They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. This is true for appraisals also. I had a conversation with a client the other day. She was telling me about an appraisal she received and how bad the pictures were in the report.
My first thought to myself was, “the appraiser inspected the property, he saw everything, does it matter how good the pictures are?” After a second, I said “yes”. An appraisal is a report, and someone, in some other location who has never been to that house and does not know the neighborhood, is going to rely on your report. They are going to look at the pictures in your report, so why not take the best pictures you can? I am not talking about learning to be a professional Architectural Photographer, just know how to take a good picture that accurately represents the home, room or condition.
Here are a few tips:
- Know the direction of light. Try not to shoot into the light.
- Use a wide angle or fisheye lens. How hard is it to get those interior photos, a wide angle lens can capture an entire room.
- Depth, try and get as much of the yard, house and pool as possible. Step back, but be careful of those “yard bombs”.
- Try and center what you are taking a picture of.
Let me know what you think?
If you have any appraisal needs or referrals, please call me at 562-673-1138
