Preparing Your Home for the Photo Shoot
By: Ashley Fee
You’ve signed your contract with your realtor and now moving on the the next step: Photos! Good quality photos can make or break a home sale, so we made a guide to help our sellers know how to prepare for their photo shoot so we can show off the best photos possible. Your realtor will work with you to make sure these are all taken care of.
Scheduling the photo shoot
Give yourself enough time to prep!
Schedule the shoot at a time of day when the front of the home gets the most light.
Schedule the shoot on a non-trash pickup day.
Give yourself plenty of time to clean and declutter.
Give yourself enough time for the shoot. Most home photo shoots take an average of 2 hours.
Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything!
The front exterior is the first impression and the first image a potential buyer will see. Here is a checklist to help you get the outside ready:
Remove trash cans & recycling bins.
Add flowers to flower pots & window boxes.
Paint the front door.
Sweep front stairs & sidewalk.
Clean the windows inside & out.
Remove cars from the driveway and street.
Mow your lawn 24-hours prior to the shoot.
Lighting
Lighting is key.
Here is a checklist to keep in mind before and during the shoot:
Turn on ALL lights in the home.
Replace dead bulbs.
Turn ON ceiling fan lights, but keep fan OFF.
Open all window curtains.
If windows have blinds, lower them but keep the slats open (ideally at 45 degrees facing upwards).
Turn OFF all TV & computer screens.
Any glass/window/mirror should be clean & streak-free.
Tuck cords away as much as possible.
Living Room
We’re showcasing the space, not the stuff in it.
The space where everyone loves to spend most of their time. Get it ready:
Vacuum, sweep, & mop all floors.
Remove all clutter from surface areas. This includes remotes, magazines, candles, & tissue boxes — less is more!
Dust & wipe surfaces.
Remove picture frames.
Fluff cushions & pillows, remove blankets.
Remove toys, mail clutter, weights, etc.
Remove or rearrange furniture if needed.
Kitchen & Dining Room
The heart of the home & real estate money shot.
Clean off & wipe down counters
Remove appliances from counters
ONE nice item can stay on the counter. Ii.e. Tea kettle or kitchen aid mixer)
Remove all items from the outside of refrigerator. (No magnets, photos, or items stored on top)
Wipe down appliances. (Stainless steel especially loves fingerprints)
Remove throw rugs, towels, paper towels
Remove sponges, soap dishes, etc.
Hide garbage can
Use a bowl of fruit or fresh flowers for color
Use decorative place settings if possible
Bedrooms
Where we spend 1/3 of our entire lives:
Make beds, use decor pillows if possible
Store away phones, charging cords, books, tissues, etc.
Remove all personal photos
Remove clutter under the bed
Tidy/Organize walk-in closets
Dust all surfaces
Clear tops of dressers, desks, vanities, etc.
Bathrooms
Follow this list or the photos will turn out……crappy. (sorry)
Replace old towels with new, clean ones.
Remove all bath mats from the floor.
Remove all counter clutter. (Includes tooth brushes, medications, soaps, cosmetics, etc.)
Wipe counters and mirrors.
Remove shampoo & accessories from the shower/tub.
Rear Exterior
Buyers are going to be checking out the backside:
Hide all garbage cans, gardening tools, hoses, and toys
Mow lawn, trim foliage, remove debris
Power wash/scrub green mildew
Remove grill cover and utensils
Arrange outdoor furniture
Open umbrella
Plant flowers in empty pots
Sweep sidewalks, patio, deck
Remove flags, security signs, and ornaments
Consider Staging
Staging is designed to reflect current interior trends and to showcase the space to its advantage. We can physically stage the home or stage it virtually. Both yield excellent results!
Staging
Furniture and decor is moved into the home by a staging company so the potential buyers can see the space in photos and in person as if there was furniture in the home.
Virtual Staging
Through the magic of technology and a designer’s eye, furniture and decor is placed in the photos of the home. This showcases the interior space of the home giving each room depth to potential buyers browsing homes online. It looks so real and costs a fraction of physical staging!
Compass Concierge
The Compass Concierge program takes care of all upfront costs and will be paid from your proceeds of the sale with no interest or fees! You can have your home staged, painted, and spruced up without paying at the time of service. Ask your realtor for more information.
Originally published on August 13, 2019 by Ashley Fee for Real Estate With Heart