Clear off kitchen counters and clean sink
When the kitchen counters are completely cleared off, it makes the kitchen look more appealing, and buyers can imagine how they might use the space. Coffee makers, mixers, and decorations distract buyers and often make the kitchen feel cluttered. Remove everything but perhaps a few decorative items from the countertops and clean all surface areas, including the appliances, kitchen sink, and backsplash.
Clear > Clean Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, and Showers
Place all of the shampoo bottles, soaps, shaving razors, and other items into a bin that can be hidden. This step will help your bathroom look bigger. Take all items off of the bathroom counter. Clean, neatly folded towels on towel racks are acceptable. Close toilet bowls as well.
This step is one of the most overlooked items on the list. Be sure to check all of the ceiling lights, as well as extra lamps and exterior lights, to make sure that they all work. If there are dark areas in the homes, such as a basement, add a few extra lamps to brighten them up if you can. Floor lamps that provide up-lighting are great. The more light, the better! Turn on all light throughout the house lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography. It's essential to have as much light as possible. Turn on all of the lights in the house, including lamps and exterior lights. We will be happy to find your home in its brightest light and we will do our best to turn them off as we leave.
Open All Window TreatmentsNatural light from windows brings the outdoors into real estate photos. We recommend opening all of the window treatments throughout the entire house to let in as much light as possible. If it's too bright outside, your photographer will alter your shades and curtains to balance the shot. Don't forget to clean the windows!
Remove Unnecessary Furniture > Decorations
This is probably the most difficult request for sellers, but it's one of the most important items on the list. Removing and storing excess or large bulky furniture can be challenging, but it opens up the floor space and makes the home look much more extensive. If you can not do this we understand but please try to remove decorations and personal photos. This is truly one of those situations where "less is more."
Remove Floor Mats and Runners
Floor mats and runners are great at protecting your floors, but they can make the overall floor space look cluttered. We recommend getting rid of as many floor mats as possible. We use a wide-angle lens that makes rooms look larger. Floor mats tend to get skewed with this effect. Make sure to roll up and remove all of the floor mats in the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry areas.
Turn All Ceiling Fans, TVs, and Computer Screens OffWe do use HDR photography, which takes multiple light exposures for each photo and combines them into one final shot. Any moving items like ceiling fans or active TV/Computer screens look very strange in HDR. For this reason, we recommend turning off anything that moves or causes motion blur.
Clear Appliance Surfaces of Magnets and ClutterIt's common to keep magnets, notes, reminders, and other personal information on the refrigerator. This kind of clutter can be distracting for buyers, so de-clutter these areas. We ask our sellers to remove all magnets, calendars, and personal items from the refrigerator. It will not only make your home appear tidier, but it also keeps your personal info safe from the general public.
Make All of the BedsThis is an obvious one that surprisingly gets overlooked often, especially in the secondary bedrooms. Be sure to make and decorate all the beds with matching sheets, blankets, and pillows. Use bedding that covers the entire bed and fits the mattress correctly. Use decorative pillows to brighten up the bed, if possible. If a room is clean, and the bed isn't made right we will make an attempt to straighten things out but it's best if it's already done.
Remove All Personal Photos and ItemsIt's hard for buyers to visualize themselves in your house if your personal items are everywhere. Buyers want to believe that the home was made especially for them. You do not want your personal photos all over the internet. You want your buyers to focus on the house and not on you, you'll need to remove all private photos and articles from the entire home—including patios, porches, and garages.
Put All Shoes > Jackets in ClosetsWhen buyers see shoes and jackets on coat racks and entryway floors, they subconsciously assume that the home lacks storage space. This perception is easily fixed by storing these items away. It's best to remove all jackets and shoes from anywhere they be can see throughout the house. Store away any loose items to remove all distractions.
Clear All Night Stands and DressersNightstands tend to accumulate items naturally. Half-read books, prescription bottles, tissues, and electronic devices will quickly clutter these areas. Remove everything but a lamp and one decorative thing, such as a small floral arrangement or decorative book, to make the space look clean and presentable. Think of a freshly cleaned hotel room.
Remove ALL Pet Items
Not everyone has pets. In fact, some people are severely allergic to animals. It's essential to make sure that your house shows no signs of pets, especially pet smells. It is one of the most significant factors of negative feedback from home buyers.
Tidy Up the Yard > Landscaping
First impressions are crucial, so make sure that the front yard is cleaned up. All of the landscaping needs to be trimmed back and tidy. The first picture that people will see of your home will be the outside front yard shot. This photo needs to be presented in its very best condition to grab the buyer's attention immediately.
Sweep up the Porch/Patio/Deck
This step is imperative in the Fall when leaves accumulate daily. Ensure that the entire front and back porches are swept clean, and remove any items you can live without. If possible, stage these areas with flowers (even artificial} and decorative items to create a relaxing space that invites homebuyers in.
Clear All Cars from Road > Driveway
It's never good to have cars in the driveway during your shoot. Always remove all cars, trucks, RVs, and trailers from the house's driveway and front.
Hide All Garbage Cans > Lawn Equipment
Large garbage cans and unsightly lawn equipment can be very distracting in real estate photos. Put all of the trash cans in the garage, along with garden hoses, lawnmowers, and other yard maintenance tools. Keep the lawn free and clear of any small toys and pet items as well.
Remove Outdoor Cooker Covers
It's time to show off that fantastic bar-b-que grill. If you have one don't hide it! Smoker and grill covers should be removed so that cookers are exposed and appear ready for use. Old covers look unsightly. If you have an old grill that you can't part with, get a new cover!
Open Up Patio Umbrellas
If it's not too windy during your photo shoot, be sure to open up any patio umbrellas to stage the area. Dust off chairs and set up the site as you would if you had guests over. Fresh outdoor pillows and flowers will create an inviting space for potential buyers.
Be Prepared to Reschedule
Most photographers work around the weather because it has such a substantial impact on the final marketing materials. Be prepared to have your real estate agent call and reschedule your photoshoot if the weather takes a dramatic turn for the worst.
If you have pets or kids running through the house during a photoshoot, they are likely to be in the photos somewhere. It's best to plan to leave your home and give the photographer a non-occupied space to work with. Even if you're shuffling from room to room to "stay out of the way," it's very distracting and you might have a foot showing somewhere or your elbow! It happens.
When we are finished, we will usually message the Realtor who scheduled the photoshoot to let them know that we are done. If you aren't home, leave instructions to let us know your preferred method of locking up when they leave.
Your home's marketing is the most important piece of the selling puzzle. It begins with your preparation. Having the items on this checklist completed will ensure that your home will be ready before your photographer arrives. This move will enable you to get the most out of our time and talent. You've likely done a lot of work to get your home ready to sell. Don't fizzle out at the end when these details matter the most!