Prepping a Property for Photos
A good photographer is key and we will be posting a blog soon on keys to identifying the best photographer in your area, however, getting good photos is a two-way process. The seller or agent should make sure the following is done prior to photos to present the property in its best light:
INDOORS
Clear all counters of small appliances including toaster oven and microwave
Clean all the dishes and the kitchen sink
Remove all magnets, photos, etc., from refrigerator
Put away all dishes, clothing, toys, laundry, towels, shoes, etc
Polish stainless steel appliances
Put away any charging cables, computers, or electronics
Dust and vacuum
Make all the beds, fluff the pillows, straighten bedding
Remove all posters and stickers from kids room walls and doors
Fluff any accent pillows on furniture and beds
Throw blankets should match or coordinate
Remove all bottles, washcloths, sponges, razors, loofas from showers and tubs
Put away all medicines and vitamin bottles
Put out fresh white bath towels and hide the others
Toilet seats and lids down, toilet brushes, plungers and trash cans put away
Replace all toilet paper rolls with fresh ones and hide spares
Remove floor mats, runners, and scatter rugs
Shower curtains should be clean and wrinkle-free
Windows, shower glass and mirrors should be clean
Make sure people and pets are out of the house during shooting
Depersonalize by removing any family photos
Remove any personal items from nightstands and tables
Make sure all light bulbs are working and are the same color temperature. Some bulbs will cast off yellow light, some white, some blue; white is preferable
Turn on all lights including cabinet lights, stove, and under-cabinet lights
Turn off ceiling fans at least an hour before the photographer arrives
Mop floors the day before
Lighting the fireplace is a nice touch in winter, but photographers can add flames during the post editing process
Open all blinds, shades and curtains and make sure blinds are all at the same level
Put away all potentially questionable or offensive art including nudes, pornography, and anything that could be construed as racially biased
Put away pet food and water dishes, litter boxes, beds and toys
Put away any seasonal or holiday décor as these can quickly date your photos
Secure all valuables
Hide or remove any visible cables or extension cords
If the house is vacant or missing basic pieces of furniture, accessories, art, or rugs, call a qualified stager to help make your home look magazine-ready
Outdoors:
Have windows professionally cleaned
Move trash cans to side of house
Roll up garden hoses and put away outside toys, garden tools and bikes
Sweep walkways, patios, balconies, garages and decks
Clean-up after pets or other animals
Give agent and/or photographer instructions on how to turn on outside landscape lighting and pool lights
Power wash or hose down concrete or pavement areas the day before to avoid drying marks and puddles
Move cars from driveway and park at least a few houses away and, if possible, remove cars from curb in front of property
Outdoor furniture should be clean, in good order and arranged neatly in the proper places
Pool should be uncovered and clean and lights working. Remove security fencing for photos.
Remove pool toys, pool cleaning gear, and hoses
Uncover grill and remove items around grill and outdoor kitchen areas
Remove yard art, statuary, and holiday or seasonal decorations
Fix or replace broken landscape lighting, replace bulbs
In colder climates, shovel snow from patios, decks, walkways, and driveways
Open umbrellas. Remove umbrellas that are faded or tattered.
Have landscapers tidy everything up—blow leaves, cut grass, etc
Trim hedges, trees, especially if they are blocking the view
Consider planting brightly-colored flowers or succulents in flower beds
Spread new bark or mulch, preferably a darker brown bark type rather than shredded wood
Pots and planters need to have healthy-looking plants and flowers in them, so replant or remove them to the side of the house or garage
For arial shoots, make sure the rooftops are clean and free of debris
The House Whisperers is a top award-winning staging company that stages prolifically both vacant and occupied homes throughout Southern California. Call us today for a quick home staging estimate over the phone at 858-335-9577. We can also schedule a complimentary quick quote or paid consultation to help you prioritize and make cost-effective cosmetic changes to maximize your sales time and proceeds. In times of quarantine, these services can, of course, be performed via Facetime or Zoom.
For more info, visit www.house-whisperers.com
Special thanks to the Professional Real Estate Photography Facebook Group including Karlton Warren, Amy Knight, Richard King, Karl Boudreau, and Trent Og for contributions to this list.