photography

Preparing Your Home for Photo Day!

There are a multitude of mixed emotions that come with selling a home. The biggest roller coasters often come from the preparation it takes to get your house “photo and showing ready”. 🎢

It is hard work! There are long days and heavy decisions of what to keep and what to part with as you declutter, reorganize and prioritize what you really “need”. It will all be worth it! The long days will make a difference! Potential buyers will notice - you will reap the rewards as you begin to receive an influx of offers!

If you are doing it right, by the time you are done you will probably feel exhausted and have adopted the mind set of “it is what it is”. That is okay! You have done what you can and every little bit helps! I am here to tell you - we need a little bit more!😬

We use the term “photo day” however, this is the day all media is produced. Our team conducts Matterport Virtual Tours, facilitates photography, and occasionally coordinates videography of your home. Consider this day a dress rehearsal for the upcoming in-person showings. The way you prep today will be the way you prep for showings, so we want you to be fully prepared. To make this easier, we have compiled a list of “must do’s” to follow!

Before I give you this list, it is important to understand the photographer’s role. True professionals have a combination of artistry and engineering running through their mind. It’s their job to capture the feel of the home while focusing on the important areas that will pull a buyer off the internet site and into your home for a live showing. The photographers will make sure the angles chosen show the full picture of each room that accurately portrays the space. Doing so is not easy - it takes focus. Your job is to make sure the photographers do not have to focus on making sure the following is complete. Let’s help them help us! 📸

Here are nine easy to follow steps following to ensure the interior of your home is dressed to the nines!

  1. Clean kitchen counter and sink (remove sponges, dishes, dish racks, and soaps)

  2. Clean bathrooms including sinks, faucets, and mirrors

  3. Hide ALL trashcans and laundry baskets - place them in nearby cabinets or closets

  4. Replace all burnt out bulbs. Make sure all bulb colors match in each room -White, bright daylight bulbs are preferable

  5. Turn ON all lights including lamps, under cabinet lighting, microwave light, and all light fixtures and turn OFF all ceiling fans

  6. Open all window treatments

  7. Remove all pet items - beds, toys, crates

  8. Turn off all TV’s and computer screens

  9. Make all beds!

For easy access, download the perfect checklist to keep on your phone!

Take a peak outside! Your lawn may need to be tidied up too. Here are seven steps to make sure your yard is in tip-top shape!

  1. Tidy up the yard and landscaping

  2. Have your grass freshly cut and edged

  3. Clear all cars from the driveway

  4. Sweep off decks and porches

  5. Hide all garbage cans and lawn equipment or children’s toys

  6. Remove grill and fire pit covers

  7. Open up patio umbrellas

    For easy access, download the perfect checklist to keep on your phone!

Tackling this list will help maximize your photographer’s creativity! Your photos will do exactly what they are intended to, which is make the buyers fall in love with your home before they even set foot in the door! ❤️🏡

Thee best part is, once this list is complete you have completed your showing dress rehearsal! Now you know exactly what to do and can replicate this for each showing that is scheduled!!