When you’re selling your home, professional photography plays a pivotal role in attracting potential buyers. High-quality photos make your listing stand out online, helping you sell faster and for a higher price. However, to achieve the best results, proper preparation is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to prepare your home for a successful photoshoot.
Check the Weather and Plan for Distractions
The first thing to consider is the weather. Natural light is key to making your home look bright and inviting. Schedule your photoshoot on a sunny day to ensure plenty of natural light fills your home, highlighting its best features. A sunny day also enhances the exterior shots, showcasing your home’s curb appeal.
Avoid scheduling the photoshoot on trash day. Garbage bins and recycling containers can detract from the polished look you’re aiming for. Plan for a day when your bins won’t be visible in the photos. Also, clear any yard waste, boxes, or outdoor clutter. A neat, well-maintained exterior helps create a positive first impression.
Ensure Proper Lighting and Essentials
Lighting is one of the most critical elements of photography. A well-lit home looks more inviting and spacious, while poor lighting can make even the most beautiful spaces seem dull. Check all lightbulbs in your home to ensure they are working, including any light fixtures above the oven or in dark corners of rooms. Turn on all lights in your home, including overhead lights, lamps, and accent lighting. Bright, evenly distributed light will make your home look welcoming and will be key in producing high-quality photos.
Window treatments can have a significant impact on the way a room looks in photos. Be sure all blinds are fully raised, and draperies are pulled aside to allow natural light to flood the room. This will help make your space feel larger and more open. Ensure that all window treatments are neatly aligned and that they complement the design of the room.
Make sure all remotes for ceiling fans, electric fireplaces, fireplace keys, and televisions are out and readily available. Photographers typically do not move or adjust items in your home, so having these remotes accessible ensures that any necessary adjustments can be made quickly to capture the best shots. For example, you may want to adjust the ceiling fan for the perfect shot or turn on the fireplace to create a warm ambiance. Having these items prepared in advance allows the photographer to work efficiently without delays, ensuring that the session runs smoothly.
Stage and Organize Furniture and Personal Items
Properly staging your furniture is key to making each room look spacious and inviting. Arrange furniture in a way that maximizes space and highlights the home’s best features. If you’re unsure about how to stage a room, take a look at some of my previous articles and videos for inspiration. It’s also essential to remove any personal items such as family photos, nameplates, or anything else that may distract from the property. Since your listing will be seen by a wide audience online, protecting your privacy is important.
It’s essential to make sure all beds are neatly made before the photoshoot. A well-made bed adds a polished, finished look to the bedroom and makes the space feel more inviting. Consider adding decorative pillows or fresh linens to enhance the room’s appeal.
Make sure to remove any cars from the driveway, garage, and street in front of your house. Cars in photos can block the view of your home and detract from its curb appeal. A clear, unobstructed view of your home will allow potential buyers to focus on the property itself.
Declutter and Clean Thoroughly
A clean, clutter-free home is essential for photography. Clutter can make rooms look smaller and less inviting, so it’s important to tidy up before the photographer arrives. Remove any unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and tables. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Also, make sure to clear walkways and entrances of shoes, bags, and other clutter.
Ensure that all floors are clean—vacuum carpets, sweep hardwood floors, and mop tile or laminate surfaces. Dust all surfaces, including baseboards, window sills, and shelves, so that everything looks fresh. Cleaning your windows inside and out is also crucial, as streaks and smudges can be visible in photos and make your home look less pristine.
Remove Holiday Decorations, Toys, and Pet Items
While holiday decorations can add warmth to your home, they may distract from the overall appeal of your property during a photoshoot. Remove any seasonal items, such as Christmas lights, wreaths, or other decorations. This will allow potential buyers to envision your home year-round, making it feel more neutral and adaptable.
If you have children or pets, make sure to remove toys, pet beds, food bowls, and other personal items. These can clutter up a space and prevent buyers from visualizing themselves in the home. Additionally, tidy up any pet-related areas, including litter boxes and food areas. Cleaning up any pet waste from the yard is also essential, as a well-maintained outdoor space is just as important as a clean interior.
Remove Flags and Yard Signage, and Prep Landscaping
Remove any flags, especially large ones, as they can block parts of your home and make it difficult to capture the full exterior. Additionally, remove any signage from your yard, including security system signs like ADT markers. These can be distracting in photos and take away from the clean, neutral look you want to achieve.
Curb appeal is crucial for making a strong first impression. Ensure that your yard is well-landscaped and tidy. Trim hedges and bushes, remove any dead plants, and mulch flower beds to create a neat appearance. Store outdoor items such as hoses, barbecues, and pool equipment out of sight. A tidy, well-maintained yard will help your home stand out from the competition.
Leave the Property During the Photoshoot
Lastly, it’s important that you and your family, including pets, leave the property during the photoshoot. The photographer will need the space to capture the best angles without any interruptions. Leaving the property ensures that the photographer has full access to all areas of your home and can work efficiently to get the best shots.
Conclusion
Remember, these photos will be the first impression potential buyers have of your home, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make them shine. A well-prepared home can lead to a faster sale at a higher price. By taking the time to prepare your home properly, you’ll set the stage for success in the competitive market.