“How do I prepare my home for a real estate photographer?”
We hear this question all of the time… We felt a blog would be a great choice to lay out some strong ideas.
Notice how a few items are left out to make the home look just a bit "lived in"?
There are many things the realtor and the homeowner can do to ensure their real estate photography comes out looking spectacular. The photography will take no more than 1-2 ½ hours for most homes. It truly depends upon the size of your home.
Our real estate photography may include secondary bedrooms, a study, office, loft, and will include all main areas of the home. We also include shots that we feel show off your home beautifully. Both you and the realtor have favorite areas of the home you would like shown. Those are important pictures we will be taking for sure.
This handy checklist is a courtesy to both you and your realtor.
Have the lawn mowed, leaves raked, bushes trimmed.
When in season, flowers can add a gorgeous pop of color.
Remove all vehicles from the driveway and front of the house.
Make sure all garbage cans, hoses, garden tools, etc. are put away.
If we are doing your real estate twilight photos, be sure to check all outdoor lights and change any burned out or dim bulbs.
Remove any “cute” lawn decorations. They may be distracting to the potential buyer.
Remove all “clutter” inside the home. Put away any toys laying around, clothing, dishes, towels, etc.
Make all the beds and fluff the pillows.
The countertops in bathrooms and kitchen should be clean and empty. No toasters, soap, or figurines of any kind.
Make sure the kitchen sink is empty and all dishes put away.
Hide the trash cans.
Hide personal photos. (you’re going to be moving them anyway) It helps the buyer to make it “their home”.
Replace any lightbulbs that are out inside of the home.
Remove any decorations and magnets that are on the refrigerator.
Before the photographer arrives, turn on all lights and open all blinds in rooms to be photographed.
When necessary, shovel snow from sidewalks, walkways, driveways, patios, and decks.
Remove and hide any pet beds, water, food bowls, toys, etc.
If you have a pool, take the security gate down, uncover, and clean the pool.
Put all toilet seats down and fill with a full roll of toilet paper.
Finally, cleanliness is an absolute must. The windows all need to be washed clean as our pictures will want to grab the beauty of what is outside.
The outside beautifully landscaped. No garden hoses, no toys, pull any weeds possible...
Now, walk your home after these twenty items have been completed well. Look at it through the eyes of you being the buyer. Make any changes needed to beautify your home. Remember….a picture is worth a thousand words.
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