are out of sight, pull open the shower curtain, and put the toilet seats down. Updated cabinet hardware and fresh, fluffy white towels won't break the bank, but they'll make a huge difference in your listing photos.

Our agents can help you stage your home and ensure photos highlight the function and beauty of your space. Contact us today and let us help you get your home sold in no time.