Marketing Your Home: Photos, Virtual Tours & Online Presence
First impressions matter. Learn how to showcase your Montana home with professional photos, 3D tours, and strategic online marketing.
Professional Photography
Quality photos are non-negotiable. 92% of home buyers search online first, and high-quality images are the #1 factor in their decision to view a listing in person.
Photography Best Practices:
- ✓ Hire a professional photographer ($300–$800) vs DIY phone photos
- ✓ Shoot during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for natural lighting
- ✓ Capture 20–30 photos: exteriors, living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms
- ✓ Stage rooms: declutter, clean, neutral colors, fresh flowers
- ✓ Include lifestyle shots: outdoor spaces, dining, relaxation areas
- ✓ Avoid people, pets, or personal items in photos
- ✓ Use wide-angle lenses to make rooms look spacious
- ✓ Edit photos for brightness, contrast, and color accuracy
Listings with 25+ professional photos receive 94% more views and sell 31% faster than those with fewer photos.
Curb Appeal: First Impressions Start Outside
Before a buyer even walks through the door, they've already formed an opinion based on what they see from the street. In Montana, that means your yard, fields, porch, siding, and exterior all need to shine — especially in listing photos.
Yard & Landscaping
- ✓ Mow, edge, and trim all grass and weeds
- ✓ Rake leaves and remove debris
- ✓ Trim overgrown shrubs and tree branches
- ✓ Add fresh mulch to flower beds
- ✓ Plant seasonal flowers near the entrance
- ✓ Remove dead plants or patchy grass areas
Porch & Entryway
- ✓ Power wash the porch, steps, and walkway
- ✓ Replace or repaint the front door if worn
- ✓ Add a clean welcome mat and potted plants
- ✓ Repair any broken boards, railings, or steps
- ✓ Update house numbers and porch lighting
- ✓ Clear all clutter (boots, bikes, hoses, tools)
Siding & Exterior Surfaces
- ✓ Power wash siding, gutters, and window frames
- ✓ Touch up or repaint peeling exterior paint
- ✓ Clean or replace damaged gutters
- ✓ Seal cracks in the foundation or driveway
- ✓ Clean windows inside and out
- ✓ Repair or replace damaged fencing
Fields & Rural Property
- ✓ Mow or cut fields visible from the road and home
- ✓ Remove old equipment, junk vehicles, or debris
- ✓ Repair fence lines along the property boundary
- ✓ Clean out barns, sheds, and outbuildings
- ✓ Grade or grade-and-gravel the driveway if rutted
- ✓ Make sure access roads and gates are passable
💡 Montana Tip: Buyers searching for Montana properties often prioritize land and outdoor living. A well-kept exterior — including fields, fences, and rural outbuildings — can significantly boost perceived value. Drone photography of a clean, well-maintained property can make a massive difference in online engagement.
Virtual Tours & 3D Walkthroughs
Virtual tours let buyers explore your home from anywhere, 24/7. They're now expected by serious buyers and can significantly increase interest.
Tour Options:
- Matterport 3D Tours ($400–$800): Immersive, interactive floor plans with measurements
- Video Walkthroughs ($300–$500): 2–5 minute narrated video tour of the home
- Drone Footage ($200–$400): Aerial views of property and surroundings
- 360° Photo Tours (Free–$200): Click-through interior panoramas
Homes with virtual tours receive 87% more inquiries and sell 20% faster.
Online Listing Strategy
Your listing appears on multiple platforms. Maximize visibility with strategic placement and optimization.
Listing Distribution:
- • MLS (Multiple Listing Service) — seen by all agents
- • Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin — major search portals
- • Local Montana sites and Facebook
- • Email blast to buyer database
Listing Description Tips:
- • Lead with unique features (views, acreage, updated systems)
- • Use emotional language: "Stunning mountain views," "Cozy retreat"
- • Highlight nearby amenities: schools, trails, restaurants
- • Be honest about condition and disclosures
- • Include keywords for local search (city, county, neighborhood)
Social Media Marketing
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are powerful tools for reaching local buyers.
- ✓ Post daily during the listing period
- ✓ Use short videos: flyovers, walkthroughs, exterior shots
- ✓ Tag location and use local hashtags
- ✓ Target local Facebook ads to buyers in your area
- ✓ Share client testimonials and success stories
- ✓ Go live during open houses for real-time engagement