When you’re getting ready to sell your home, one of the most important steps in the process is ensuring it looks its absolute best in photos. Buyers often make their first impression based on online listings, so high-quality, well-prepared photos are essential. A professional photographer can make your home shine, but it’s up to you to make sure everything is ready before the camera starts clicking.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prep your home for a successful real estate photo shoot, so you can attract more potential buyers and sell your home faster.
The Key to Success: Be Prepared Ahead of Time
Note: The photographer is there to capture the home, not to move furniture, clean, or organize. You’ll need to do all the prep work beforehand. With a little effort, your home will look polished, spacious, and inviting — exactly what buyers are looking for.
Interior Prep: Making Your Space Shine
1. Turn on All Lights
Lighting is essential for creating bright, welcoming photos. Ensure every light in the house is turned on, including overhead lights, table lamps, and exterior lights like garage or porch lights. Bright, well-lit rooms create an inviting atmosphere and can make the space feel larger.
Pro Tip: If possible, leave all lights on during showings, not just for photos, as it helps create a warm, welcoming environment.
2. Open All Blinds and Curtains
Natural light is a game-changer. Opening all blinds and curtains allows the maximum amount of sunlight to pour into your space, creating a bright and airy feel.
Pro Tip: If you’re concerned about the view, you can close blinds in rooms where the scenery isn’t ideal, but always prioritize letting in as much natural light as possible.
3. Clear Countertops and Surfaces
Cluttered spaces can make a room appear smaller and less inviting. Clear off all kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and other visible surfaces to make the space feel more open.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to remove personal items like sponges, drying racks, and magnets on the refrigerator. If you can, pack away non-essential kitchen appliances to keep surfaces clean and spacious.
4. Tidy Up Personal Items
Buyers need to envision themselves in the home, and personal items like family photos and knick-knacks can be distracting. Minimize the number of personal items in your home before photos are taken.
Pro Tip: Clear off nightstands, coffee tables, and dressers, and store away any toiletries or personal hygiene items in the bathroom. The goal is to create a neutral canvas where buyers can imagine their own belongings.
5. Remove Pet Items
Pet-related items like bowls, beds, toys, and crates can be distracting and, in some cases, even off-putting to certain buyers.
Pro Tip: If possible, take your pets for a walk during the shoot. Also, remove any pet-related items like food bowls, leashes, or toys from sight to avoid any distractions in the photos.
6. Make the Bathrooms Sparkle
Bathrooms are high-traffic areas that buyers will scrutinize, so they must be spotless. Clean the counters, mirrors, sinks, and toilets, and ensure there’s no dust or grime.
Pro Tip: Hang fresh, neatly arranged towels, and store away any toiletries that aren’t decorative. A clean bathroom makes a huge impact and gives the impression that the home is well-maintained.
7. Organize Bedrooms
A clutter-free bedroom is a tranquil and inviting space. Ensure beds are neatly made, and remove any items that don’t belong, like laundry or electronics.
Pro Tip: Keep nightstands simple with only a few decorative items. Avoid overloading your space with too much furniture, which can make the room feel smaller.
8. Closet Prep
While closets may not be the focus of the photo shoot, an organized closet can still be an important selling point. Buyers will notice how much storage space there is, so keep your closets neat and tidy.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the closet. For less-than-perfect closets, consider keeping the doors closed during the shoot to avoid a distraction.
9. Keep Toilet Lids Closed
A small but important detail: leaving toilet lids up can make the bathroom look messy and unkempt.
Pro Tip: Always make sure the toilet lids are down before the photographer arrives—this will keep the bathroom looking tidy and polished.
Exterior Prep: Curb Appeal Matters
1. Clear the Driveway
A clutter-free driveway helps the home feel more spacious and looks tidier in photos. It also allows potential buyers to envision parking and entering the home without distractions.
Pro Tip: Move any cars out of the driveway, close the garage door, and ensure the area is free of items like bikes, tools, or trash bins.
2. Tidy the Yard
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see, so it’s essential to keep the yard neat and inviting. Trim overgrown bushes, roll up hoses, and remove any visible tools or clutter.
Pro Tip: Make sure the lawn is mowed, and add a few potted plants or flowers for extra curb appeal.
3. Remove Seasonal Decorations
While seasonal decorations like Christmas wreaths or Halloween pumpkins might be fun, they can make the home feel less versatile.
Pro Tip: If you have seasonal decor, remove it before the photo shoot to ensure the home is presented in a way that appeals to buyers year-round.
4. Take Down Security Signs
Security system signs can be distracting in photos and may not appeal to all buyers.
Pro Tip: If possible, remove security system signs temporarily to make the exterior photos look cleaner and less cluttered.
General Tips for a Successful Shoot
1. Less Is More
Clutter can detract from the appeal of your home, so less is more when it comes to staging for photos.
Pro Tip: Treat the photo shoot like a showing—if you can, step out for an hour or two while the photographer captures your home. This will help prevent distractions and ensure the best shots.
2. Be Ready Before the Photographer Arrives
The photographer’s time is valuable, so having your home prepped and ready will ensure a smooth, efficient shoot.
Pro Tip: Make sure all lights are on, blinds are open, and the space is clear of clutter before the photographer arrives. The more prepared you are, the better the final photos will be.
3. Trust the Process
Professional photographers know how to highlight your home’s best features. Trust their expertise to capture the best angles and lighting.
Pro Tip: Don’t stress about the small details during the shoot. Focus on getting your home ready, and let the photographer work their magic.
Conclusion: The Power of Great Photos
The quality of your home’s photos can make a significant impact on its appeal to potential buyers. By following these preparation tips, you can ensure that your home is presented in the best possible light. Whether it’s clearing clutter, perfecting the lighting, or creating an inviting atmosphere, these simple steps will help your home stand out online and make a lasting impression on buyers. Happy prepping!
Ready to Sell Your Home? We’re Here to Help!
Selling your home is a big step, and we’re here to make it easy. From pricing to prepping, we’ll guide you through the process for a smooth sale.
Contact us today at 305-310-1661 for a complimentary consultation. Let’s get started!