Preparing Your Home for Listing Photos: A Seller's Guide

When selling your home, first impressions matter. With so many potential buyers browsing online listings, having high-quality photos of your home can make all the difference. Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare your home for photos that will stand out and attract buyers.

Declutter and Depersonalize

The goal is to make your home feel spacious and inviting while allowing potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Here’s how to achieve that:

• Remove personal items such as family photos, children’s toys, posters or specific décor that could distract buyers.

• Declutter surfaces like kitchen counters, coffee tables, and bathroom vanities. Minimalism is key to making rooms look larger.

• Clear closets and storage areas as buyers may want to see them. This also helps to convey that the home has ample storage space.

Deep Clean Every Room

A spotless home looks newer and more inviting:

• Dust all surfaces, including light fixtures and ceiling fans.

• Clean windows inside and out for maximum natural light.

• Mop floors, vacuum carpets, and clean rugs. (Carpets may require steam or spot cleaning.)

• Don't forget baseboards, corners, and other often-overlooked areas.

• Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a thorough job.

Maximize Natural Light

Bright homes photograph better. Before the photographer arrives:

• Open all blinds and curtains to let in as much light as possible.

• Turn on all lights, even during the day, to enhance brightness and warmth.

• Replace dim bulbs with brighter, energy-efficient alternatives.

Stage Each Room

You don’t need to hire a professional stager, but focusing on simple changes can elevate the look of each room.

• Living Room: Arrange furniture to create a welcoming space and add decorative throw pillows or blankets to make it feel cozy.

• Kitchen: Clear countertops of small appliances, put away dishes and dish racks, remove all magnets and clutter off the refrigerator, and place a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase with flowers as a focal point.

• Bedrooms: Make beds neatly with fresh linens and fluff pillows. Large walk-in closets may be photographed so it should be neat and tidy. 

• Bathrooms: Replace worn towels with fresh ones, hide personal toiletries, and add a small plant or decorative soap to enhance the look. Toilet lids should all be down, and toilet paper rolls full.

• Laundry Room: The laundry room should be free of clothes.

Focus on Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first image buyers will see, so make sure it shines:

• Mow the lawn, trim hedges, tidy flower beds, and clear any debris from walkways.

• Place potted plants or flowers on your porch for a welcoming touch.

• Store away items like hoses, toys, and lawn equipment.

• Move vehicles out of the driveway (don’t park in front of the house).

Fix Minor Repairs

Tackle those small repairs you’ve been putting off. Whether it's a leaky faucet, chipped paint, or a broken light fixture, buyers will notice them in photos and during viewings.

• Touch up paint on walls and doors.

• Replace any cracked tiles or loose doorknobs.

• Ensure all lights and appliances are working properly.

Mind the Details

A few small details can make your home feel extra polished:

• Arrange bookshelves or display areas neatly.

• Keep all cleaning supplies out-of-sight.

• Add fresh flowers or greenery to brighten spaces.

• Ensure there are no visible cords or clutter behind electronics.

Professional Photography

We work with highly skilled photographers who are experts in showcasing your beautiful home to its full potential. They know exactly how to highlight your home’s best features and capture its true essence. Our photographers are well-versed in using natural lighting to create warm, inviting images that draw buyers in. Rest assured, they will emphasize all the details that make your home unique, ensuring it looks its absolute best in every shot.

A well-prepared home is more likely to grab attention online and lead to showings. By following these steps, you’ll be setting the stage for your home to look its best in photos, which can translate into a quicker and more lucrative sale.

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