They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but it can also become thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. When you put your property on the market with the right images, you can attract high-quality buyers. Since searching online is the go-to first step for 97% of home seekers (source: NAR), excellent images are non-negotiable to get top-dollar offers in the digital age. 

According to recent studies, real estate that's marketed with high-quality photos can close up to $116,000 higher than comps with low-quality photography. This is a crucial part of marketing that your real estate agent must pay attention to for you to get the most benefits. Here are seven ways to make awesome real estate marketing photos.

1. Hire a professional photographer.

Professional real estate photos make a house sell up to 32% faster and bring in higher offers. More offers = more options, which gives you more leverage in negotiations. Your professional photographer will provide you with custom instructions for preparing your home for photography that can include a decluttering and restyling plan. 

Home photo prep makes it easier for your photographer to capture the best images. The following tips are often given to home sellers to produce the best possible photos.

2. Declutter your home.

If you spend any amount of time at home, you will start to accumulate clutter. To not be overwhelmed, start about one to two weeks out from your scheduled photo session. 

When you declutter, you will encounter many accessories and gadgets you may not need anymore. Simply removing them will open up the space in your home and make it easier to take photos. 

3. Rearrange (or replace) furniture.

The rooms in your house can look vastly different even with the same furniture. For example, you can set larger furniture against the wall, replace tall furniture with low coffee tables and chairs, remove drapes, and set up a few mirrors to expand space. Free up pathways to help the room "breathe."

4. Sort belongings to make your house make sense.

While the home office in the kitchen was a pandemic staple, it's better to make your home's functionality as neutral as possible for photos. Move anything that isn't designated for the room, like a printer or treadmill, and put them in a logical spot.

5. Depersonalize spaces.

Put away anything that makes your home "you." Your new goal is to make it neutral. Get rid of personal artwork, photos, pet food bowls, toys, and litter boxes. This lets the buyer picture themselves in your home.

6. Take photos in natural light.

When it comes to superior indoor photography, natural light is king. Open the blinds completely and turn off all synthetic lights. This will eliminate random shadows and make the photos look illuminated and fresh — all without using flash photography!

7. Take flattering, relatable photos.

Shooting from corner to corner will make the room look the longest, so it's an excellent strategy for small homes. Don't shy away from imperfection, either. Homes are meant to be lived in, so a towel draped over a bathroom sink or kitchen chair slightly pushed out can give the aura of "home."

By following these tips, you will be well on your way to producing real estate marketing photos that will make an upcoming listing look its best.