Preparing your home for a photoshoot can be nerve-wracking, but it's crucial for making a stellar first impression on potential buyers. Your listing photos are often the first glimpse buyers get, and they can significantly influence their perception of your property—and its price tag. To ensure your home looks its absolute best, follow these tips to prepare for a successful photoshoot.
Interior Prep:
- Clear and Clean Surfaces: Declutter kitchen countertops by removing appliances and personal items. Clean surfaces to create a spacious, inviting feel.
- Bathroom Beautification: Clear bathroom counters of personal products and tidy up towels. Ensure everything sparkles, from mirrors to sinks.
- Light it Up: Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and turn on all lights, including lamps and exterior lighting. Bright spaces photograph well and feel more welcoming.
- Embrace Natural Light: Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light—it brings warmth and life to your interiors.
- Minimise Furniture: Remove unnecessary furniture to create a sense of space. Less clutter makes rooms look larger and allows buyers to envision their own furniture arrangement.
- Clear Away Clutter: Put away personal items such as family photos and excess decor. A neutral, clutter-free environment helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
- Make Beds and Tidy Up: Ensure all beds are made with clean, coordinated bedding. Tidy nightstands and dressers to maintain a hotel-room-clean aesthetic.
- Pet Patrol: Remove all signs of pets, including bedding, toys, and food bowls. Some buyers may have allergies or prefer pet-free homes. This step is critical and, when overlooked, often leads to negative feedback from buyers.
Exterior Prep:
- Curb Appeal: Trim landscaping and tidy up the yard. A well-maintained exterior sets a positive tone from the moment buyers see your home.
- Clean Sweep: Sweep driveways, walkways, and patios to remove debris. Stage outdoor areas with tasteful decor to create inviting spaces.
- No Cars Allowed: Clear the driveway and street of cars. Closed garage doors create a cleaner look and better focus on your home's exterior. Pro tip: Ask your neighbours to move their cars from the road to make the street look quiet and inviting in your photos.
- Tidy Outdoor Areas: Store away garbage bins, garden tools, and outdoor equipment. Showcase outdoor features like BBQs by removing covers and setting up seating areas.
- Details Matter: Open umbrellas and arrange outdoor furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere. Add fresh pillows and plants for a touch of vibrancy.
Preparing your home for real estate photography doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these tips, you’ll ensure your property shines in photos, attracting more potential buyers and increasing your chances of a successful sale. Remember, presenting a clean, clutter-free home allows buyers to envision themselves living there—and that's the ultimate goal!
