How Professional Photos Can Help You Sell Your Home for More Money

If you're selling your home, you know how important it is to have high-quality photos that showcase the best features of your property. Photos are the first thing that potential buyers see when they browse online, and they can make or break their interest in your home. According to Zillow research, homes with professional photos sell 50% faster and 39% closer to the original listing price than similar homes without professional photos.

But how do you get professional photos of your home? What are the benefits and costs of hiring a professional photographer? And what are the tips and tricks to make your home look amazing in photos? In this article, I will answer these questions and share some of the most common and effective ways to use professional photos to sell your home faster and for more money.

#1. Hire a Professional Photographer

The best way to get professional photos of your home is to hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate photography. A professional photographer has the skills, equipment, and experience to capture your home in the best possible light and angle. They also know how to edit and enhance your photos to make them look more appealing and realistic.

Hiring a professional photographer may seem like an expensive investment, but it can pay off in the long run. According to a study by Redfin, homes with professional photos sell for an average of $3,400 more than homes with amateur photos. Moreover, professional photos can help you attract more buyers, generate more showings, and reduce the time your home stays on the market.

To hire a professional photographer, you can ask for recommendations from your real estate agent, friends, or family. You can also search online for local photographers who have good reviews and portfolios. You should expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a typical photo session, depending on the size and location of your home.

#2. Prepare Your Home for the Photo Shoot

Before the photo shoot, you should prepare your home to make it look clean, tidy, and inviting. You should also highlight its best features and minimize its flaws. Here are some tips on how to prepare your home for the photo shoot:

• Declutter and depersonalize your home by removing any excess or unnecessary items, such as furniture, knickknacks, personal photos, etc.
• Clean and sanitize your home thoroughly by wiping down all surfaces, appliances, cabinets, and fixtures; vacuuming and mopping the floors; washing the windows; dusting the blinds; etc.
• Paint or repair any minor issues that might deter buyers, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, cracked tiles, or peeling wallpaper
• Stage your home by arranging your furniture and decor in a way that showcases your home’s best features and creates a positive impression on buyers
• Add some finishing touches by using pillows, throws, rugs, lamps, candles, plants, flowers, artwork, books, etc., to create a cozy and stylish atmosphere

#3. Follow the Photographer’s Guidance

During the photo shoot, you should follow the photographer’s guidance and suggestions on how to make your home look its best. The photographer may ask you to:

• Turn on all the lights and open all the curtains and blinds to create a bright and spacious look
• Move or remove some furniture or items that might block the view or create clutter
• Adjust the temperature or humidity of your home to avoid any fogging or condensation on the windows
• Stay out of the way or leave the premises while the photographer is working
  Provide feedback or ask questions if you have any concerns or preferences

Conclusion

Professional photos can help you sell your home faster and for more money by attracting more buyers and creating a lasting impression. By hiring a professional REALTOR (Holly Hurd) she would guide you through the home selling process and make sure your home is ready for the photo shoot, and following  REALTOR Holly Hurd's guidance, you can maximize the potential of your home making your listing stand out online.

 

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale

#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 

#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  

 

 

Best Small Cities To Live in the US in 2023-2024

 

The rent and housing price hike made living unaffordable to the point that 40% of Americans want to relocate in 2023. Small cities have better work opportunities now as tech and manufacturing conglomerates are shifting their business around such cities to function with less taxes and operational costs. So, if you want to end your days of living paycheck-to-paycheck for the bare minimum, find a moderate town that ensures better living standards than a hyped megacity.

Perks of Living in a Small US City

The growing cost of PITI (Principal, Interest, Tax, Insurance) is making Americans live in small card box houses in the big metro. Hence, younger generations and families with young children    

are moving towards small cities -with populations between 100,000 and 500,000- to ensure a better quality of life. Here are some advantages of living in a small town:

 

• Small cities offer better FHFA, VA, and Jumbo Loans.
• Sales and property taxes are lower. 
• A big city's rent equals a smaller town's monthly mortgage payment. 
• Residents can afford bigger suburban houses and better public schools. 
• The job market has less competition, while plenty of options exist for WFH. 

Top 5 Small US Cities to Move in 2023-24

1. Green Bay, WI

Green Bay became #3 at the Best Place to Live in the US thanks to the city's residential attainable property costs (2-bed condo price goes as low as $115,000) and low violent crime rate (6.1 points lower than the national average). Since US gas fuel price is rising, young professionals on a budget are leaning more toward public transportation and minimal commute. Green Bay residents face an average 20-minute commute time (7 minutes lower than the national average), while they can access the nearby areas through a  Metro bus system.

 

Green Bay habitats use 19.92% of the local median household income on mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities- making the city the third-lowest housing cost out of the 150 metropolitans of the US. So, moving to the city gives a growing family a chance towards college funds, property diversification, and even an emergency fund. 

2. Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor has a thriving international community due to Detroit’s startup market and best US schooling system, which ranked 2 of 228 cities with the best public schools. The University of Michigan forecasted higher employment in the town in 2024 than in other MI regions- creating a hotspot for educated job seekers. Also, young tech professionals relocated to the city as it was ranked 3rd in the US for remote workers. This booming neighborhood’s condo price starts from $350,000, while 31.5% of houses get sold under the listed price.

The suburban feeling of the city comes with affordable transportation (8% lower than the national average), a fixed-route bus system, and 400 E-scooters partnered with Spin. Ann Arbor ensures comfortable living for individuals with a $50k yearly income -as of Jul 23, the average annual salary in Ann Arbor is $55,489. This a great bargain, as big metros like NYC make the residents pinch pennies with a $100k salary. MI’s 30-year mortgage rate is about 6.09% and is forecasted to go even lower by the end of 2023. Moreover, the general goods and services cost 7% lower than the national average- ensuring regular payments towards mortgage or rent. 

3. Reno, NV 

Reno hailed as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” has everything a big city offers sans the high living cost. Unlike the popular belief of Reno being a  gaming city in the middle of the deserts, it boasts big-league tech companies-Tesla and Google- and prestigious schools -Tmcc Magnet High School, The Davidson Academy of Nevada, Academy of Art Careers And Technology. Since the city saw a YoY residential property price decline of 2.4% in June 2023, now is the right time to move to Reno at the heart of the technology, arts, and economic uprise.

You can maximize your salary as the state of NV has zero individual and corporate income tax. Even though Reno is the center of the gaming industry and the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the houses have a median price of $547K, and studio apartments go as low as $124,000.  Reno residents have limited access to public transportation in the Suburbs- making it a car-friendly neighborhood. However, the city is a dream for electric car owners as it has 286 charging stations. 

4. Hickory, NC 

Hickory got the first position in the Forbes magazine’s list for lowest business costs in the nation for having an operational cost that goes 25% below the country average. On top of that, the NC sales tax rate is currently 4.75% (unlike CA having a maximum of 7.25%), and the Hickory sales tax rate is 0%. Due to the low property tax rate, affordable property prices- the median house price is $161,000- and daily necessities, you can live in Hickory while paying 45% less than in NY. 

Gone are the days when Hickory attracted retirees to various assisted communities. Prestigious schools (Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University) and big-league tech companies (Apple, Google) are drawing a stream of millennials and Gen Zs. As a Hickory resident, you will enjoy living downtown sans the rush and noise. 

5. Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne has become the compact town everyone wants to move in thanks to the living cost and housing being 11% and 29% cheaper than the US average. This bustling metropolis -home to Franklin Electric, Lutheran Health Network, and Steel Dynamics- specializes in medical technology, material, and insurance. Despite scoring 76 out of 100 in storm risk, the weather can’t stop employers from moving in, leading to a 60-mile radius at Fort Wayne with 650,000 workers. 

The growing economy is changing the residential property scene, as Fort Wayne saw a 10.3% YoY growth. Yet, the median house price is around $215,000- almost half the national average of $425,571.  However, the exclusive listings can sell for about 5% above the list price and stay in the market as low as two days. So, if you are looking for a  place with a high chance of employment (the unemployment rate is 2%-3%), affordable living, and exceptional healthcare, FW is the place.

Living the metropolitan life in trendy cities like LA and NY drives towards feeling strapped for money after paying rent and covering the basics- food, transportation, and healthcare. The shift towards humble metros gives the options a Gen Z professional they couldn’t even imagine in big metros- mortgage repayment without delinquency, good schooling for children, and healthcare coverage. 

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale

#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 

#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  

 

Tips to Help You Prepare Your Home to Sell, When You’re Running Low on Cash

 Getting your home ready to sell takes effort. And the more work you do to get your home ready before you list, the higher the likelihood that your home will sell quickly and profitably.

But prepping your home to sell can get expensive. So what do you do when you need to sell your home, but you don’t have a ton of money to work with?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined tips to get your home prepared to sell when you’re working on a tight budget, including:

• Paint the right rooms. Painting is an affordable way to transform a space. But if you have a limited budget for painting, and don’t have enough to paint your entire home, it’s important to choose the rooms you paint wisely. Consider spending your budget on rooms that will have the most impact, like your living room. Or rooms that require less paint (and less budget) like bathrooms or the kitchen, which generally have more cabinets than wall space.
• Jazz up your wood floors. Refinishing wood floors can be expensive. But you can still restore your floors, no matter what your budget. Just mop the floors with a water-based polyurethane wood floor restorer. Not only does it add a high-gloss finish, but it can also fill in scratches, making floors feel both shiny and new.
• Hire a professional stager—at a discount. If you’re working on a tight budget, chances are you won’t have the money to hire a professional to stage your entire space. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get their insights! Ask for the stager’s hourly rate, pay them for a few hours of their time, and then ask for their advice on how you can stage the house to sell.

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale

#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 

#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  

3 Things You Can Do Now To Help Your House Sell Later

 

It is my experience that people are often ready to sell their home when they are sick and tired of taking care of it. The endless maintenance and upkeep is usually what pushes them to contact me and begin the process of getting their home on the market.

Given how often I see this scenario, I though it might be helpful to provide some tips for you to consider BEFORE you get to this point.

1. Clean out. Clean out. Clean out. The more space you have, the more stuff you will accumulate. Start the process of getting rid of the things that you no longer use or, in the words of Marie Kondo, which no longer bring you joy. Clean out often. Pick a space weekly (or monthly) and spend a little time cleaning it out. Schedule regular donation pickups so that you know it will leave the house shortly. Join a local 'sharing' group or buy-nothing group. Do what you need to do to get unused stuff out of the house! 
2. Do the work! Deferred maintenance causes my clients to delay getting  their homes on the market. I don't ever want a buyer to think, 'this house is a disaster.' We do the work prior to going on the market, but honestly, it is easier to do as you go. Just pick one project a month, or season, and schedule it. 
3. Shine it up.  This one goes along with deferred maintenance, but the truth is, we stop seeing what we see every day. Take a really good look at the grout, the caulk, bathrooom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures (inside and out) and other items through out the house. Do they look beat up? Old? How about garage doors? Your front door?  Is there weather seeling dragging along each time you open the door? Does your trim look like it is rotting? Do the screens have holes in them? Are there broken seals or locks on your windows? I can help you get all this taken care of, but it it takes time. Do it when you notice--not when you are desperate to list your home.

Can you sell without attending to these things? Of course you can. My objective, however, is always to get you the most amount of money in the least amount of time. A house that is well prepped is in the best position to sell quickly and for a premium. Houses that feel 'less than,' often sell for 'less than' market value.

I am always available if you need resources.

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee, Realty.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing marketplace a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale

#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 

#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 

#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome  

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A REALTOR WHEN SELLING A HOME

Selling a home is a big deal. Just making the decision to sell is a big deal. Now that you’re moving on to greener pastures, it’s time to enlist the help of a professional. The other parties in the transaction are likely to have their own representation, and so should you. Here are the reasons you should hire Holly Hurd Realtor® to list your home, and what could go wrong if you don’t:

Marketing is Harder Than It Looks

Holly Hurd knows your local market. The internet is quick to enlighten with loads of information, but it can’t hold a candle to the real-life experience that Holly Hurd brings. Holly Hurd has the tools and the know-how to navigate the listing process from marketing to negotiating to closing the deal. Holly Hurd knows the  markets well and will price your home within a competitive window when it’s time to list. She can market your home professionally and is  ready to solve the many challenges that will surface before, during, and after closing.

Holly Hurd  belong to the local and regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS). An MLS is a database of homes that are priced and marketed professionally. Holly Hurd  use other channels for marketing as well including digital, social, print, and grassroots. Trying to sell on your own means you’ll have to do all this on your own. If real estate isn’t your day job, you may not want to take on more work than you might be expecting. Where will you advertise your home? Will you hire a professional photographer? Do you know if you’re reaching anyone? Should you pay for digital ad placements? Should you answer the phone if you don’t recognize who’s calling. And the big one…Are you getting the best possible price for your home!?

What Happens When You Sell Without a Realtor?

If your home is for sale by owner (FSBO), statistics show that you’ll probably end up on the losing end when it comes to price. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average FSBO home sold for $55,000 less than a Realtor-listed home in 2015. 

Hire a Realtor and Get on with Life

What’s the moral of this story? Hire a Realtor to list your property, and get it done right the first time. Holly Hurd is your #1 advocate in the transaction and will save you time, money, and stress so you can do what you wanted to do in the first place: Move on and start the next chapter in your life.

Holly Hurd~ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB, REALTORS.... your source for all your real estate. We are one of the Largest brokerage firms in Michigan, we have proven we can stand the test of time in this ever changing market place a proven leader for you and all your real estate needs. In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale in the Wayne/Oakland co. area with my New Listings Notification. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. Whether you are buying or selling a home, hire someone like me, who wants to earn your business. I invite you to contact me as I'd be happy to assist you with this important transaction. In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help.YOU CAN REACH ME DIRECT BY PHONE ANYTIME AT 734 718-5736 #YourHomeNorthvilleMichigan Real Estate Homes for sale in Northville Michigan Northville, Mi. 48167 #realtor #realestate #realestatemarket #hometown #hollyhurd #home

#historicnorthville #buy #buyingahome #buyrealestate #condo #homeforsale
#northvillemi #sellingyourhome #smalltown #shop #bhhs #buildahome 
#moveinmichigan #greattimetobuy #SOLD #realestateforsalemi 
#puremichigan #berkshirehathaway #sellahome