Selling a home is stressful enough, but we want your photography appointment to be as easy as possible. Follow these steps to insure that your home is MLS photo ready.
Some of these suggestions will be difficult, especially if you are living in the home. Put aside your memories and make your home sell quickly and for top dollar.
Overall:
Clean and declutter. Remove family photos and religious items. The home needs to be open and inviting for everyone. Don’t forget the ceiling and ceiling fans. We use ultra-wide lenses and they see everything.
To the extent possible – less is more. The less ‘things’ you have, the more open your home becomes and buyers will be able to envision their ‘things’ in the home.
Consider using a stager to rearrange the main rooms or add generic decorative items. It pays off in the end to have your house look as inviting as possible.
Don’t forget the light bulbs. LED bulbs are expensive, but you want the same color temperature bulbs throughout the home. Warm white bulbs emit a faint orange glow which is more comforting.
Take care of the yard. You want the home to have a great walk-up appeal. Trim the trees, plant some seasonal flowers, add mulch and try for the “home of the month” look. These added expenses will look tiny once the house is sold for what you want.
General:
Clean home prior to photo shoot
Declutter and hide personal effects
Open all blinds and curtains
Turn off all ceiling fans
Turn on all lights
Vacuum, sweep and mop
Clean windows
Replace all light bulbs with matching 100 wt bulbs
Remove Seasonal Decorations
Remove pets from property during duration of media
Tuck in cords
LIVING ROOM
Hide remote controls
Clear floor and surfaces of clutter
Turn tv off
Arrange furniture to showcase features- do not block windows or fireplaces
KITCHEN
Remove all items from countertop
Hide appliances
Remove sponges and cleaning supplies
Do the dishes
Remove trashcans
Remove magnets and other clutter on refrigerator
BATHROOMS
Put toilet seat down
Empty shower of shampoo and conditioners
Remove all toiletries from countertops
Remove plunger, toilet scrubber and trash can
Clean shower and mirror
BEDROOMS
Remove all clutter from floor
Place laundry and personal effects in closet
Make bed
Organize toys, remove toys
EXTERIOR
Remove cars from driveway
Place trashcans in garage
Roll up garden hose
Mow the lawn
Ensure outdoor furniture is free of debris
Sweep pathways
Remove BBQ cover
Remove hot tub and pool cover