Great photos are a vital element of a successful sales campaign. Most people’s first impression of your property will not be up close and personal, it will be through the photographs presented in the online listing.
The camera’s eye is different from the human eye and it tends to magnify any issues or anything that does not look perfect. So, spending time preparing your property for the photo shoot is time well spent, plus it will help you prepare it for the all-important open homes.
To ensure your property is shoot ready when the photographer arrives, here is our room by room photo styling checklist to help turn your property into a super model.
Inside the Home
- De-clutter as much as possible. Put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, shoes etc. It is a lot cheaper to put these things away before the photo shoot than to pay to have the photos "photoshopped".
- Depersonalise to a certain degree. Photos of young children and any potentially offensive art (believe me, we have seen it all!) should be put away.
- Remove any seasonal/holiday decorations that can quickly outdate your photos.
- Dust and Vaccum
- Make all the beds, fluff all the pillows, and check the best skirts.
- Clean the kitchen sink and put away all the dishes.
- Clear all kitchen counter tops and put away toaster, can openers, etc.
- Clear all bathroom counter tops
- Remove all shampoos, conditioners, body-washes, etc. from the shower.
- Put out the guest towels and hide all the others.
- Hide all rubbish bins.
- Remove all magnets and decorations from the refrigerator
- If there are pets, hide all food/water bowls, pet beds, and pet toys.
- Put all toilet seats and lids down.
- Replace all burned out light bulbs.
- Consider decorating the tables with your prettiest place settings.
- Consider putting out vases of fresh flowers.
Outside the Home
- Have the lawn trimmed, leaves raked, bushes and trees pruned.
- Clean up after any animals.
- Put away all rubbish and wheelie bins, hoes, garden tools, toys, bikes etc.
- Remove all washing from the clothesline.
- Hide any "cute" backyard decorations.
- In snowy climates, shovel snow from walkways, driveways, patios, decks when necessary.
- If there is a pool, hot tub, or spa, uncover and clean.
- If there will be any twilight photos taken, replace any broken lighting on the home, around the landscape, and in the pool.
- Open the umbrellas on any patio sets.
- When in season, uncover barbecues.
- Remove any seasonal/holiday decorations.
- Consider adding splashes of bright coloured flowers to the landscape and in pots.
Right Before the Photographer Arrives
- Turn on ALL interior lights - even light in furniture cabinets.
- Turn OFF all ceilings fans.
- Light fireplaces and candles.
- Open all blinds, shades, and curtains.
- Clear all cars and vehicles from the driveaway and the street in front of the home.
- Please secure any potentially aggressive animals in a safe location, away from all rooms being photographed.
