Congratulations! You know the importance of having professional quality photos to market your home. First impressions count, and studies have shown that buyers choose the homes they want to see based on the quality and quantity of pictures they see online.
Here are some things you can do to ready your home for a photoshoot:
OUTSIDE
Remove vehicles, garbage bins, etc. from driveway and front of house.
Sweep driveway, walkways, porches, patios and decks.
Remove hoses, sprinklers, garden tools, children's/pet's toys.
Ensure the lawn has been mowed; trim back shrubs from walkway areas and doorways; remove weeds from flower beds and around shrubs/bushes.
INSIDE
Open window coverings (curtains, sheers, blinds) to let in as much natural light as possible. Of course, if the view out a window isn't pleasing, leave those coverings closed.
Turn off ceiling fans (moving fan blades just look like a blur in the photos).
Eliminate as much clutter as possible, including children's toys, clothing, piles of papers and magazines. Remove anything from the floor that doesn't belong on the floor.
In bathrooms, make sure mirrors are squeaky clean as any spots or streaks will be visible in the photos. Remove toiletries and other personal items from counters, tubs, and showers; close toilet lids; remove/replace old or dirty towels, washcloths, etc.
Make all beds neatly (avoid wrinkles, lumps, etc.); clear dressers of excessive personal items.
If your child's bedroom has his/her name spelled out on the wall or is otherwise visible, you may wish to remove it. If removal isn't feasible, be sure to alert me and I will attempt to edit it out from the final photos.
At your computer workstations, stow or unplug dangling cables/wires; clear papers. Straighten up and/or remove excess items from desk and bookcases.
In the kitchen, remove most, but not all, items from the counters. Items that can be left out might include: decorative canisters, a colorful bowl or platter, no more than two countertop appliances. You want it to be uncluttered, but not sterile. Items to remove or hide from view include: dish towels, pet dishes, rubbish bins.
Remove everything (magnets, pictures, calendars, etc.) from the outside of the refrigerator.
Check that cupboard doors and drawers all close properly.
Doing these things during the few days before your photoshoot will allow your photographer to get the best possible images of your home and ensure your property makes a great first impression for potential buyers.
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