Jason Polonski is a licensed REALTOR® and an expert in Ottawa real estate. He has many years of experience in the Ottawa real estate market and is known for his exceptional service and personalized approach to every transaction.
How to Prepare for Real Estate Photos
Comprehensive Guide: How to Prepare for Real Estate Photos
Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and making a lasting impression is key to attracting potential buyers. In today’s digital age, where first impressions often happen online, the quality of your real estate photos can make all the difference. Whether you’re working with a professional real estate photographer, proper preparation is crucial. To ensure your home stands out in the competitive real estate market, follow this comprehensive guide on how to prepare for real estate photos.
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The Power of Real Estate Photography
High-quality real estate photography can significantly impact the selling process. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing the essence and appeal of your property. The goal is to create images that make potential buyers feel like they can already picture themselves living there. To achieve stunning results, follow these expert recommendations.
Exterior Preparation
Let’s start with the first thing potential buyers will see – the exterior of your home. The exterior sets the tone for the entire photoshoot. Here’s how to prepare it for stunning real estate photos:
- Close Garage Doors: Ensure that the garage doors are closed during the photoshoot.
- Remove Cars: Clear the driveway and front of the home of any cars. An unobstructed view of the property is essential.
- Landscaping: Clean up the landscaping by mowing the lawn, trimming overgrown bushes, and raking leaves. A well-maintained yard enhances curb appeal.
- Remove Water Hoses: Roll up and put away any visible water hoses to make the exterior neater.
- Pet Cleanup: If you have pets, clean up any pet waste in the yard, and remove dog leashes to create a cleaner, more spacious look.
- Trash Bins: Store trash bins in the garage or out of sight to keep them from cluttering the photos.
- Seasonal Considerations: In snowy regions, clear snow from driveways, walks, and decks. For homes with pools, clean the pool, remove the cover, and tidy hoses.
- Clear Outdoor Clutter: Remove any outdoor clutter, such as toys, dog toys, soccer goals, or any items that may detract from the visual appeal of the exterior.
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Interior Preparation
Now, let’s move inside. Interior preparation is equally vital for creating stunning real estate photos. Here’s a room-by-room breakdown:
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a crucial selling point. Make it shine in your photos:
- Clear Countertops: Remove all items from countertops, including small appliances, decorations, and clutter. A clean, uncluttered kitchen appears more spacious and inviting.
- Appliance Removal: Consider removing appliances like coffee makers to give a streamlined look.
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean all surfaces, including the kitchen sink and backsplash, to ensure a sparkling appearance.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are another critical area for potential buyers. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Declutter: Stow away shampoo bottles, soaps, and personal items beneath the sink. A clean and uncluttered bathroom looks more spacious.
- Tidy Up: Ensure countertops, sinks, the toilet, and shower are tidy. Neatly fold decorative towels and place a few well-chosen items on display.
Illumination
Proper lighting is essential for captivating real estate photos. Check that all ceiling lights, lamps, and exterior lights are functional. Before the photographer arrives, turn on all lights throughout the house. Well-lit spaces convey warmth and charm, making your home more appealing.
Furniture and Decor
To maximize the perceived space in your home:
- Streamline Furniture: Remove excess or oversized furniture to make rooms appear larger and more open. Consult with a professional stager if needed to determine which items should stay and which should go.
- Remove Floor Mats: Take away floor mats and runners from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas to create a more spacious feel.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should appear inviting and comfortable:
- Make Beds: Dress all beds with matching sheets, blankets, and pillows to create an inviting and appealing bedroom space.
- Clear Nightstands: Remove personal items and remotes from nightstands to keep them clutter-free.
Depersonalization
Allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home:
- Remove Personal Items: Remove all personal photos and items, not just from the interior but also from the patio, porch, and garage. A neutral and clutter-free environment is more appealing to a broader audience.
Closets
Potential buyers may check out your closets:
- Organize: Keep closets tidy by putting away shoes and jackets. An organized closet gives the impression of ample storage space, which is desirable for many buyers.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Not everyone is a pet lover, and some potential buyers may have allergies:
- Remove Evidence: Eliminate all signs of pets, including pet odours, food bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys. A pet-free environment is more universally appealing.
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Great Hiding Spots
Here are some areas to quickly hide items during the photoshoot:
- Closets: Use closets to store items temporarily out of sight.
- Washer/Dryers: These appliances can be used to hide laundry and other items.
- Cupboards and Pantries: Ideal for stashing items during the shoot.
- Dishwasher: Keep it empty and closed.
- Garages and Sheds: Store items in these areas if possible.
Windows and Curtains
- Open Window Shades and Curtains: Let in as much natural light as possible. Natural light makes spaces appear bright and inviting.
Lighting
- Turn on All Lights: Ensure that all light fixtures are working. Replace any burned-out light bulbs.
Finishing Touches
- Clean Windows: Clean windows to ensure they’re sparkling and let in maximum natural light.
- Fresh Flowers: Placing fresh flowers in vases can add a touch of warmth and colour to your space, making it more inviting.
Living/Family Room
- Remove Stacks of Magazines: Declutter by removing stacks of magazines, papers, and excessive items.
- De-Clutter Fireplace Mantle: Keep the fireplace mantle clean and free of clutter.
- Arrange Furniture Neatly: Arrange furniture pillows neatly to create a cozy and organized living space.
- Remove Kid Toys: Store away kid toys to maintain a clean and serene atmosphere.
Dining Room
- Clear the Table: Ensure the dining table is clear and dust-free.
- Straighten Chairs: Straighten all chairs around the dining table.
- Remove Booster Seats: If you have booster seats, remove them to create a tidy dining area.
- Table Staging: Consider staging the table with tableware and placements to make it look inviting and ready for a meal.
Kitchen
- Clear Countertops Completely: Remove all items from kitchen countertops, including small appliances, dishes, and clutter.
- Clear Off the Refrigerator: Remove items like magnets and notes from the refrigerator.
- Hide Garbage Cans: Store garbage cans in closets or the pantry to keep the kitchen looking clean and spacious.
- Put Dishes Away: Ensure all dishes are put away, and the sink is empty.
- Remove Rags and Sponges: Clear the sink area of rags and sponges to maintain a tidy appearance.
- Flooring: Remove scatter rugs to showcase the flooring.
Bedrooms
- Make Beds: Ensure that all beds are neatly made with matching sheets, blankets, and pillows.
- Tidy Nightstands: Keep nightstands clear of personal items, remotes, and clutter.
- Hide Cables: Conceal computer and phone charging cables for a cleaner look.
- Remove Dresser Clutter: Clear the tops of dressers from personal items and clutter.
- Clean Under the Bed: Don’t forget to clean under the bed and remove any items that may be visible.
- Remove Posters/Stickers: Take down any posters or stickers from walls and doors for a neutral look.
Bathrooms
- Clear Countertops Completely: Remove all items from bathroom countertops, including toiletries, personal items, and clutter.
- Toilet Seats: Ensure that toilet seats are down for a clean appearance.
- Close Cabinet Doors: Keep cabinet doors closed to maintain a tidy look.
- Shower and Bathtub: Remove shampoo, soap, razors, and other personal items from showers and bathtubs. Leave out neatly arranged, clean, or new towels.
- Garbage Cans: Empty visible garbage cans to keep the bathroom looking clean and inviting.
- Remove Towels and Robes: Take down towels and robes from the back of doors to create a clutter-free space.
- Flooring: Similar to other rooms, remove scatter rugs in bathrooms to showcase the flooring.
Pets
- Remove Evidence: While we love our pets, there should be no evidence of them in your home during the photoshoot.
- Food Bowls and Beds: Remove food bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys.
- Pet Hair: Clean any pet hair from furniture and surfaces.
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Enhancing Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see:
- Front Yard Maintenance: Ensure that the front yard is well-maintained and tidy. Trim the landscape, sweep the front and back porches, and clear the driveway and road of any cars.
With these preparations, your home will be ready for a successful real estate photoshoot. Remember that a well-prepared property can significantly impact the final results, attracting potential buyers and making your home stand out in the competitive real estate market.
The Photoshoot Day
On the day of the photoshoot, here are some final tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Prepare to Vacate: For the best results, it’s advisable to leave the property during the photoshoot. Pets and people moving through the house can inadvertently appear in the photos, distracting potential buyers. Giving the photographer an unoccupied space ensures a smoother and more focused photoshoot.
- Trust Your Photographer: Your real estate photographer is a professional who understands how to capture your home’s best angles and features. Trust their judgment and expertise.
- Weather Considerations: Keep in mind that photographers work around weather conditions. If the weather is unfavourable, be prepared to reschedule your photoshoot. Weather can significantly impact the final results.
- Final Walk-Through: Before the photographer arrives, do a final walk-through to ensure that everything is in place and that all preparations have been completed.
In Conclusion, preparing your home for real estate photos is a crucial step in the selling process. By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can showcase your property in the best light possible and make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Remember, in the world of real estate, stunning photography can be the key to a successful sale. Whether you’re selling your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, investing time and effort in preparing your home for photos can pay off handsomely in the form of a quicker sale and a higher selling price.
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How to articles
frequently asked questions
Preparing your home for real estate photos is essential because it significantly impacts the first impression potential buyers have of your property. Well-prepared homes appear more appealing and spacious in photos, increasing the chances of attracting potential buyers.
While you can take photos on your own, hiring a professional real estate photographer is often recommended. Professionals have the expertise, equipment, and experience to capture your home’s best features and create high-quality images that stand out in the competitive market.
To prepare the exterior, close garage doors, remove cars from the driveway, clean up landscaping, hide visible water hoses, clear pet waste, put trash bins away, remove snow from driveways, clean deck furniture, and ensure the pool is clean and uncovered.
To prepare the interior, declutter and clean all rooms, open curtains and blinds for natural light, turn on all lights, remove personal items, make beds neatly, tidy nightstands, and clear countertops in the kitchen and bathroom.
Yes, depersonalization is crucial. Removing personal photos and items allows potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. A neutral and clutter-free environment makes it easier for buyers to connect with your home.
Enhancing curb appeal involves maintaining a well-kept front yard, trimming the landscape, clearing driveways of cars, sweeping porches, and ensuring the exterior of your home is in excellent condition. A well-maintained exterior creates a positive first impression.
Ideally, pets and evidence of pets should be removed from the home during the photoshoot. This includes food bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys. It’s essential to eliminate pet odors and any pet hair from furniture and surfaces.
You can quickly hide personal items in closets, cupboards, pantries, dishwashers, garages, and sheds. These areas offer storage space for temporarily concealing items during the shoot.
To ensure a successful day, prepare to vacate the property during the photoshoot, trust the photographer’s expertise, be flexible with weather conditions, and do a final walk-through to confirm all preparations are complete.
Professional real estate photography is essential because it helps your property stand out in online listings. High-quality images capture the essence and appeal of your home, attracting more potential buyers and potentially leading to a quicker sale at a higher price.
