How to Prepare Every Room for Real Estate Photography
Preparing the Home
1. Clean Thoroughly
Start with a deep clean of the entire house. Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, clean countertops, and ensure windows are spotless. A clean home not only looks better but also photographs better.
2. Lighting is Key
Turn on all overhead lights and lamps. Replace any burned-out light bulbs, ensuring they are all of the same temperature (either all incandescent or all compact fluorescent) to create uniform lighting throughout the house.
3. Ceiling Fans and Electronics
Turn off all ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens. This minimizes distractions in the photos.
4. Natural Light
Open blinds and window treatments to let in natural light. Natural light can make spaces feel more inviting and airy.
5. Personalization
Remove personal photographs from walls or replace them with general landscape or object photographs. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves in the space.
6. Flooring
Remove small floor rugs to showcase the actual flooring. Clean under furniture to ensure no clutter is visible in the shots.
Kitchen
7. Fridge and Counters
Clear the top and doors of the refrigerator of magnets, business cards, and photos. Wipe down and clear the countertops for a clean and inviting look.
8. Hide Cleaning Supplies
Conceal dish soaps, sponges, and paper towels. You want a clean and clutter-free appearance.
9. Dining Area
Set up the kitchen or dining table with a nice set of dishes. Consider adding a bowl of fruit or a bouquet of flowers for an appealing touch.
Master Bedroom
10. Make the Bed
Make the bed, including decorative pillows and shams if available. Ensure that bed linens and bed skirts are pressed for a neat appearance.
11. Clear Nightstands
Clear nightstands of all personal items, including phone and tablet charging cables.
12. Dressers and Floors
Remove all clutter from the top of dressers. Store away shoes, clothes, hats, and any other items. Clean under the bed to eliminate any visible items.
Kid/Guestroom
13. Remove Personalization
Remove personalized names, wall stickers, posters, and any items that make the room too specific.
14. Under-Bed Clutter
Clean under the bed, removing any items that may show in the photos.
Bathrooms
15. Tidy Up
Put down toilet lids and hide toiletries in the shower or bath, as well as on the counter.
16. Mirrors and Towels
Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces. Replace old towels with a new set that coordinates with the paint or tiles. A flower or plant can add a nice touch to some bathrooms.
Front Exterior
17. Curb Appeal
Close garage doors and remove cars from the driveway and front of the home. Clean up the landscaping by mowing, trimming shrubs, and clearing leaves. Remove empty planters and use a broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames.
18. Yard Cleanup
Remove toys, sports equipment, and any clutter from the yard. Ensure the space looks neat and inviting.
Back Yard
19. Porch and Outdoor Furniture
Clean the porch and tidy up outdoor tables and chairs. Ensure that pillows and cushions are fresh and not faded.
20. Kid's Toys
Clear out any kid's toys, balls, frisbees, and other items from the backyard.
21. Pool Area
If you have a pool, clean it thoroughly. Remove the pool vacuum/cleaner hose and hide pool cleaning supplies. Turn on pool fountains or water features if applicable.
22. Conceal Water Hoses and Trash Cans
Remove visible water hoses and hide trash cans to keep the space looking tidy.
Pets
23. Pet Supplies
Place food and water bowls in a pantry or closet. Store pet beds and toys out of sight.
24. Remove Pet Hair
Use a lint roller on furniture to remove any pet hair.
25. Pet Waste
Clear the backyard of any pet waste or toys.
Please be advised that your photographer will NOT:
- Move or re-arrange furniture
- Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter
- Pick up toys or yard items
- Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels)
By following these detailed guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to capture stunning real estate photos that showcase each room's full potential. Remember, the goal is to present a clean, inviting, and neutral canvas for potential buyers to envision their future home.
