Showcasing a home at its best

Why First Impressions (and Photos) Matter in Real Estate

When it comes to real estate, first impressions are everything. We all know that a buyer’s first look at a property usually happens through photos. But here’s the catch: there’s a fine line between showcasing a home at its best and creating unrealistic expectations.

The Over-Produced Trap

Sometimes sellers or agents can fall into the trap of over-producing photos. You know the kind: the lighting is perfect, the angles are wide, and the home looks like it popped out of a magazine spread. The problem? When a buyer walks in and the reality doesn’t match that glossy image, it can lead to disappointment. They expected a showroom and instead they’re faced with a normal home—perfectly fine, but not the fantasy they were sold.

Underestimating the Basics

On the flip side, you can also underdo it. Bad lighting, awkward angles, cluttered rooms—these can turn off buyers before they ever set foot inside. It’s amazing how a few distracting elements can make a great home look unappealing online. Sometimes homes actually look better in person than in poorly taken photos, but that doesn’t help if no one comes to see them.

....put your best foot forward - but maybe not literally in front of the camera lens

The Inexcusable Blunders

And then there are the true blunders—like a thumb over the lens, toes in the shot, or not cropping out obvious distractions. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a fancy DSLR or a smartphone—if you don’t pay attention to the basics of framing and composition, you’re not doing the property any favors. Sellers deserve better than seeing their home on Zillow with someone’s toe photobombing the living room.

Finding the Sweet Spot

In the end, the goal is to strike a balance. Show the home at its best, but keep it realistic. Use good equipment if you have it, but even more importantly, use a good eye. Clean up the space, watch your angles, and respect the buyer’s trust.

So if you’re gearing up to sell in 2026, keep Heather and me in mind. We’ll make sure your listing photos give a great first impression—and an honest one—so buyers walk in excited, not disappointed.