How to Make a Home Photo Ready
Making your home photo ready is an important part of the selling process!
The listing photos are the very first thing any potential buyer sees and forms their very first impression. A home that looks inviting in photos is likely to have more showings! Remember, photographers will photograph your home in the condition it is in when they are scheduled to arrive, and reshoots can result in additional fees! Read on for tips on how to make your home look its best on picture day!
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Exterior Tips
Making the exterior of your home photo ready is simple!
Lawn Care
Regular lawn maintenance such as mowing, raking, and keeping the yard clear of debris keeps your home looking fresh! You can also add some nice flowers or manicured bushes for some extra color and style!
Driveway
On the day of the photoshoot, it’s important to move any cars out of the driveway. Park them on the street or in the garage for the duration of the shoot. If using a POD during the moving process, try to schedule your shoot before it arrives or after it leaves. Also, make sure the trash bins are pulled around to the side of the house or in the garage.
This ensures that the photographer can get a clear,
unobstructed photo of the house.
Porches and Decks
Make sure porches and decks are swept clean of debris and that unnecessary clutter (such as children’s or pet’s toys) is put away. Arrange any outdoor furniture in a neat manner.
Interior Tips
Making the interior of your home photo ready is an extremely important part of getting your home sold. For any room, make sure all overhead lights are on and blinds and curtains are open to
get a bright, inviting image.
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen is one of the first parts of any house a potential buyer will look at. It’s important that your kitchen looks its best, and that means clean! Make sure counters and tables are clean and clear of any unnecessary items, dishes, cleaning materials, etc. Sweep and mop the floors. Make sure appliances are clean and clear of cookware. Put away things such as drinks, snacks, pet food and bowls, and personal items.
Living Room
The living areas are just as important as the kitchen. Make sure to vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hardwood. Clear clutter off of coffee tables and end tables. Turn off the tv and put away remotes during the shoot. Put away children’s or pet’s toys. Remove unnecessary clutter from couches and chairs. Put away personal pictures if you would prefer them not to be show to the public.
Bathrooms
Make sure bathroom toilets, sinks, mirrors, tubs, and showers are clean. Close toilet lids during the shoot. Put away all soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, and other items that may clutter counters or tubs.
Bathrooms should look just as clean and orderly as the kitchen!
Bedrooms and Offices
Beds should be made and free of clutter. Remove items other than lamps and décor from nightstands and dressers. Clothing should be put away and floors clean and clear of clutter. If walk-in closets are to be photographed, make sure they are organized.
Children’s bedrooms should likewise be clean and toys cleared away. Desks in rooms used as offices should be organized with any personal items
or info out of sight.
Vacant Homes
While vacant homes should follow all applicable advice listed above, there are a few important things to note when getting an empty home ready:
- Clean the home and then put away any and all cleaning supplies.
- Finish any updates to the home and clear away supplies prior to photoshoot. This includes but is not limited to:
- Painting
- New countertops
- New appliances
- New Flooring
- Plumbing and/or Electrical Work
- Exterior Maintenance/Repairs
- General repairs
- Consider hiring a professional stager to give potential buyers a better idea of what the house looks like furnished.