Paperwork is signed and you are ready for the next step in listing your property for sales. Professional photos are essential in today's real estate market when your buyer's first impression is often online listings photos. One of the most frequent questions get is how do I prepare for photos of my home. There are things a homeowner can do prior to the photogragher arriving that can great help in the outcome of the photos.
The information supplied to homeowners by Homefx is:
Real Estate Photographers, Realtors and Home Owners on the same page
GENERAL
Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops,
clean windows)
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Replace all burned out light bulbs
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computer screens OFF
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object
photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Place all shoes/jackets in closets
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FRONT EXTERIOR
Online “curb appeal” - the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see
Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
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BACK YARD
Clean porch, tidy up outdoor table and chairs
Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove visible water hoses
Remove trash cans
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KITCHEN
Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher
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DINING ROOM / TABLE​
Clear table, dust and polish the table top
Use decorative place setting if available
Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Remove child seats or booster chairs
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LIVING / FAMILY ROOM​
Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)
Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys
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MASTER BEDROOM
Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
Press bed linens and bed skirts
Clear nightstands of all personal items
Store away phone/tablet charging cables
Remove all clutter from top of dressers
Remove family photos from walls
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
KID/GUEST BEDROOM
Don’t forget about guest bedrooms
Remove personalized names from walls
Remove wall stickers/posters
Remove diaper genies
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
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BATHROOMS
- To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items -
Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats down
Close closet doors
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels
Remove floor mats
PETS
- Pets are loving, but their presence should be minimized -
Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys
Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet
Getting the home ready will give you the best photos and show your home at it's best. Please call for a listing consultation to discuss a marketing plan for your unique home.
Visit HomeFx to learn more about the many options offered.