Prepping your home for Real estate photos
Investing in high-quality listing photos can significantly impact a potential buyer's first impression and increase the likelihood of selling the property. Here's a checklist to help you prep your home:
Be shoot-ready
Cleaning and staging needs to be done before I arrive, preferably the day before your photoshoot. I may move small items to improve photo composition, but larger items need to be in place before I arrive, and staging accessories need to be in place as well.
Depersonalize
Remove personal photographs and information to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space and to protect your privacy.
Plan not to be seen
All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in areas where they can't be seen during the photoshoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can cause shadows and reflections, and there is risk to equipment that will be setup throughout the property.
Use the garage for storage
I normally don’t shoot garages, so this is a great place to store items you’d like to hide.
Indoor Prep
Declutter kitchen
A few items on the counters are fine, but dishes, sponges, rags, etc. should be put away. It's best to remove all magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator and remove throw rugs from the floor.
Declutter bathrooms
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other personal items should be hidden. Decorative unused soaps, candles, flowers, etc. are preferred. It’s also good to remove all throw rugs from the floor.
Prep bedrooms
All bedrooms should have their beds made and items put away.
Hide trashcans
Trashcans can distract so it’s best to hide all of them in closets or the garage.
Hide portable fans
Ceiling fans are selling items but portable fans can give the wrong impression. It’s best to hide all portable fans in closets or the garage.
Hide cords and remotes
Sometimes electrical cords can’t be hidden, but you will have more appealing pictures if you can hide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords.
Clear entryways
Remove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.
Open blinds with views
Your indoor photos will show outdoor views if there are views, or just light if a window looks onto a neighbor or other unappealing view.
Turn on lights
Before I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on. If need-be, please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
Turn off ceiling fans
Before I arrive, please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off.
Outdoor Prep
Clear the cars
Make sure no cars are in the driveway. If possible, also move cars from the street in front of the home. We want as clear a view as possible of your property.
Hide trashcans
Trashcans can be placed on the side of the property or in the garage.
Hide hoses
Do this the day before the shoot since hoses can drip water onto the pavement when being moved, leaving puddles in your pictures.
Mow and trim the yard
Do at least 24 hours prior to your photoshoot.
Turn off sprinklers
Do not water the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement.
Pick up poop
If you have a dog, make sure that all of their droppings are cleared from the yard.
Prep pool and spa
If you have a pool and/or spa, please have them clean with covers removed. For spas, provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn it on.
Prep water features
If you have fountains, waterfalls, etc., please clean them and provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn them on.
Remove for-sale sign
The for-sale sign should be removed from the property or installed after the shoot, since visible signs violate MLS policies and can’t always be edited out.
Clean patio furniture
Dust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot, since this can create puddles.
Following this preparation checklist can ensure that your listing will stand out from others, have a lasting impression on future buyers, attract more viewers, and showcase your home in its best light.
