You have roughly 7 seconds to make a great impression. With the majority of real estate searches beginning online, you want to make sure that your home catches the eyes of potential buyers. That means, having your home photographed and photographed well. A professional photographer can showcase your home in it’s best light. But being prepared for the photographer is key. More than likely your photographer won’t move your personal belongings or dust off your countertops, so it’s up to you to clean up and make your house shine. Below are a few tips and tricks that will help you prep your home for the real estate photographer.
Interior
By cleaning up and making your home welcoming, it allows potential buyers to envision themselves in the home.
General Cleaning Tips
- Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
- Turn on all overhead lights and lamps
- Replace all burned-out light bulbs
- Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
- Turn off all ceiling fans
- Turn off all TVs/Computer Screens
- Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
- Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
- Make all beds
- Minimize use of small carpets
- Place all shoes/jackets in closets
- Arrange furniture to be welcoming
- Hide electronic cords
- Light fireplaces
Kitchen
- Clear off countertops completely.
- Leave out max of one small appliance
- Remove refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
- Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
- Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher
- Max one decorative towel
Dining Room
- Clear table, dust and polish the table top
- Consider a decorative centerpiece (fresh fruit or flower arrangement)
- Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
- Remove child seats/booster chairs
Living Room/Family Room
- Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
- De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth
- Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed
- Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
- Remove kid's toys
- Make it feel warm and welcoming
Bedrooms
- Press bed linens and bed skirts
- Tuck in bed sheet corners
- 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 or move items to the side of the bed nearest the wall
- Remove wall art, i.e. personalized names, stickers, posters
Bathrooms
- Clear & wipe down countertops. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
- Put toilet seats & lids down
- Close closet doors
- Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
- Remove dirty towels
- Remove floor mats
- Put out guest towels
- Wipe off mirrors & lights
- Remove robes from back of door
Pets
- Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
- Remove pet hair on furniture (lint roller)
- Contain pets in hidden crate or outside or bring them to a friend/neighbors house
- Clear back yard of pet waste/toys
Exterior
It’s the first things a potential buyer sees. Give the photographer something to work with by cleaning up around the outside of the home.
- Close garage doors
- Remove cars & boats from driveway and front of home
- Clean up landscaping, i.e. pull weeds, mow the lawn
- Add mulch or pine straw where needed
- Put away empty planters
- Remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
- Hide water hoses
- Remove kids toys, balls, sports equipment, etc.
- Wipe down tables/chairs/cushions
- Freshen up pillows & cushions
- Clean pool
- Hide pool cleaning supplies
- Turn on pool fountains/water features
- Remove trash cans
- Clean up the front door (it’s the first thing buyers are going to see)
- When in season, uncover grills
- Open umbrellas on patio sets
One important tip is to make sure to put all valuables in a safe space. There may be many people walking through your home so keeping your valuables safely put away will give you peace of mind during a home tour.
Following these tips will ensure that your home photographs its best all while increasing the likelihood of selling your home more quickly. When your real estate photographer arrives, having a clean and neat home will make the process easier and will result in amazing photos. If you happen to live elsewhere and the Crystal Coast is your second home, consider hiring a professional stager to take care of the tidying up.