Tips for Getting Your Property Ready to Showcase in Real Estate Photos

The initial experience of real estate is an essential aspect to consider. Prospective renters or purchasers who aren’t immediately drawn in usually continue their search elsewhere.

In order to make your property as attractive as possible, it is vital to be prepared with 3D Tours, videos and photographs. Being ready for these pieces of content can truly make all the difference in attracting potential buyers!

Let us assist you in prepping your property! Check out these helpful hints and tips to get started!

First, it is essential to inspect the entire property carefully. Make sure all the floors and walls are in pristine condition and that all lightbulbs are functioning properly. Further, be sure to remove any personal effects such as magnets, posters, pictures of your family, or anything bearing your name from around the property. When attempting to attract potential buyers, it is advisable not to go overboard with air fresheners as this can give the impression that there is a musty odor lurking underneath that the sellers or their agents are trying to conceal.

Go from room to room using the tips below to prepare the property

Exteriors are the first impression, this is the first thing that they will see in person as well!

Prior to the photoshoot, ensure that all garage doors are shut, any cars have been removed from sight, where possible, and landscaping is properly looked after; this includes mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and clearing away leaves. Additionally, removing dead foliage and empty planters, any seasonal items or excessive decorations that take attention away from the otherwise beautiful exterior is always suggested.

Entering the home

As soon as you step onto the property, it is essential for visitors to experience a sense of comfort and hospitality. To achieve this, the entrance should be well-kept and neat. Get rid of any outdoor wear such as coats, footwear, school bags, or handbags from this area to help create a more open-feeling atmosphere!

Main Living Spaces

When it comes to living spaces, simplicity is key. An excessive amount of furniture, items or organizing tools can make a property appear crammed and cluttered, giving the impression of having limited storage capacity. The importance of tidying up the property cannot be overstated; all dirty dishes must be washed, countertops decluttered and wiped down before prospective buyers arrive. Furniture should also be strategically arranged to keep the space from feeling cramped. Additionally, it is essential to pay attention to any cords or cables that are visible – a phone charger left by the couch, wires connected to a television set and lamp cords can really muddle up the room’s aesthetic.

Bedrooms

Creating a bedroom that is serene and inviting should be a top priority in any home. Letting go of all clutter and superfluous items allows for a more peaceful atmosphere. Investing in furniture and bedding that compliments each other can make a big difference to how comfortable and warm this space feels.

Bathrooms

Research has revealed that the average person will spend over two years of their lifetime using bathrooms, however these spaces often go overlooked in terms of photography. It’s important to clear away floor mats, mismatched towels and other items from the shower or bathtub to help create an aesthetically pleasing image. To avoid leaving the space looking empty and neglected matching hand and bath towels or a decorate hand soap dispenser can be placed neatly in the bathroom.

Home Office

Having the option to work from home is becoming increasingly popular and so having an area dedicated specifically for it is a great idea. A home office should be a distraction-free space where you can complete undisturbed work in a clean and organised environment. Furnishing this room should be kept to a minimum, removing any unnecessary belongings or information about yourself or your business before taking photographs.

Staging the Property

When it comes to putting a home on the market, its furnishings can often make a big difference in how appealing it is to potential buyers. Unfortunately, not all houses are already well-furnished when the photographs for advertising purposes are taken. Virtual staging gives sellers a great opportunity to show off their property’s potential without having to go through the stress of organizing a professional staging.

Depersonalization of the home

Get rid of last names family photo walls, and especially refrigerator magnets.

Don’t use too many air fresheners because potential buyers will think there is mold or a smell the sellers or agent are trying to cover.

• Make all beds
• Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring and get a cleaner look
• Consider removing some furniture to make the house appear more spacious
• Close all garage doors
• Remove cars, so they are not visible in the pictures
• Attend to landscaping (mow the lawn, trim bushes and remove leaves)
• Remove dead foliage and empty planters
• Remove trash cans
• Remove visible water hoses, ladders, and other tools
• Remove toys and playground supplies
• Remove any seasonal decor (for example, Christmas lights)
• Tidy up outdoor tables, chairs etc. and fluff cushions
• Clean the pool
• Consider adding a few details like candle holders etc to create a cozy atmosphere

Kitchen

• Clear countertops – less is more
• Leave a couple of stylish items on the counter (a coffee maker or a bowl of fruit)
• Hide all dishes; place dirty dishes in the dishwasher
• Hide garbage cans and recycling bins
• Clear the front of the refrigerator of magnets, postcards, photos, etc.
• Clean and/or polish countertops and cabinets to make sure there are no fingermarks
• Clear dining table. Consider having a vase of fresh flowers on the table
• Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
• Remove children’s chairs or high seats

Living room

• Remove magazines, papers, mail, and random clutter
• Arrange books and art in bookshelves, so it looks tidy
• Remove toys
• Remove clutter and clean interior of the fireplace
• If the fireplace has a glass front – clean it
• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
• Hide and/or arrange cables from TV, stereo and other electrical devices

Bedrooms

• Bedding should be in matching colors, have no wrinkles and no discoloring or fading
• Press bed linens and bed skirts
• Make the beds, including decorative pillows/shams if available
• Edges of bedding and sheets when visible should either be tucked neatly or hung straight
• Pillows should be wrinkle-free, fluffed, matching and arranged neatly
• Remove personal belongings like pictures, clothing, electronics, and clutter
• Remove trash cans
• Clean under the bed, remove items that may show in the photos

Kids & guest bedrooms

• Remove personalized items like names and pictures from walls
• Tidy the room: put books in bookshelves, toys in boxes, and put some key toys on shelves for display
• Clean under the bed, removing items that may show in the photos

Home office

• Clear desk
• Hide and/or arrange all the cables
• Hide papers
• Arrange items neatly in a bookshelf
• Remove personalized items

Bathrooms

• Clear countertops. Consider leaving a decorative soap dispenser, etc.
• Put toilet seats down
• Remove shampoo, soap, etc. from showers and tubs
• Remove dirty towels. Hang up clean towels in matching colors
• Remove floor mats

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