How to make your home stand out online | Michelle Findlater, Harcourts Invercargill
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Selling

How to make your home stand out online

Most buyers see your home on a screen before they ever visit. Here's how to make it look its best.

2 min read

These days nearly every buyer starts their search online. Your listing has only a moment to catch their eye, so it's worth getting right.

The main photo does the heavy lifting

The first image is what makes people click. It should show your home's best feature, whether that's the front of the house, a stunning living area or a view. Ask a friend which photo they'd click on.

Get the home ready for the camera

  • Declutter every surface, including the kitchen and bathroom
  • Open all the curtains and turn the lights on
  • Put away bins, cars, toys and pet items
  • Mow the lawn and tidy the garden
  • Make the beds and plump the cushions

Use good photography

Professional photos make a big difference. They show your home in the best light, with good angles and lighting. It's one of the most worthwhile things to invest in.

Write an honest, useful description

Tell buyers what makes the home special, and be clear about the practical details such as the number of bedrooms, heating and section size. A description that's accurate and easy to read builds trust.

Check how it looks on a phone

Many people browse on their phones. Have a look at your listing on a small screen, and check that the main photo and first few lines tell the story.

Quick tip

Photos are often a buyer's first impression, so get the home ready before the photographer arrives, not after.

This is general information only, not legal, financial or building advice. Rules and market conditions change, so check the details with your lawyer, lender or the relevant authority before making decisions.

Thinking of selling?

A free appraisal is a great place to start. Or, if you would rather not have a visit yet, I can email you a property snapshot.

Free appraisal Property snapshot

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