If there’s even a possibility you’ll be selling your home between late fall and early spring, one of the smartest things you can do is plan ahead and capture exterior photos while your property is still looking its best.
It’s a small step that can make a big difference when it comes time to list.
Calgary Seasons Don’t Always Cooperate
In Calgary and throughout Alberta, our selling seasons and our photography seasons don’t always line up.
You might decide to list your home in November, January, or March, when the lawn is brown or covered in snow, the trees are bare, gardens are dormant, and outdoor living spaces are difficult for buyers to fully appreciate.
That doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to sell. In fact, depending on inventory and your specific market, it could be an excellent time to list.
But it does mean we should think ahead.
Show Buyers What They Can’t See
Great real estate marketing is about helping buyers understand the full value of a property.
A snow-covered backyard might be hiding beautiful landscaping, garden beds, a large patio, irrigation, mature trees, or an incredible lawn. A covered deck might not have the same impact in January as it does when it’s staged with furniture and surrounded by greenery.
That’s why, when we know a sale could be coming, we like to capture those features in advance.
Think:
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- Front and rear exterior photos while everything is green
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- Landscaping, gardens, and mature trees
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- Patios, decks, and outdoor living spaces
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- Pools, hot tubs and recreational areas
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- Acreage, lake, mountain, or golf course views
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- Drone photography showing the property and surrounding area
These photos can then become part of the marketing package when the property eventually hits the market.
You Don’t Need to Know Exactly When You’re Selling
This is the important part.
You don’t need to have a firm listing date.
If you’re thinking there’s a reasonable chance you could sell sometime between late fall and the following spring, it can be worth having the conversation early.
We can arrange a quick exterior photography session while the property is green, the leaves are still on the trees, and your outdoor spaces are looking their best. Then, when you’re actually ready to list, we can complete the interior photography and the rest of the media package.
It’s particularly worthwhile for homes where the lot, landscaping, views, or outdoor living spaces are a major part of the value.
Preparation Creates Options
There are plenty of things we can’t control when selling a home. The weather is definitely one of them.
What we can control is how well we prepare.
Thinking a season or two ahead gives us more options and ensures that whenever the time comes to sell, we have the tools to showcase your property properly.
Considering selling this fall, winter, or next spring?
Reach out before the seasons change. We can start planning now, capture what we need while your property is looking its best, and make sure you’re ready whenever the timing is right.
