SO why do people move house? There are various reasons including wanting a larger property for a growing family or downsizing as children fly the nest.
Some move for financial reasons to a smaller abode and other reasons include family or work commitments.
Others find themselves looking for an older characterful property and others are seduced by a new development which offers easier living and a home with all mod cons and brand new fixtures and fittings.
The sales particulars are usually the first point of contact for potential buyers.
So, photography is vital if you are to do your home justice.
Photos form a key role in marketing your property so you need something eye-catching to attract those all important buyers.
The internet now plays a vital role when it comes to selling your property and having professional photographs taken could mean the difference between individuals stopping on your property or not.
Too often sellers discount the merits of good photography and opt instead to take photos themselves or have the estate agent do it for them, which often results in grainy or out-of-focus images, that fail to do the property justice or make an impression on buyers.
As a general rule of thumb, photographs need to be high resolution jpegs in order to get the best results when reproduced in printed sales particulars.
In order to prevent images from being so dark that buyers can’t make out what’s in the room, make sure photographs are taken when natural light is at its brightest - ideally in the morning - and switch all interior lights on.
A common mistake on property photographs is when the photographer’s reflection can be seen in glass-fronted cupboards, mirrors or windows, so if you are taking the photographs yourself, take care where you stand so as not to inadvertently end up in the photo yourself.
Interiors can be tricky to photograph well, as it can be hard to get all of the room into just one shot.
For the best results, try setting your digital camera to wide angles.
Declutter the area being photographed, remove any unnecessary items and ensure the room looks as striking and pristine as it can.
With digital photography you can take as many shots as you wish, so don’t settle for the first one you take.
Try to look at each photo with fresh eyes, as if you were seeing the room for the first time.
As the saying goes, ‘a picture says a thousand words,’ so make sure your’s tick all the right boxes.
Look at your house as if you are the buyer and be ultra critcial, getting rid of all clutter.
LET’S take a look at some of the reasons why people move house.
Chris Haigh (pictured above) is hoping to move from her unique property at Huddersfield’s Kilner Bank to live nearer her elderly father for whom she cares on a daily basis.
She is keen to buy herself a new home in Mirfield so she is both nearer to her father and to her two businessess in the centre of the town.
Her bungalow, which is quite close to the centre of Huddersfield but also very peaceful and private, has been extended in recent years and would make an ideal family home. With four bedrooms, a separate annex and a large conservatory, it is perfect for a larger family who enjoy peace and quiet.
Chris and Jacqui Preddle (pictured above) have recently put their Holme four-storey cottage on the market but hope to move to a larger home in the same village.
This charming cottage at 89, The Village, Holme, has been the home of Chris and Jacqui for the past six years. Now however, they find with their grandchildren visiting, they need a slightly larger home.
They love the village of Holme so much they are planning to stay within its boundaries.
Jacqui said: “We have lived in Holme for 11 years and in this house for six. Originally this was going to be our forever home but circumstances change and we really need a little more space for visiting family.
“We want to stay in Holme village because there is a real community feel and the people are lovely. There is quite a mix of elderly people and younger people with families living in the area.” A move to Winchester in on the cards for Ian and Linda Day (pictured above) who currently live in Priory Cottage within the Kirklees Hall estate.
Their’s must be one of the most prestigious addresses in the area.
Priory Cottage is situated in the grounds of the Kirklees Hall Estate, close to Clifton village and just a short drive from the centre of Brighouse.
The two-bedroomed cottage has been home to Ian and Linda for the past 12 years, after the hall and its buildings were all converted into residential dwellings.
Today 15 homes have been created in the grounds which all enjoy a wonderful outlook on beautiful parkland, a cobbled courtyard, walled garden and restored historic stone properties.
Ian and Linda are planning a move to the city of Winchester to be closer to their sons and grandchildren.
Malcolm and Patricia Drake (pictured above) are planning a move to Meltham after they sell their house at Scammonden.
Their house Shaw Clough has been home to the couple for the past 10 years but now they have bought a new smaller property, in Meltham, which will also provide accommodation for Patricia’s elderly mother.
Their move is tinged with sadness, however, as the couple say they have loved living in their country retreat.
But now their children have grown up and left the family home, the house, which is situated on the road to Scammonden Reservoir, is just too large.
*All these people have previously been featured in the Examiner’s Our House property feature which appears every Thursday.