HOMEOWNERS GUIDE: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR PROFESSIONAL

RESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Hiring a professional residential property photographer is one of the best things you can do showcase your property. But before the photographer arrives, there are a few things you should do to prepare your home. This article covers all you need to know about preparing your home and maximising your professional photos.

why prep for photos

-First IMPRESSIONS count-

Online Search

It's where 90% of buyers start

The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count. Follow our tips on preparing your home and showing it off to it's fabulous best, ensuring the photos look good and increase your chances of a quicker sale at a higher price point.

GENERAL

-Tips for all areas in the home-

EXTERIOR

  • Thoroughly clean the whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
  • Turn all overhead lights and lamps on
  • Replace all blown lightbulbs
  • Turn all TV's off
  • Turn all computer screens off
  • Open window blinds / curtains to let in outside light
  • Remove personal photographs
  • Make all beds
  • Remove small floor rugs to reveal natural flooring
  • Place all shoes / jackets in closets
-Increase "Curb appeal-

FRONT EXTERIOR

The front exterior is usually the first photo the buyers see online

25

Apr

  • Close garage doors
  • Remove cars from driveway and front of home
  • Clean up landscaping ( mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves )
  • Remove empty planters / pots
  • Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
  • Remove visible water hoses
  • Remove toys, sports ball, basketball rings, soccer goals etc

BACK YARD

The backyard should be an area to relax

  • Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables / chairs / cushions
  • Pillows / cushions / throws should be fresh not faded
  • Clear out all kid's toys, balls, bikes etc.
  • Turn on fountains / water features
  • Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
  • Remove visible water hoses
  • Remove rubbish cans / wheelie bins

DINING ROOM / TABLE

BEDROOMS

-A place to rest for you and guests-

PETS

LIVING / FAMILY ROOM

-A space to enjoy and spend quality time with the family-

KITCHEN

The heart of the home, deserves special attention

BATHROOMS

  • Clear countertops completely. NO knife blocks, baking supplies, mail etc.
  • Leave out max of one small appliance (eg. coffee maker )
  • Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos etc.
  • Hide waste bins in cupboards or utility room
  • Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher
-Allow buyers to imagine a nice family meal-
  • Clear table, dust and polish the table top
  • Use decorative place setting if possible
  • Feature one centre piece such as bouquet of flowers
  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
  • Remove child seats / booster chairs
  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, post etc
  • De-clutter fireplace mantel / hearth (no more than 5 items incl. art)
  • Clean interior of fireplace
  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
  • Remove kids toys
  • Make bed, including decorative pillows / throws if available
  • Press bed linens and bed skirts
  • Clear nightstands of all personal items
  • Store away phone / tablet charging cables
  • Remove all clutter from top of dressers
  • Remove family photos from walls
  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

MASTER BEDROOM

A good nights rest recharges the body and mind

KID / GUEST BEDROOM

Don't forget about guest bedrooms

  • Remove personalised names from walls
  • Remove wall stickers / posters
  • Remove baby changing units
  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in photos
-To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items-
  • Clear countertops completely. NO soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant etc
  • Put toilet seats down
  • Close closet doors / cabinets
  • Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs etc. from showers and baths
  • Remove dirty towels - leave out only new unused towels
  • Remove floor mats
-Pets are loving, but their presence should be minimised-
  • Place food and water bowls in utility or closet
  • Place pets beds / toys in utility or closet
  • Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
  • Clear backyard of pet waste / toys

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.