Preparing Your Home for Photographs

 

When you put your home on the market, your Realtor® will hire a photographer to take photos of your home to put on MLS and for other advertisements.  People say that photos are worth 1000 words, and real estate is no exception.  However, it is important to realize that the photographer can only take pictures of what is there.  It is not their job to stage your house and prepare it for photos, it’s yours.  To ensure good photographs, consider the following staging ideas.

Bedroom

·         Remove all photographs and knick knacks

·         Make sure bed is made perfectly

·         Remove everything from the floor other than major furniture such as heaters, clothes, toys, stuffed animals, toy boxes, clothes hampers etc. – set it aside for the photo and then you can move it back

·         Remove all items from on top of dressers and side tables other than lamps

Kitchen

·         Remove any items from the top of fridge

·         Remove any items on the fridge such as magnets or pictures

·         Put away any towels that may be hanging from the oven

·         Put away all appliances!  This one makes a huge difference for photos.  All toasters, blenders, crockpots etc. need to be put in the cupboards for the photos

·         All pots, pans, knife racks, and food items need to be put out of site

·         Remove dish racks, sponges, soap, paper towel, clothes and put in cupboards for photos

Living Room

·         Remove all family photos and knick knacks

·         If you have a throw, make sure it is neatly folded and consider putting it away for the photo

·         Clean off coffee table

Dining Room

·         Clear off dining table

·         Make sure chairs are neatly tucked in

·         Remove any knick knacks and family photos

Bathroom

·         Everything needs to be put away

o   Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, scrubbies, need to be put away for photos

o   Hair brush, make-up items, soap, sponges need to be removed for photo

o   If you have a bath mat, consider removing it for photo

Although this seems like a lot, it will make the world of difference.  In addition, you need to clean, clean, clean.  All closets should be neat and tidy and everything needs to be put where it belongs.  Also consider picking up a couple of bouquets of flowers to brighten the place up – or ask your realtor® to.

I hope this helps with the prep and lets your house sell faster.  If you would like any more tips or are looking for a realtor® to assist you in the sale of your home, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  I am happy to assist you in all of your real estate needs.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service