LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
HOW TO PREPARE A HOME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to showing off a property, it’s all about presentation, presentation, presentation.
How you live in your home and how you sell your home are two separate things.
Because most buyers start their home search online, and buy on emotion, your professional photographs,and the presentation of your home, can determine whether your property is on a buyers ‘must-see’ list.
To attract buyers, you don’t necessarily need to spend money to prepare your home for its camera debut – just a little time, effort, and a few boxes.
Clearing out clutter and personal items will help potential buyers picture their own things around the rooms, and imagine themselves living in and enjoying your home.
To make your home photogenic, put away family photographs, memorabilia, ornaments, collections, as many personal items as possible to give your home a clean and Spartan look.
Think about model homes and hotels you’ve enjoyed. The flow of the space is inviting and relaxing because it is uncluttered, has minimal amounts of furniture, and only one or two accent pieces.
Try moving the furniture away from the walls and ‘float’ it throughout the room in inviting little groups. If there is too much furniture, sell or give away a few pieces, store it at friends, put it in the garage or attic, or get a temporary storage space.
Give all counter tops a clean sweep by hiding kitchen gadgets and appliances. Remove all artwork, photos, and magnets from the fridge. The kitchen should be ‘empty’ except for an attractive vase of flowers or bowl of fruit on the counter. If you’re feeling creative, set the table for your home’s special occasion photo shoot.
A small plant or a few candles is all you need on the bathroom counter. Polish mirrors and faucets, put away jewelry, cosmetics, bath products, medications, tooth and hair brushes. Close the toilet seat!
Put clothes away and clear off dressers and night tables in the bedrooms. Hide everything unnecessary in the closet or under the bed.
Before the photographer arrives, turn on all the lights inside and out, replace burnt out bulbs, and tuck away lamp and electronics cords. Open drapes and blinds, or turn blind slats so you can see outside.
For a great first and last impression, remove any yard clutter. Put hoses, garden equipment, ladders, toys, bikes, and balls in the garage. Straighten patio furniture and remove any pool or hot tub covers. A nice flowering plant outside the door can add a welcoming touch.
REMEMBER – It’s all about presentation!
CHECKLIST
GENERAL
- Turn on all interior and exterior lights and lamps. Replace burnt out bulbs. Ceiling fanlights on, blades not moving. Daylight bulbs in 65 watts will show off your rooms in the most flattering light.
- Open all drapes and blinds or turn blinds so you can see out windows
- Put away personal photos, ornaments, and collections – all possible clutter
- Remove all small scatter rugs, shoe mats, and bathroom mats. Rooms look bigger without them
- Vacuum, clean
- Check windows are reasonably clean
- Remove coats and shoes from entrance ways
LIVING AREAS
- Remove clutter, ornaments, collections, toys,personal photos
- Turn on fireplace and clear off mantle
- Hide remote controls, magazines and newspapers
- Hide power bars and wires as much as possible
- Remove scatter rugs
- Clear off desks, tables
- Straighten bookcases and remove unnecessary items
- Arrange furniture to increase spaciousness of rooms
- Remove pet beds and toys from floor
KITCHEN
- Kitchen counters photograph best when as empty as possible. Remove all possible counter top appliances
- Remove all scatter rugs
- Hide trashcan
- Put away dishes, pots, soap, sponges, ornaments, calendars, personal photos, papers
- Remove all dishtowels including any on oven door handle
- Remove decorations, photos and magnets from fridge
- Put pet water/food bowls out of sight
BATHROOMS
- Clear counter (toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, cosmetics etc.)
- Remove everything from bath/shower areas (shampoo, cloths etc.)
- Remove anything on back of door, hide
- Hide trash cans, toilet brushes etc.
- Close toilet seat lids!
- Polish mirrors & faucets
BEDROOMS
- Make beds – check sheets don’t show below blanket/duvet
- Clear off dressers and night tables (jewelry, medication, ornaments etc.) and hide electrical cords.
- Remove any excess items from floor or chairs (boxes, bags,backpacks etc.). Put away all clothes, shoes/slippers.
- Remove everything hanging on back of doors
EXTERIOR
- Turn on exterior lights and replace burnt out bulbs
- Remove hoses, garden tools, ladders, garbage cans, recycling bins, toys, and any ‘cute’ lawn ornaments
- Spring to Fall – mow lawn, rake leaves, trim bushes, remove any dead plants and excessive spider webs
- Snow – clear driveway, path and entrance way
- Remove all vehicles from driveway – and front of house if possible
- Arrange outdoor furniture
- Remove any pool or hot tub covers, equipment, and place out of sight
- If possible water lawn before the photographer comes – improves colour and adds a little sparkle.
Shane Kelley – Photographer at Pixilink Solutions Ltd.