Why prep for photos?
The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count! Follow these tips to stage your home for professional photos.
The “Must Do” List:
Thoroughly clean house (vacuum carpet, mop floors, clean countertops, clean mirrors, clean windows)
Replace all burned-out light bulbs using bulbs of the same temperature (cool or warm)
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computer screens OFF
Open window treatments and/or tilt open blinds to let in light and expose the view
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal flooring
Hide all shoes, jackets, laundry (can go in closets)
Remove seasonal decorations
EXTERIORS:
FRONT YARD
Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves, shovel snow)
Remove trash & recycle bins
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball nets, soccer goals, etc.
BACK YARD
Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Pillows/cushions should be freshened
Clear out kid's toys
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains or any water features
Remove visible water hoses
Remove trash cans
KITCHEN
Clear countertops as much as possible (remove mail, dirty dishes, etc)
Limit the amount of small appliances on counter (ex. coffee maker)
Clear refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from the sink, hide in the dishwasher
Make sure all bar stools are at the same height
Clean fingerprints off appliances
TIP: Add a pop of color/height with a plant or flower arrangement
LIVING / FAMILY ROOM
Remove large stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)
Turn on fireplace
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys
Keep items on the coffee table/end tables to a minimum
Hide remotes in drawers or behind pillows
Make sure TV, computer screens, gaming units, etc are turned off
BEDROOMS
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
Limit or remove family photos from walls and dressers
Clean under the bed, removing items that may show in the photos
Remove diaper genies
Remove items hanging on the back of the door
BATHROOMS
Clear countertops. No toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats down
Remove/hide plunger and toilet brush
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels
Remove floor mats
Make sure to wipe down countertops and mirrors
PETS
Hide food and water bowls.
Hide pet beds/toys
Use a lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
Contain pets so they don't accidentally get in the photo - Our furry friends aren't for sale too!
