Preparing Your Home for Photographs

Preparing Your Home for Photographs
It is very important that the photographs of your home are of the highest quality. Since most potential home buyers start their search online, the online photographs of your home are often your first chance to make a great impression!

The following checklist will help you maximize your home’s online curb appeal

General:
- Remove seasonal decorations that might date the photos
- Move garbage cans, other trash from view
- Remove all pet-related items (i.e. fish bowls, litter boxes, cages, beds)
- Clean, Clean, Clean!

Outside:
- Move cars, boats, trailers, etc. from driveway
- Close garage doors
- Remove any patio furniture, grills, etc. in disrepair
- Uncover any outdoor kitchen items that will be photographed
- Make sure cushions in chairs are arranged neatly
- Remove any unattractive potted plants / hanging baskets
- Store hoses out of sight or roll-up neatly
- Turn on any pool water features, lights, etc.
- Remove all pool floats, toys, etc.
- Trim bushes and trees to maximize view of home
- Remove yard signs (i.e. campaign signs, school signs, sports signs)
- If patio umbrellas block nice view, they should be closed

Inside:
- Ensure all light fixtures and lamps are turned on and all light bulbs are working
- Turn ceiling fans off
- Open all curtains / blinds to allow light into house
- As much as possible, minimize electrical cords in view
- Organize or hide all mail, bills, paperwork, etc.
- Turn TV’s and computer screens off
- Close TV / stero cabinets

Bathrooms:
- Put toilet seats down
- Clean mirrors
- Minimize items on countertops
- Unless decorative, remove all towels, bathmats, rugs, etc. from view
- Remove shampoo / conditioner bottles, wash rags, etc. from showers and baths
- Remove robes, slippers, etc. from view

Kitchen:
- Minimize items on countertops
- Empty sink
- Take all magnets, notes, artwork, etc. off the refrigerator
- Unless decorative, remove all towels from view
- Remove sponges, cleaners, garbage cans, etc. from view
- Remove all food items from view

Bedrooms:
- Make sure beds are made and all pillows are arranged neatly
- Make certain that items stored under beds do not show
- Minimize items on bedside tables
- Store all clothing out of view

Living Areas:
- Make sure pillows are arranged neatly on sofas & chairs
- Arrange books and magazines neatly on tables

Personal Items:
- Certificates, diplomas, awards, photographs, decorative names in children’s room, etc. may show up in photos. If desired, remove before pictures are taken.

*** Remember, curb appeal starts on the internet, so it is very important to make the pictures of your home attractive. If the internet picture doesn’t sell your home, you might not ever get the buyers to actually do a physical drive-by and schedule an appointment to see inside your home.***