📘 Top 5 Photo Mistakes FSBO Sellers Make — And How to Fix Them
Selling your home yourself can save money — but if your photos don’t capture attention, buyers might scroll right past your listing.
The truth is: great photos sell homes, and poor ones can cost you serious time and money.
Here are the Top 5 photo mistakes FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sellers make — and exactly how to fix them.
1️⃣ Relying on Cell Phone Photos
We love our phones, but they’re not designed to showcase homes.
Cell phone images often flatten rooms, warp corners, and miss the warm color balance that buyers subconsciously connect with “home.”
How to Fix It:
Hire a professional real estate photographer who uses wide-angle lenses, balanced lighting, and HDR editing to make your rooms look bright, spacious, and inviting.
Pro photos create trust — and help your listing stand out in crowded feeds.
2️⃣ Shooting at the Wrong Time of Day
Florida light can be tricky. Shoot too early and your rooms look dark; too late and you lose that golden warmth.
How to Fix It:
Schedule photos mid-morning or late afternoon for that perfect blend of sunlight and shadow.
Want to go the extra mile? Try twilight photography — those soft, glowing dusk shots look stunning on Zillow and social media.
3️⃣ Ignoring Staging and Clutter
Even beautiful homes can photograph poorly when cluttered or overly personalized.
Buyers need to see space, not stuff.
How to Fix It:
Clear counters, remove personal photos, and store away small items.
Keep décor simple and neutral.
For bathrooms — close lids, fold fresh towels, and add a small plant for color.
A clean, simple space always photographs bigger and more appealing.
4️⃣ Forgetting the Exterior
Your first impression happens before anyone steps inside.
Curb appeal photos are where buyers decide if they want to click “See More.”
How to Fix It:
Park cars out of the driveway.
Mow and edge the lawn.
Sweep the walkway, remove hoses, and tidy the porch.
For maximum impact, add aerial drone photos that show your full property, pool, or water access — these perform exceptionally well in Florida markets like Englewood and Boca Grande.
5️⃣ No Consistent Marketing Presentation
We’ve all seen it — listings with random photo sizes, mismatched lighting, and no cohesive look.
Disorganized visuals can make your property seem less valuable, even if it’s gorgeous in person.
How to Fix It:
Choose a professional photo package that includes consistent editing, a property website, and social-media-ready media.
At Doonbug Aerial, every package includes both branded and unbranded photo links — ready to post on Zillow, FSBO.com, or Facebook.
💡 Pro Tip: First Impressions Happen Online
The right visuals can help buyers feel emotionally connected before they ever step inside.
A small investment in photography can translate into faster offers and higher sale prices — whether you’re selling in Englewood, Boca Grande, or Wellen Park.
✨ Ready to Make Your FSBO Listing Look Like a Pro Listing?
Doonbug Aerial LLC specializes in professional real estate photography, aerial drone work, and video marketing for FSBO sellers and local agents alike.
We help Southwest Florida homes shine — from Englewood’s coastal charm to the modern neighborhoods of Wellen Park.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PHOTO PREP GUIDE AND GET 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
📞 Call/Text: 941-218-0078
📧 Email: Dave@DoonbugAerial.com
