Room by Room - How To Prepare Your Home for Listing Photos

Great photos of your home are one of the most powerful ways to attract buyers to your home. With nearly all home sales beginning with an online search, your photos need to grab attention, peak curiosity, and lead to a showing. Providing a professional photographer is part of my service, but you, the homeowner, need to tackle the prep work.

This "photo friendly" process can begin a month or two in advance with decluttering, painting, deep cleaning and storing away objects and furniture seldom used. If you spread the work out, it is less overwhelming and some people find a good "purge" therapeutic. Plus, you can have the added benefit of packing, labeling, and storing boxes for your upcoming move.

Let's start with whole house items and then break it down even further room by room.

WHOLE HOUSE

Declutter - Cluttered spaces not only make rooms appear smaller, but they can also deter potential buyers from being interested in your property. By decluttering, you create an open, airy atmosphere that invites buyers to envision themselves living in your home.

Begin by removing all personal items, such as family photos, personal collections, and knick-knacks. This will help buyers focus on the features of your home rather than your belongings.

Donate or sell unwanted items. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Not only will this create more space in your home, but it will also help you avoid moving unnecessary items to your new property.

Lighting - Replace burned out light bulbs and make sure all light fixtures are clean. Your ceiling fans should be turned off during photos. Don't forget to clean the fan blades.

Paint - Touch up or repaint any surfaces that appear scuffed or dirty. You want your home to appear as turn-key as possible. If you have bold or bright colored walls, consider repainting those walls in a neutral palette so your potential buyer can use their imagination to create their perfect space.

ROOM BY ROOM

Kitchen and Dining

• Remove small appliances
• Clean all large appliances
• Remove magnets from refrigerator
• Store trash cans out of sight
• Put away towels and dish soap
• Sweep and mop floors
• Wipe down cabinets

Bathrooms

• Clean counters, sinks, toilets and cabinets
• Clean mirrors and shower doors
• Store all toiletries out of sight
• Remove bath mats and trash cans

Entry/Mudroom/Pets

• Replace old floor mats
• Store shoes, backpacks, or anything else that accumulates in this area.
• Remove kennels, feeding bowls, pet toys, litter boxes, etc.
• Clean or Paint Front Door

Laundry

• Store detergents and cleaning supplies
• Remove trashcans, stepladders, mops, etc.

Bedrooms and Closets

• Remove or store extra furniture
• Organize closet
• Bedding and pillows should coordinate
• Window treatments should appear new
• Wipe down all surfaces
• Vacuum/sweep and mop

Living Areas

• Hide visible electrical cords
• Put away remotes, gaming equipment, etc.
• Replace broken blinds
• Wipe down all surfaces and the television
• Spot clean rugs
• Vacuum/sweep and mop

Outdoors

• Tidy up - mow, trim, sweep
• Flower beds should look well maintained
• Store trash cans out of eye's view
• Replace worm doormats
• Remove garden hoses
• If needed, consider power washing driveways, decks, fences, and home exterior.
• Well maintained homes sell faster. Make any exterior repairs that are needed

On Picture Day

• Review checklist
• Turn on all lights
• Turn off ceiling fans
• Toys, dishes, laundry - all should be out of sight
• Make sure your home is smiling - light, bright, clean and tidy!
• Congratulate yourself - YOU are ready for perfect pictures!

Now your home is not only ready for pictures but for the showings and open houses that are sure to follow. It is hard work to make a home photo ready but it is well worth the effort!