Comprehensive Guide & Pre - Photography Checklist
How to Prepare for Real Estate Photography
Getting your home ready for sale photography takes some planning. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare the interior, exterior, and key spaces to ensure your home looks picture-perfect.
Interior Preparation
1. Thoroughly Clean All Rooms
A spotless home is essential for photos. Make sure to clean floors, windows, surfaces, and even small details like light switches and vents. Dust and dirt can easily stand out in high-resolution images, so a deep clean is non-negotiable.
2. Declutter and Simplify
Decluttering your home is one of the most effective ways to make it appear spacious and inviting. Remove excess personal items such as family photos, memorabilia, and toys. Clear countertops in the kitchen and bathroom to create a minimalist, clutter-free look.
3. Create Space
A well-organized home looks more spacious in photos. Consider removing bulky furniture and unnecessary décor items that make rooms feel cramped. Opt for lighter, open layouts that create the illusion of more space and allow potential buyers to envision their own belongings.
4. Kitchen Focus
Clear the kitchen counters, remove any small appliances (toasters, coffee makers), and wipe down surfaces. Sparkling clean appliances, such as the fridge and oven, create a polished look that buyers love. A clean, streamlined kitchen gives off a modern, welcoming feel in photos.
5. Streak-Free Surfaces
Ensure all mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces are streak-free. Clean, reflective surfaces help brighten the space, making the home feel more open and inviting in photographs.
6. Remove Pet Items
While your pets are part of your family, their beds, toys, and food dishes can make a space feel cluttered. Make sure these are removed, and ideally, have your pets stay elsewhere during the photoshoot.
7. Stage Key Areas
A little staging goes a long way. Place fresh flowers or a plant on a table, add colorful cushions to the couch, or set the dining table for a cozy dinner. For bedrooms, neatly arrange the bed with pillows and perhaps a throw. Simple touches can transform a room from ordinary to inviting.
Exterior Preparation
1. Mow the Lawn
Make sure your lawn is freshly mowed, and edges are trimmed. The front yard is often the first image buyers see, so it should be well-groomed to create an appealing first impression.
2. Remove Out-of-Place Items
Clear your yard of any toys, tools, or other items that don’t belong. A clutter-free outdoor space makes the property feel more spacious and well cared for, which is appealing to buyers.
3. Tidy the Garden
Weed flower beds and trim any overgrown bushes. If you have time, consider adding fresh mulch or planting colorful seasonal flowers to give your garden a fresh look.
4. High-Pressure Clean
If your driveway or walkways are dirty, pressure wash them to remove stains and grime. This can give your home a crisp, well-maintained appearance in exterior photos.
Checklist for Preparing Your Home for Sale Photography
Interior:
Deep clean all rooms (floors, windows, and surfaces).
Declutter living spaces and remove personal items.
Clear kitchen counters and wipe down all appliances.
Clean all mirrors, glass doors, and windows to be streak-free.
Remove all pet items (toys, beds, dishes).
Stage key areas (add plants, arrange the bed neatly, set the dining table).
Exterior:
Mow the lawn and trim the edges.
Remove toys, tools, or any out-of-place items from the yard.
Weed and tidy garden beds.
Pressure-wash the exterior and driveway for a clean look.
Why Staging for Photography is Important
1. Photography Staging Sets the Mood
Thoughtful staging creates a story and helps buyers imagine themselves living in your home. Whether it’s a cozy throw on the couch, a vase of flowers, or a neatly made bed, these small details create a warm, inviting atmosphere that connects with buyers.
2. Enhances the Flow of the Home
Properly staged rooms feel more functional and spacious. By removing excess furniture and simplifying layouts, you create a natural flow that makes your home feel more livable. This also helps in showing the full potential of each space.
3. Sells a Lifestyle
Beautifully staged photos don’t just sell a home; they sell a lifestyle. Buyers are often looking for more than just a place to live—they want a place where they can imagine hosting friends, spending quality family time, or enjoying peaceful relaxation. Staging and preparing your home for sale photography allow you to highlight these possibilities.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for sale photography is one of the most important steps in your selling journey. A well-prepared home looks clean, inviting, and spacious in photos, drawing in potential buyers and creating a strong first impression. By investing time in cleaning, decluttering, and staging, you ensure your home is presented at its very best—giving you the best chance to sell quickly and at your desired price.
Happy prepping, and good luck with your sale! Thank you for reading.
Feel free to reach out to Sunflower Digital Media for your free in-depth checklist, to prep your home for the best possible photos.