Getting your home ready and showcasing it with exceptional professional photography are key to a successful sale. A well-staged home paired with stunning photos attracts more showings, speeds up the sale, and often results in stronger offers.
Here’s how to prepare your home for the photographer.
INSIDE YOUR HOME:
Find the Right Balance with De-Cluttering
A cluttered home can feel chaotic and cramped, while an overly bare space can seem cold and uninviting. Strive for a happy medium by removing excess items while allowing your home to feel warm and lived-in. This balance will help potential buyers envision themselves in the space.
Let Natural Light In
Natural light enhances the warmth of your home and makes it feel more spacious. Open all curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to flood in, showcasing the property’s features. Take advantage of bright days for your photo session to maximize the impact of natural light.
Turn On All Lights
In addition to natural light, ensure all artificial lighting is on. This includes overhead lights, lamps, and accent lighting. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and ensure all light bulbs are bright and consistent in color. A well-lit space feels inviting and cheerful, which is crucial for making a good impression in photos.
Turn Off Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be distracting in photos, so turn them off. This helps keep the focus on your beautiful rooms rather than any spinning blades.
Clean Up Thoroughly
While your home shouldn’t be spotless, it should be tidy. Clear away any trash, vacuum carpets, and mop hard floors. Conceal remote controls, trash cans, and visible cords to create a clean look.
Kitchen
The kitchen is often a focal point for buyers. Clear countertops of all cookware, knives, appliances, and paper towels. Ensure that the refrigerator and freezer are free of magnets and pictures. Remove dishes from the sink and relocate the trash can to the garage to create an uncluttered appearance.
Bedrooms
Make the beds and tidy bedside tables by removing personal items. Close dresser drawers and pick up any clothes lying around. Consider removing hampers to create a more spacious feel.
Bathrooms
Remove all toiletries from showers, countertops, and sinks. Place fresh towels in the bathrooms and ensure that used towels are removed. Thoroughly clean toilets, bathtubs, mirrors, and sinks, and remember to close the toilet lid for a polished look.
Dining Room
Keep the dining room table clear, or set it simply with a tasteful centerpiece. If you have young children, don’t forget to remove high chairs or booster seats to create.
Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home. Remove shoes, jackets, keys, sunglasses, and other personal items to create a welcoming first impression.
Manage Pets
If you have pets, putting them in a safe space where they won’t be photographed is best. Remove pet-related items such as crates, bowls, beds, litter boxes, and food containers to avoid distractions.
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME:
Clear Clutter
Remove any tools, toys, garden hoses, or other objects from your yard and patio areas. A clean exterior is essential for creating a positive first impression.
Sweep the Walkway
Sweep away debris from the front walkway and clean up after pets to maintain a tidy appearance.
Trim Landscaping
A well-maintained yard enhances curb appeal. Trim the lawn, hedges, and trees to create a neat and inviting outdoor space. Regular maintenance shows potential buyers that the home has been cared for.
Mow and Edge the Lawn
A freshly mowed lawn presents a polished look that can make your home more attractive. Edging along pathways and driveways adds a professional touch.
Remove Vehicles from the Driveway
Remove cars from the driveway during the photo session to enhance curb appeal. This allows a full view of the home’s exterior and can make the property look larger.
Add Outdoor Furniture & Potted Plants
If you have patio furniture or a grill, clean them thoroughly. Place outdoor pillows on chairs for a touch of style along with colorful potted plants. This can help buyers visualize outdoor living spaces.
Conceal Trash Cans
Place trash cans in the garage or at the curb to keep them out of sight. This will enhance the home’s appearance in photos.
Plan Around Trash Day
Avoid scheduling your photo session on trash day. Trash bins or bags can detract from the home’s overall appearance, so ensure they are out of sight during your professional photo shoot.
HELPFUL TIP: The garage is typically not photographed and can be used to store items you remove from inside and outside home.
Make Your Home Shine with Expert Staging
Staging your home effectively is crucial for attracting buyers and achieving a successful sale. By preparing your property’s interior and exterior with the proper techniques, you can create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers. For personalized assistance and expert guidance, don’t hesitate to contact Nagy Properties at 704-533-3838. Let us help you make your home shine and stand out in the competitive real estate market!