5 Tips and Tricks for Preparing A Home for Real Estate Photos
Real estate photography is a crucial element in today’s property market. High-quality images can significantly enhance your home’s appeal, attract more potential buyers, and ultimately lead to a quicker sale at a better price. Preparing your home for a real estate photoshoot involves several key steps to ensure it looks its best. These tips and tricks will walk you through the essential tasks to get your home ready for professional photography.
1. Clean and Declutter
Tip: Start with a thorough cleaning of all rooms.
- Dust and Vacuum: Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and baseboards. Vacuum carpets and rugs to remove any dirt and debris.
- Wipe Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces to remove smudges and fingerprints.
- Clean Windows and Mirrors: Clean windows inside and out to let in as much light as possible. Mirrors should be streak-free to reflect the light and make rooms appear larger.
- Remove Personal Items: Store away personal items such as family photos, children’s toys, and everyday clutter.
- Excess Furniture: Remove any unnecessary furniture to create a more open and airy feel. This helps highlight the functionality and size of each room.
- Organise Remaining Items: Neatly organise items that remain, such as books, decorative pieces, and kitchen essentials. Use storage solutions to keep things tidy.
Tricks:
- Use a Lint Roller: Quickly clean fabric surfaces like lampshades and curtains.
- Basket Trick: Keep a basket handy to quickly collect and hide last-minute clutter before the photographer arrives.
- Magic Eraser: Use a magic eraser to remove scuffs from walls and baseboards.
2. Home Staging
Tip: Create appealing room layouts that showcase the property's best features.
- Arrange Furniture: Position furniture to highlight the flow and spaciousness of each room. Ensure there is ample space to move around and that key features, like fireplaces or large windows, are not obstructed.
- Use Neutral Decor: Use neutral colours and simple decor to appeal to a broad audience. This allows potential buyers to imagine their own style in the space.
- Add Fresh Flowers or Plants: Adding fresh flowers or plants can bring life and colour to a room, making it feel more welcoming.
- Incorporate Tasteful Artwork and Decor: Use artwork and decor items that complement the room’s style without overwhelming the space. Aim for a balanced and cohesive look.
Tricks:
- Bedding Trick: Use white or light-coloured bedding to make bedrooms look more inviting and larger.
- Pillow Fluffing: Fluff pillows and cushions to make furniture look more comfortable and luxurious.
- Furniture Sliders: Use furniture sliders to easily move heavy items and rearrange layouts without damaging floors.
3. Optimise Lighting
Tip: Utilise natural light to make your home look more inviting and spacious.
- Open Curtains and Blinds: Let in as much natural light as possible by opening curtains and blinds. This not only brightens the space but also offers a view of the exterior surroundings.
- Best Times of the Day: Schedule the photoshoot for the time of day when your home receives the most natural light, typically mid-morning or early afternoon.
- Turn on All Lights: Turn on all the lights in your home, including ceiling lights, lamps, and under-cabinet lighting. This ensures the space is well-lit and inviting.
- Use Lamps and Soft Lighting: Use lamps and soft lighting to add warmth and eliminate harsh shadows. This can create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere in photos.
Tricks:
- Daylight Bulbs: Replace bulbs with daylight (5000K) bulbs to mimic natural light and brighten rooms.
- Bounce Light: Use white or light-coloured reflectors or boards to bounce natural light into darker corners.
- Lamp Placement: Position lamps in corners to create a warm, inviting glow and eliminate shadows.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal
Tip: The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it's important to make a good impression.
- Mow the Lawn and Trim Bushes: Ensure your lawn is freshly mowed and bushes are trimmed. A well-maintained yard reflects the overall care of the property.
- Clean Driveways, Sidewalks, and Porches: Power wash driveways, sidewalks, and porches to remove dirt and stains. A clean exterior sets a positive tone for the rest of the home.
Tricks:
- New Hardware: Replace old hardware on the front door, such as handles and knockers, for an instant upgrade.
- Welcome Mat: Invest in a new, clean welcome mat to give a great first impression.
5. Final Preparations Before the Photoshoot
Tip: Do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is in place before the photographer arrives.
- Ensure Everything is Perfect: Make sure each room is tidy, with all items in their designated spots. Check for any last-minute adjustments that may be needed.
- Hide Distractions: Hide trash cans, toiletries, and other items that could detract from the photos. Ensure all beds are made, and towels are neatly hung.
- Provide Access to All Areas: Ensure the photographer has access to all areas of the home, including any special features like attics or basements that you want to highlight.
- Discuss Specific Shots or Angles: Share any specific shots or angles you prefer with the photographer. They can help capture the essence of your home and its unique features.
Tricks:
- Pet Care: Arrange for pets to be out of the house during the photoshoot to avoid distractions and keep spaces clean.
- Scents: Use subtle, pleasant scents like vanilla or citrus to create an inviting atmosphere.
- Final Sweep: Do a final walkthrough just before the photographer arrives to ensure everything is in place and ready for the shoot.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for real estate photography is an investment of time and effort that can pay off significantly. By ensuring your home is clean, clutter-free, well-staged, and properly lit, you can create a visually appealing property that attracts potential buyers. Remember, the goal is to showcase your home in the best possible light, highlighting its strengths and making it easy for buyers to envision themselves living there. High-quality professional photos can make a substantial difference in your real estate listing, ultimately leading to a successful sale.
