Monday, September 8, 2025

Thinking of Selling in Early 2026? Snap Those Exterior Listing Photos Now

As summer's lush greenery still flourishes, now may be one of the best times to capture your home's exterior—before winter's dull palette sets in. 

Here's why planning ahead is smart and how it can elevate your listing when the market ramps up again.

           Search the Newest Homes that Just hit the Market, Here

Baton Rouge Market Snapshot: Why Timing Matters

  • Home Prices Are Climbing
    In July 2025, the median sale price in Baton Rouge hit $238,570, up an impressive 13.6% year-over-year, and homes are selling faster—now pending in about 41 days, down from 49 a year ago. 
    In the broader East Baton Rouge Parish, the median sale price reached $270,000, marking an 8.4% increase, with similarly quick sale timelines. 

  • Winter Isn't Ideal—but It Can Still Work
    In Louisiana, winter is traditionally slower for real estate, but that doesn't mean it's a write-off. Buyers during colder months are often more serious, and with fewer listings on the market, your home stands out. 
    Nationally, experts note that early-year sellers can benefit from buyers flushing out tax refunds or year-end bonuses. 

  • Rates are easing slightly
    Projections suggest 15-year mortgage rates are dipping closer to around 5.5% in the 4th quarter of 2025, potentially boosting buyer confidence. 


The Visual Edge: Why Exterior Photos Matter Now

Spring and summer plant life offer unbeatable backdrop contrast to winter's muted tones. Taking photos now provides:

  • A vivid first impression—buyers often decide in seconds whether to click on a listing.

  • Seasonal continuity—when your home appears vibrant online, even during winter, it suggests care and maturity.

  • Flexibility—you can store these photos with your agent and unveil them when your listing goes live.

Even if you list in the cooler months, a bright, green lawn and blooming garden set more emotional and visual appeal than a dormantly landscaped scene.

Pro Tips: Align Seasonal Scenery with Market Moves

1. Book a pro photographer now
Even if you're weeks away from listing, capturing curb appeal at its peak is worth early effort.

2. Tidy and enhance your landscaping
Trim hedges, refresh mulch, and add seasonal blooms. A little effort goes a long way.

3. Pair with winter-ready staging
Later, when you take interior or twilight shots, ensure lighting matches the season—warm and inviting.

4. Watch local listings
Summer’s realism paired with strategic pricing makes your listing pop. Summer competition is higher—but your photos will give you an edge.

Quick Market Summary: Baton Rouge Opportunities

MetricValue / Insight
Median Sale Price (City)~$238,570 (+13.6% YoY) 
Median Sale Price (Parish)~$270,000 (+8.4% YoY) 
Winter BuyersFewer overall, but highly motivated 
Mortgage Rate OutlookMay drop to ~5.5% in H2 2025 
Listing Timing StrategyCapture summer photos now; list in fall/winter for standout visuals
Buyer Behavior TrendsMove-in ready homes and strategic pricing attract attention 

Bottom Line: Ready, Set, Snap!

By capturing your home's exterior during Baton Rouge's greenery peak, you're investing in the visual storytelling that sells:

  • Stand out in winter listings

  • Maximize buyer engagement

  • Project confidence and care

Curious about your current market value or some neighborhood home activity stats?
Visit my website and contact me today! 👇

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