Is Your Home Ready?

Getting Ready for the Photographer

Your agent has hired a professional real estate photographer and this is one of the best things that your agent can do to make your real estate listing shine. But, before the photographer arrives, there are a few things that you should do to prepare your home.

First Impressions Matter

The first view that a person will get from the room is when they are standing in the doorway, so keep that perspective in mind when you are arranging the furniture. You want to create a lasting impression from the moment that they walk in the room, and they will likely spend more time viewing the room from the side where the door is located.

From a photo standpoint, the real estate photographer will take photos from the doorway area, and they will also make use of the windows and natural light in the room. So you want to consider the way the furniture is placed as it corresponds with the windows and doorways. It is good to capture the windows in the photos because people like to see the natural light that comes into the room.

If there are built-in features in the room, such as a fireplace or decorative pillars, the photographer will take the photos from an angle to include those features. So, you can arrange your furniture to be complimentary of the built-in decor.

Less is More

It is always best to clear the clutter out of every room because a clean space is more appealing. Get rid of anything that is cluttering the room, and when you think you are done... continue working to get rid of a few more items in the room.

The goal is to create a stylish, generic room in which the buyer can picture themselves living in. If you include too many personal effects, such as photos and knickknacks, then it makes it more difficult for the buyer to imagine their own things in the room. So, get rid of the distractions and eliminate any clutter that may be present.

Online- It's where buyers start

The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count! Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.

GENERAL

- Tips for all areas in the home

Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Replace all burned-out light bulbs
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computer screens OFF
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Place all shoes/jackets in closets
De-clutter as much a possible
Clean windows inside and out
Hide or tidy up all cables

EXTERIOR

FRONT EXTERIOR

Online “curb appeal” - the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see

Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of the home
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Pull weeds
Remove empty planters
Use a broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
Mow the lawn and trim edges

BACK YARD

The back yard should be an oasis to relax

Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Clean or wipe down outdoor furniture
Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove visible water hoses
Remove trash cans
Mow the lawn and trim edges

POOL/SPA AREAS

Ensure pool is clean
Remove all pool cleaners and poles
Remove all pool toys
Turn on any water features

INTERIOR

INSIDE THE HOME

Sometimes the focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail

De-clutter as much as possible.
Put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, shoes etc.
Depersonalized to a certain degree. Photos of young children and any potentially offensive art (believe me, I’ve seen it all!) should be put away.
Dust and vacuum.
Hide all trash cans.
Replace all burned-out light bulbs.
Clean ceiling fans
Turn OFF all ceiling fans
Light fireplaces and candles.
Turn off the TV and put remotes away

KITCHEN

Sometimes the focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail

Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
Leave out a max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from the sink, place in dishwasher
Remove all detergents, dishcloths, dish racks, and tea towels
Ensure range hood lights are working
remove pet bowls

MASTER BEDROOM

A good nights rest recharges the body and mind

Make the 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 the bed, removing items that may show in the photos

KID/GUEST BEDROOM

Don’t forget about guest bedrooms

Remove personalized names from walls
Remove wall stickers/posters
Remove diaper genies
Clean under beds, removing items that may show in the photos
De-clutter toys, books, and games
Make sure all beds are made

BATHROOMS

To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items

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
Make sure glass and mirrors are spotless
Remove toilet cleaning utensils

PETS

Pets are loving, but their presence should be minimized

Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Use a lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
Contain pets in a hidden crate or outside
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

WHAT TO EXPECT - Expectation During the Photo Shoot

The house should be shoot-ready when I arrive

Hi, I’m Mark Jacobs, owner, and photographer for Mark Jacobs Productions. I look forward to taking photos of your home!

I want photos of your home to be the best they can be. This requires teamwork and cooperation that will result in an outstanding online presence when your home goes LIVE on the market.

Although I would love to help you style/design your home, I, unfortunately, do not have the skill set required to do so. When I arrive to take photos of your property, I ask that all staging and cleaning be done prior to my arrival. To efficiently maintain my busy schedule and deliver the level of service my clients expect, I can not spend unnecessary time at the home waiting for it to be cleaned, dusted, de-cluttered, etc.

Please review the previous sections for tips on preparing your home for real estate photography, and note that I am not responsible and will not partake in any of the following duties while photographing your home:

I Do Not:

Move or re-arrange furniture
Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter
Pick up toys or yard items
"Photoshop" vehicles, walls, damaged walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.
Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels)