Most homebuyers begin their search online. That's why it's important to showcase your home using the best real estate photos possible. Use these tips to maximize the photo potential of your home.
Thoroughly clean (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
Turn all lights ON and open window treatments to let in outside light
Replace all burned out light bulbs
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL LED or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens OFF
Remove personal photographs and place all personal items (like shoes and jackets) in closets
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
FRONT EXTERIOR
Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Manicure yard (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters, water hoses, and any toys, sports balls, basketball goals, etc.
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
BACK YARD
Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Pillows/cushions should be clean, not faded
Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool and remove vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies and visible water hoses
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove trash cans
KITCHEN
Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
Leave out a maximum of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from sink
DINING ROOM
Clear table, dust and polish the table top
Use place settings if available
Feature one center piece
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Remove child seats/booster chairs
LIVING & FAMILY ROOM
Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)
Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys
MASTER BEDROOM
Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
Press bed linens and bed skirts
Clear nightstands of all personal items
Store away phone/tablet charging cables
Remove all clutter from top of dressers
Remove family photos from walls
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
PETS
Place food, water bowls, pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys
BATHROOMS
Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats down
Close closet doors
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels
Remove floor mats
KID/GUEST BEDROOM
Remove personalized names from walls
Remove wall stickers/posters
Remove diaper genies
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
Staging helps provide top dollar and a quick sale
Selling your home is like selling a product - it must be marketed correctly to reach a specific buyer. Although your furnishings and decor are great for your lifestyle, it’s important to optimize your home for the future buyer. All of the tips suggested in the previous sections were approved by professional home stagers from the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). A professional home stager can provide you with a consultation to help you prepare your home for sale and make sure your home shows at its best online through the photographs.
