WHY PREP FOR PHOTOS?

– The First Impression Counts –

Buyers start their search online.

Most home buyers start their search online. It’s very important to make the first impression a great one! Follow these tips for real estate photos that show your home at it’s best.

OVERALL

– Tips for all areas in the home –

Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
Turn all overhead lights and lamps on (replace any burned out bulbs)
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all ceiling fans off
Turn all TVs off
Turn all computer screens off
Open blinds/window treatments halfway to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace with non personal art/photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring (it makes the room look bigger too!)
Place all shoes/jackets in closets

FRONT EXTERIOR

Online “curb appeal” – the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see

Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

BACK YARD

The back yard should be a welcoming place to relax or play!

Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Patio furniture pillows/cushions should look new, not faded
Clear out kid’s toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove visible water hoses
Remove/hide trash cans
Organize so that everything looks tidy and in its place

KITCHEN

– Family and friends gather in the kitchen, it deserves attention to detail –

Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher, or preferably have all dishes washed and put away

DINING ROOM / TABLE

– Invite buyers to imagine a nice family meal –

Clear table, dust and polish the table top
Use decorative place setting if available
Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Remove child seats/booster chairs

LIVING / FAMILY ROOM

– The room to enjoy conversation and spend quality time with family –

Clear stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 3-5 items, including art)
Clean fireplace and re-paint if needed
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid’s toys

BEDROOMS

– Create a sanctuary –

MASTER BEDROOM

Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
Press bed linens and bed skirts
Clear nightstands of all personal items
Store away phone/tablet charging cables
Remove all clutter from top of dressers
Remove family photos from walls
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

KID/GUEST BEDROOM

Don’t forget about guest bedrooms

Remove personalized names from walls
Remove wall stickers/posters
Remove diaper genies
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

BATHROOMS

– To appear spa-like and sanitary, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items –

Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats down
Close closet doors
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels
Remove floor mats

PETS

– We love our pets, but their presence should be minimized –

Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Use lint roller or vaccum on furniture to remove pet hair
Contain pets in hidden crate, outside, or off site during showing
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys