PREPARING FOR A PHOTO SHOOT
With the majority of home buyers starting their searches online, it’s essential your home stand out in the listing photos.
Consider the following to assure it looks bright, spacious, fresh and uncluttered.
FRESHEN
AND CLEAN
BRIGHTEN
Before the photo shoot starts,
create as much light as possible.
Turn on all interior lights, open
drapes and blinds and light candles
to create warm ambiance.
Re-paint surfaces that show stains,
scuffs or damage. Thoroughly clean
house, top to bottom.
advertising
DECLUTTER
OUTSIDE
Put away magazines, toys, newspapers
and family photographs. Hide evidence
of pets. Remove calendars, bulletin
boards and anything that could date the
photos (ex. seasonal decorations).
Clear photos and magnets from
refrigerator door.
Hide empty planters, hoses, trash
cans, games, balls, pet houses, etc.
Close garage doors and remove cars
from driveway and in front
of home.
DECLUTTER INSIDE
DE-PERSONALIZE
To make home look spacious,
decrease amount of furniture in each
room and carefully group what’s left. Clear
kitchen and bathroom countertops; thin
number of objects on other surfaces.
Trim books and knick-knacks. Reduce
the contents of closets so they
appear only half full.
ACCESSORIZE
Add pop to each room with fresh
flowers, attractive vases, colorful afghans,
new towels, etc. On broad countertops,
display one small, attractive object
(ex. unique espresso maker) to provide
scale. Outside, replace dead plants and
add bright-colored flowers in pots
or planted in the ground.
Sources: Real Estate Staging Association, National Association of Realtors, Better Homes and Gardens Blog