In the Covid era, more than ever homebuyers are utilizing online tools to find the home of their dreams. Which means that in a bustling real estate market, making your house stand out on a computer screen (or device) is critical in helping you move your home off the market.

Not only that, but did you know that the majority of new homebuyers are millennials? Born between 1980-1998, millennials also can’t wait to post a new pic of their home on their social media platforms.

According to the National Association of Realtors, almost all millennials (98%) use the internet for their home search — and 78% of them found the home they purchased on a mobile device last year.* So it’s increasingly more important to make the best possible online impression by investing in high quality listing photos.

So how can you add optimal “curb appeal” … from a device?

Zillow.com** recently shared these tips for boosting your home’s “screen appeal” for e-mail marketing, virtual open houses and more:

1. Stage your space.

The key is aggressive de-cluttering: The end goal is for your place to look so neutral that prospective buyers can picture themselves in your home. Begin with putting away any personal items, removing kids’ and pet toys, recycling random papers, and boxing up your personal photos and mementos. One added bonus? Your space looks larger after you’ve removed the extra stuff.

2. Consider the layout.

Take some sample photos of your space, or consider having a friend do a test “walk through the rooms” to ensure you have a clear path for a virtual tour or live online Open House. Don’t be afraid to do a full rehearsal before the cameras start rolling.

3. Clean everything. And check the lighting.

Clean and dust every surface, and replace any dimly lit light bulbs with new ones. Your home will suddenly appear more bright and beautiful to any potential buyer.

4. Finally, think about the staging.

If your home is empty, you have a few options: Leave it empty (although remember, staged homes sell faster); purchase or rent enough furniture to showcase the space (which you might even be able to sell again or donate later); or consider virtual staging, which adds “digital furniture” to your home. You can find online ways to purchase or DIY these.

Whether your home is professionally photographed or For Sale By Wwner, having a strong online presence will help ensure the sale. If a picture says 1,000 words, make sure the words from your photos say: “Make me an offer!”

For more, visit the *NAR Generational Trends Report and **Zillow.com.