How To Prepare Your Home For The Photo Shoot

You’ve heard it before, you only have one chance to make a first impression. A prospective buyers 1st, 2nd and sometimes 3rd impression of your home is online, so the photos taken of your home really set the tone for your sale. The photos need to rock and should always showcase your home in the best light possible. No matter how picture perfect your house might look to you, you should consider the following tips before having your home photographed:



Home Exterior – walk across the street to your neighbor’s house and take a look at your home. Do you like what you see?

1. Remove cars from the driveway, front of house and garage.
2. Hide recycling and trash receptacles, garden tools and hoses.
3. Have lawn cut, mulched and add flowers if weather permits; remove dead anything.
4. Have windows washed and remove screens if possible.
5. Power wash walkways, patios, siding if necessary.
6. Neatly arrange patio furniture, uncover barbecue so scene is set.

Home Interior – take your time and go room to room to enhance the look and feel of each room.

1. Replace all burned out light bulbs.
2. Clean and neaten all closets including removal of all items from the floor.
3. Set the scene in each room by arranging furniture and accessories; remove excess (you may need a stager) to make rooms look open and large. Remember less is more!
4. Have carpets cleaned and/or stretched if needed. Replace capret if needed.
5. Touch up paint.
6. Remove excess art and photos, but not all. You are living in the house after all!
7. Clean off counters in kitchen and baths; add fresh looking towel sets to bathrooms.
8. Make sure all beds are made, clothing and personal items are put away neatly.

What have you noticed at open houses you have visited? What did you notice that left you with a negative feeling? Be sure to take care of that in your own home.