Your home’s marketing is the most important piece of the selling puzzle. It begins with your preparation, paired with a great photographer/videographer. AND A GOOD REALTOR!!! Having the items on this checklist completed will ensure that your home will be ready before the photographer arrives. This move will enable you to get the most out of their 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! Remember, great marketing leads to great offers!
1. Clear kitchen counters and sink to enhance space perception for buyers. Remove clutter, leaving only a few decorative items, and clean all surfaces, appliances, sink, and backsplash.
2. Clear and clean bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers by organizing items under the sink and removing clutter from the counter. Neatly folded towels can be left on towel racks for a tidy appearance.
3. Remember to replace burned-out light bulbs in all areas, including ceiling lights and exterior lights. Add extra lamps to brighten dark spaces like basements, using floor lamps for up-lighting to enhance brightness.
4. Ensure optimal lighting for photography by turning on all house lights, including lamps and exterior lights, to welcome the photographer with a well-lit environment.
5. To enhance real estate photos, open all window treatments for natural light. Adjust shades if too bright outside. Clean windows for better shots.
6. Consider removing excess furniture and decorations to create a more spacious and appealing home. Consulting a professional stager can help determine what items to keep or remove for an effective presentation.
7. Consider removing floor mats and runners to make the room appear larger in real estate photography. Roll up and remove floor mats in bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry areas. Consult a stager regarding the necessity of keeping rugs.
8.Turn off ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens for HDR photography to avoid strange effects caused by moving items. It is a professional photography tip.
9. To maintain a tidy appearance and protect personal information, remove magnets, calendars, and personal items from appliance surfaces like the refrigerator.
10. Make all beds with matching sheets, blankets, and pillows to enhance the room’s look. Decorative pillows can add brightness. A well-made bed contributes to the overall cleanliness and appeal of a room.
11. To help buyers envision themselves in your home, remove all personal photos and items throughout, including outdoor spaces, to shift focus to the house itself.
12. Put shoes and jackets in closets to create the impression of ample storage space in the home. Remove these items from view to eliminate distractions for potential buyers.
13.Clear nightstands and dressers by removing clutter like books, bottles, and electronics, leaving only a lamp and one decorative item for a clean, hotel-like look.
14. Ensure no pet items or smells are present in your home before listing it for sale to avoid price reductions and negative feedback from potential buyers. Ask a neutral party for their opinion as you may be accustomed to any lingering pet odors.
15. Clean and trim the front yard and backyard landscaping to create a good first impression for potential buyers.
16. Sweep and clean the porch, patio, or deck regularly in the fall to remove leaves. Stage the area with flowers and decorations to create an inviting entrance for potential homebuyers, showing pride of ownership.
17. Ensure no cars are in the driveway for real estate photos. Remove all vehicles, including those on the road. Request neighbors to clear the street for a clean and inviting look, crucial for drone shots.
18. Hide large garbage cans, lawn equipment, toys, and pet items from real estate photos to avoid distractions. Store trash cans and yard tools in the garage for a clean and professional look.
19. Reveal BBQ grills by taking off covers. Replace rusty ones instead of covering them. TIP: Provided its clean and in good shape!!!
20. Stage the photoshoot area by opening patio umbrellas, dusting off chairs, and setting up with outdoor pillows and flowers for an inviting space.