The current freeze has transformed Britain into a winter wonderland. But should sellers rush out and photograph their homes in the snow? Or should they wait for the daffodils to arrive? We ask the experts.
Nick Moore of Hamptons International
“I would take a photograph of the property looking pretty in the snow and then update the photo in the spring if it’s still on the market.”
William Kirkland of John D Wood
“Snowy shots are a no-no, mainly because they date the photo to a particular time of year and it looks stale from then on. Plus, when everything’s white there’s virtually no definition. If the snow melts and you do your first launch with a snowy shot,you’ll give off the wrong first impression. It’s pretty but it’s not practical.”
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Alan King of Jackson-Stops & Staff
“Definately now because it is topical, current and above all, fun. Photographs can always be updated — snow will not deter serious buyers who are straining at the leash wanting to get on with their lives.”
Claire Reynolds of Savills, Esher
“If we’re confident of selling a property quickly, then we will photograph them in the snow. If it’s a property that’s not so desirable, then we’ll probably wait until the snow has subsided”.
Anne Currell of Currell Residential
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“You could perhaps post a snowy hptograph and change it after a week or when the snow has gone. But in six weeks’ time, when the snow has melted, people will see it and wonder why it hasn’t sold.”
Lulu Egerton of Strutt & Parker
“Never take photos with snow, it is very dating indeed. We would never advise it. Wait for the weather to clear then shoot. If you badly need a photo, raid the photographers archive and get a “wintry” shot with no snow. Never have extreme seasonal shots.”
Lindsay Cuthill of Savills, head office
“We thought that the way snow fell this week looked absolutely beautiful, so we did take some shots. I don’t think it would be inappropriate to still see those shots up in February, despite the risk of them dating. If it’s a great-looking snowy shot, which looks better than a bare garden, then I don’t see why not. Though if the property hasn’t sold by March, maybe get the photographer back out.”