In today’s real estate marketing world, the majority of home buyers begin their search online. With this in mind, first impressions are important. Think about what type if image you want to portray that will make that first impression count!

Below is a list of recommendations for preparing your property for listing media (pictures and video). Remember, the more effort you put into it the more you get out of it. Everyone has a different eye for details and everyone’s style is a little bit different. You want your property to be appealing to a broad range of viewers.

Pro Tip ~

 

Purchase clear plastic totes with lids that store easily at home or in your office. You can provide these to your listing clients for quick and easy storage of excess personal items right before your listing photography appointment

Exterior

• Prepare the yard and exterior areas. This can include trash cans in the garage or off to the side of the home, hoses coiled up or put in the garage, basic landscaping and general cleaning. The front of the property will be the first thing shown in the listing most times so here is where you show off your curb appeal.
• If possible pressure wash all walkways, patios, lanais, driveways and pool deck.
• If you do have a pool have it cleaned and all pool furniture wiped down as well. Stow away pool cleaning equipment and make sure there are no float toys in the pool.

Interior

• Check all light bulbs and if possible replace any multi light fixtures with the same type bulbs (color & brightness)
• Go through the home and have a look at the photos and family knick knacks on the shelves and walls. If there are a lot and if they are obvious you may consider taking them down and replacing with something generic for the photo session.
• De-clutter in general. Remember, for real estate photography listing photos less is better in most cases. (TIP: We won’t be taking photos of closets and in most cases garages so feel free to fill them up!)
• Have a good look at the kitchen area. Stow away all spices, food items, paper towels and napkins. Clean countertops and stove area. Take all photos and notes and magnets off of refrigerator and wipe it down.
• Have a good look at bathrooms. Stow away all medications on counters as well as soaps and shampoos in showers and around bathtubs. Take down any robe, used towels and remove bathmats. Put the dustbin in the closet.

The photographer will arrive and be ready to begin at the scheduled appointment time. This means some things should be done prior to the scheduled time on the day of the shoot. This way we can get started on time and finish on time as delays may create additional charges.

If you have pets or small children you may consider having them away from the property for the scheduled session.

Exterior

• All cars should be moved out of the driveways and from directly in front of the property. If aerial photography is being done at least a house or two away on the opposite side of the street is advisable.
• Check again for garden hoses, sprinklers, fallen branches and garbage cans.
• If there is a “For Sale” sign it should be removed for photos.
• Remove all toys and personal items from yard and double check pool area for floating toys and cleaning equipment.
• Sweep walkway, patio and driveway if needed to remove larger debris.

Interior

• Turn ALL lights ON and ALL fans OFF. Double check for bulbs out.
• Turn OFF ALL televisions and computer monitors.
• Stow away smaller items (TV remotes, tissue boxes, small trash cans, etc.)
• Check kitchen area again for food items and countertop clutter.
• Check bathrooms again for personal items (toothbrushes, soaps, medications, etc). Toilet lids down.
• Check floors for items such as pet toys, pet beddings and cages.
• Check bedrooms and beds. Close closet doors.
• Open all curtains, vertical and horizontal blinds and storm shutters. (The photographer will adjust blinds if needed)

Staging (optional)

• Smaller fresh flower arrangements can be placed on counter tops or tables.
• Place settings on dining room and breakfast nook tables.
• Small stack of design magazines on living room table.
• Fresh, new pillows for furniture and beds.
• Use odd numbers and a varity of sizes.
• Towels folded uniquely around basins and shower area.
• Pool area set up nicely (place settings around patio furniture)

No matter the size or value of your property, the time and effort put forth in preparing for listing photographs will always provide a great return on investment!