For most buyers, the first showing of your home happens on a phone. The photos and video decide whether they book a visit. A few days of preparation before the photographer arrives can make your home look its best online and in person.
Start with less
Clear counters, shelves and tables of most of what is on them. Pack away personal photos, collections and paperwork. Remove extra furniture so rooms look open and easy to walk through. A good rule: if it does not help a buyer picture living there, put it in a box for now.
Clean like it is inspection day
Clean windows inside and out, mirrors, light fixtures and floors. Replace burnt-out bulbs and use the same colour of bulb throughout each room so the light looks even in photos. Fresh paint on scuffed walls and trim often pays for itself.
Room by room
Kitchen: clear the counters except for one or two simple items. Hide dish soap, sponges, magnets and the trash can.
Bathrooms: put away toiletries, hang fresh matching towels, close the toilet lids.
Bedrooms: make the beds with smooth, light bedding. Clear the nightstands.
Living areas: straighten cushions, open the blinds, and turn on every light for the shoot.
Outside matters too
Mow and edge the lawn, trim shrubs, sweep the walks and the porch, and move cars, bins and hoses out of sight. A clean front door and a simple plant or two by the entry make the first photo welcoming. In winter, clear the snow from the drive and walks before the photographer arrives.
On shoot day
Plan to be out of the house, with pets, while the photographer and videographer work. Leave every light on and every ceiling fan off. If the home has a view or a yard that looks best at a certain time of day, tell your agent so the shoot can be scheduled then.
What we do for our sellers
We arrange professional photography and video for our listings, and our launch pages bring the photos, video and the story of your home together in one place to share. If you are getting ready to sell, contact The Luxury Agency and we will walk through your home with you and make a simple plan for the photos.
