Optimize the marketability of your listing!
Professional photography is the #1 factor determining how much money your property will sell for. While the quality of the photography is important, it’s essential to ensure your house is clean and organized to make it as attractive as possible. Would you view a house with burned-out lightbulbs and clutter everywhere? Using these simple steps, you can ensure your property looks stunning from the inside out!
Start early. Take it from the Mile High Home Pro, Matt Metcalf: being early is everything! “Showing up early to your photo sessions for properties is extremely important. It allows you to help prepare the house before the photographer shows up, which allows them to spend their time getting the best shots with the best lighting instead of prepping the home.”
Interiors
Interiors can sometimes be tricky as they consist of big-picture preparations and small details. Overall, make sure everything is tidied and wiped down for the interior spaces, and remove personal items such as family pictures and holiday decor. Open all curtains in the home and twist the blinds open, but don’t worry about pulling them up. If pets are present, let them outside, in the garage or the basement. Also, simple staging is an easy trick to add interest to a space. Place unobtrusive decorative items on counters and tables. These may include fresh flowers or fruit, vases, lit candles, and more. If possible, hide any cords throughout the house.
Let’s move into the specifics:
Lighting
- Turn on all lights
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs
Kitchen
- Remove fridge magnets
- Stow away loose items in cupboards
- Wipe down counters
- Remove non-decorative items such as dish soap, paper towel rolls, sponges
Bathrooms
- Lower toilet seats
- Remove non-decorative items (i.e. soaps, lotions, mouthwash, toothbrushes)
- Wipe down counters
Bedrooms
- Make beds
- Fluff pillows
- Hide laundry
- Remove personal items
Exteriors
Not all listings will come with freshly landscaped yards, but there are ways to quickly maximize curb appeal for listing photos:- Hide lawn equipment
- Dispose of pet waste
- Get lawn mowed
- Sweep walkways
- Remove any flags
- Remove vehicles from the driveway
- Close garage door (if applicable)
Ensure that your property is photo-ready with this pre-shoot checklist!
Why curb appeal matters for real estate photos
Improving a home’s curb appeal by tidying up, doing a deep clean, making repairs, and updating the landscaping will capture the attention of potential buyers online. With beautiful curb appeal, your real estate images will impress prospective home buyers and help the home sell faster.
FAQ
Ensure the interior end exterior look clean and inviting. Remove personal items like family pictures and holiday decor to create a neutral appeal. Open curtains and twist blinds to allow natural light in.
No, real estate photographers shoot properties as is. To encourage competitive offers and selling your listing at the highest asking price, make sure you take the time to properly prepare your listing before photos.
Yes, staging can have a significant impact on the final sale price of a property. Properly staged homes often sell for higher prices than unstaged ones by showcasing the property’s potential and helping buyers envision themselves living there.
