Welcome Homeowner!
So you've decided to put your home on the market, now what? Well, I'd say it's time to start thinking like a buyer. Most buyers are going to start the new home search online which means that you need to make a great first impression to prepare your house for real estate photos. As a home stager and photo stylist I can tell you that cameras don't lie so it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.
Preparing Your House For Real Estate Photos - The Living / Family Room
Buyers want to imagine themselves spending quality time in this space.
Remove magazines, mail, remote controllers and kids toys.
Purchase fresh new pillows and a throw for your sofa.
Restyle your mantle using 3 - 5 decorative elements.
Add an arrangement of fresh cut flowers.
Preparing Your House For Real Estate Photos - The Bedrooms
You want to create a place for rest for both you and your guests.
Pre-pack this room as much as possible so that you create a hotel like feel.
Remove all tablets, phones and personal family photos.
Clear the tops of nightstands and dressers.
Clean under the bed and do not store anything in there - it shows up in photos.
Make the beds up with fresh white sheets with some accents colors.
Add fresh flowers.
Preparing Your House For Real Estate Photos - The Kitchen
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in their new kitchen, so give them a show.
Clear countertops......completely. No spoon rests, knife blocks, mail etc.
Store away small appliances.
Clear the outside of the refrigerator - remove magnets, kids art, photos, calendars etc.
Remove the garbage cans for the photo.
Put all dishes away in the dishwasher, put sponge and dishwashing liquid under the sink.
You can enhance the space with the following items: A bowl of fresh fruit (I like green apples or lemons), fresh cut flowers like forsythia or potted herbs. These items definitely give life to to the space.
Preparing Your House For Real Estate Photos - The Dining Room Table
You want your buyer to be able to imagine family meals and gatherings in this space so here's how to prepare this space.
Clear the table completely and clean, dust or polish.
Add a runner and one bouquet of fresh cut flowers.
Straighten all of the chairs and remove child or booster seats.
Preparing Your House For Real Estate Photos - The Bathroom
Buyers want a clean spa like bathroom.
Clear countertops.
Put the toilet seats down.
Put out fresh new towels.
Remove all personal hygiene items from counters, shower and bath.