Having professional photos completed to sell your home is imperative and should be in every real estate agent’s marketing plan. With the rise of technology, consumers have become more visual (insert, Instagram). Consider this, according to the National Association of Realtors, in 2006 80% of home buyers searched the Internet when looking for a home. Four years later, in 2010, the percentage of home buyers that searched the Internet when looking for a home jumped to 89%.
Since professional pictures are so crucial to marketing the home, how can you prepare for the photoshoot to make sure your home looks great for potential homebuyers?
Kitchen.
- Remove all non-decorative items from counters (dish soap, paper towels, phones, cleaning supplies, etc.).
- Remove magnets, photos, kids artwork etc. from the refrigerator.
Bathroom.
- Lower all toilet seats.
- Clear countertops of non-decorative items.
- Remove toiletries from bath/shower area (curtains/door are often opened to show off tiling/fixtures).
Lighting.
- All interior and exterior lights on, including floor lamps, table lamps, under-cabinet lighting,
stove-toplighting, bedside lamps, ceiling fan lights, and other secondary light sources. - Ensure that all light bulbs work. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
Pets.
- Keep pets out of the way during the shoot (in the backyard, garage or unfinished basement, for example).
- Put away pet supplies, including food/water bowls, crates, toys, etc.
Staging.
- If available, place unobtrusive decorative items on counters and tables – examples include fresh flowers, bowls of fresh fruit, pottery, vases, and new candles.
Vehicles.
- Ensure that no vehicles are in the driveway or on the street in front of the home.
Front and Backyards.
- Take down flags.
- Put hoses and other equipment away, organize patio/deck.
- Pick up pet waste, put away garbage bins, and generally clean up yard.
- Freshly-cut lawn and landscaping in good shape.
Misc.
- Turn ceiling fans off.
- Put all personal items away.
- Remove any religious symbols from view.
- Generally make the house as clean as possible (remove streaks from mirrors, sweep/mop floors, etc..).
With some small changes to your home and an attention to detail, your home will quickly become the envy of many homebuyers. Professional photos will help get more views online, more showings and accentuate the marketing features of your home!
Liz is broker and owner of Liz Daigle Realty.
