Want to sell your home faster and increase its sale price?
Why Prep Your Home?
When homes are cleaned and staged they generally sell faster and can receive offers from 1%-5% above listing price compared to homes that were not prepped or staged. So preparing your home not only makes it look beautiful and clean, but reduces the time your home is on the market and reduces the photographers time needed to capture it.
What To Know Before Your Real Estate Photo Shoot
The duration of the photo shoot should take no more than 2 hours (unless other services are also being performed). Photos of the inside and outside of your home will be captured, including all major rooms. The garage is normally not photographed unless it has unique features so when de-cluttering and cleaning, items can usually be stored in boxes in the garage, or a storage space that will not be photographed. Pay special attention to cleaning and making the main rooms and features of the house presentable. The main entry way will create the first impression so make it presentable by making sure it is clean and simple. Other main areas to focus on would be the kitchen and bathrooms.
Check List For Preparing The Interior
Wash windows, clean/vacumm carpets, floors, and tile throughout the home.
Remove small throw rugs, floor runners, including doormats.
Check to make sure all lights are working and replace burnt out bulbs.
Remove all pet items such as water/food bowls, toys, litter boxes, etc.
Remove clutter off night stands, tables, desks, entertainment systems such as remotes, docking stations, books, chargers, magazines, photos, etc.
All electronic screens such as TV's and computers are turned off.
Check List For Preparing the Kitchen
Clean and clear kitchen counter tops including kitchen appliances, paper rolls, towels, soaps, cereal boxes, food etc.
Dishes are clean and not visible in sink.
All cabinets and draws are closed.
Remove clutter off of refrigerators including magnets, cards, photographs, stickers, notes, etc.
Place indoor trashcans out of view in a closet or cupboard.
Check List For Preparing the Bedrooms
Make all beds and tidy the rooms.
Clothes, jackets, and shoes are hung put away in closets or out of site.
De-clutter night stands including remotes, docking stations, books, chargers, magazines, photos, etc.
Toys and games are put away.
Check List For Preparing the Bathrooms
Remove all items from bathroom counter tops, sinks, showers, and tubs including toothbrushes, hair and beauty appliances, soaps, shampoo, etc.
Remove bathroom floor mats and towels that will not be used for staging.
Mirrors and shower doors are clean.
Remove items from under the bed if your bed coverlet does not extend to the floor.
Check List For Preparing The Exterior
On the day of the shoot remove yard signs including for sale signs, home security, etc.
Put away water hoses if not on garden hose stand.
Put away toys, cleaning supplies, bicycles, and any other items not directly related to the exterior area.
Hide or put away recycle/trash bins and lawn equipment.
Remove BBQ covers.
Arrange patio furniture how you would like it photographed, and open patio umbrellas if present.
Tidy up yard and landscaping.
Sweep off driveway, patio, porch, and sidewalks.
On the day of the shoot clear all cars from driveway and road by parking in the garage or opposite side of the street.
Reminders For The Day of the Shoot
Please keep all pets retrained on a leash, in a kennel, or off site during your appointment (This is the biggest time hindrance and can drastically increase the amount of time needed to capture your home)
Turn off ceiling fans, but keep its lights on.
Turn on all ceiling and wall lights, under cabinet lights, fireplaces, and turn on all lamps.
Remove yard signs including for sale signs, home security, etc.
Clear all cars from driveway and road by parking in the garage or opposite side of the street.