Only 9% of homes in the US were constructed in the 2010s, and the average age of a house purchased on the market today is 36 years old. There are certainly plenty of fixer-uppers out there.
Selling an older home can be tricky, especially when it comes to photographing it honestly and appropriately. You don’t want to hide what needs work, but you also want people to see the potential hiding underneath some peeling paint or scuffed hardwood floors. Here are a few ideas on how to capture your fixer-upper property in the best light.
Focus on Architectural Details and Good Bones
Every house has redeeming qualities. Original hardwood floors, beautiful molding, high ceilings, or unique architectural features like exposed brick or vintage tiles are just a few. These elements photograph well and help buyers see beyond outdated wallpaper or worn fixtures. You can use close-up shots to highlight craftsmanship details that would be expensive to replicate in newer homes.
Maximize Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend when photographing any property, but it’s especially valuable for fixer-uppers. Open all curtains and blinds, turn on light fixtures, and shoot during optimal daylight hours. Bright, well-lit rooms feel more inviting and spacious, helping buyers focus on room flow and potential rather than cosmetic issues. If fixtures are broken, you may need to bring in some lighting equipment to achieve the same effect.
Emphasize Space and Layout
Fixer-uppers often have generous room sizes and interesting layouts that modern homes lack. Use wide-angle lenses to capture entire rooms and showcase square footage. Shoot from doorways to show how rooms connect and flow together. These spatial relationships are permanent features that buyers can’t change, unlike paint colors or flooring.
Stage Strategically but Honestly
Some modest staging can help buyers visualize possibilities without misleading them about the property’s condition. Remove personal items and clutter, but don’t invest in expensive staging for a fixer-upper. You can use simple props like fresh flowers, clean towels, or a bowl of fruit to add life to rooms. This approach shows care without overselling the current state.
Capture Outdoor Potential
Many fixer-uppers have substantial lots or mature landscaping that newer homes can’t offer. Photograph the exterior during the best season possible, and take pics of outbuildings, gardens, or unique outdoor features. These elements often represent significant value that buyers might overlook if they are hyper-focused on interior updates.
Include Before and After Inspiration
Consider creating a small gallery showing similar homes’ transformations or highlighting specific features’ potential. While you can’t misrepresent the current condition, you can include inspiration shots that help buyers visualize possibilities. This approach works particularly well for online listings where you can include multiple photo galleries.
Be Transparent About Condition
The most successful fixer-upper marketing strikes a balance between showcasing potential and maintaining transparency. Photograph the property honestly while emphasizing its strengths. Buyers specifically searching for fixer-uppers want to see both the current state and its possible long-term promise.
Professional photography can transform how potential buyers perceive a fixer-upper, turning what might seem like too much hard work into an exciting opportunity for the right buyer.
If you need real estate photography services, please get in touch with us today.