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