Tips on getting your home ready for the photographer
Did you know that less than half of the homes listed for sale use professional photography in their marketing? Great photos attract more potential buyers which result in more showings which in turn lead to faster sales and multiple offers. Your agent has chosen to provide professional photography to market your home so you already have an advantage over the other homes in your neighborhood!
Okay, you've been working for months on your home to get top dollar for your home. You've already made all the repairs, spruced up the yard and have moved all of your extra treasures into storage. So now the day has arrived. The photographer is here with camera in hand. After all of your hard work, will your home look like it's ready for the pages of Architectural Digest?
Here's a few last minute tips that will help your home look like the showcase that you want it to be:
1.) DE-CLUTTER! It's the best thing that you can do. Too much stuff just creates chaos and makes your home feel small. A stripped bare house feels empty and cold. A few well placed accessories is the key.
2.) CLEAN UP! For the pictures the house doesn't have to be spotless. But, make sure that the kitchen and bathroom countertops are clean, the carpets are vacuumed and most of all clean the mirrors.
3.) LIGHTEN UP! I prefer to turn on every light, so make sure that they are all working. There is nothing like the glow of lamps to warm up a room. Double check the bathroom lights above the mirrors in bathrooms. Make sure all the table lamps are plugged in even if it means the cord is visible (I'll photoshop them out of the picture). Open all the curtains. Blinds should cover the window but tilted wide open.
So, here's a handy room by room checklist:
A.) FRONT YARD: Make sure that there aren't any cars, boats or trailers in the driveway. If they can't fit in the garage, park them on the street where they can't be seen from inside the house. Close all garage doors. Sweep the sidewalk.
B.) KITCHEN: Remove all photos and magnets from the refrigerator. Make sure there aren't any dirty dishes or food visible. Okay, a nice bowl of fruit to add a little color is always nice. A few countertop appliances are great but if that coffeemaker or toaster as been around since the 80's, lets hide it in the pantry. Definitely get rid of countertop microwaves, toaster ovens or any bulky items. I love stainless steel or colorful teapots on the stove, If possible, make sure that hood light over the range and undercabinet lights are working.
C.) DINING ROOM: A simple centerpiece is always nice. If you want, set the table as if you were going to have a dinner party. Remove children's highchairs and booster seats.
D.) LIVING AREAS: Coffee table books are great, but hide all your newspapers and old magazines. Put all the kid's toys in the closet. Try to conceal as many home theater cables as possible. Open all the curtains and blinds. A few framed family photos are okay, but don't overdo it.
E.) BEDROOMS: Make the bed, pick up the clothes and close dresser drawers! A few toys are great, but avoid piles of games, books and dinosaurs all over the floor.
F.) BATHROOMS: Clean mirrors and countertops. Remove wet towels, all toothbrushes and robes hanging on those door hangers. Double check all the lightbulbs over the mirrors to make sure that they are all working. If you have a glass tub or shower enclosure, remove all the shampoos, razors, washcloths, etc...make sure that you remove everything. Remove rugs and bathmats so that the buyer can see your floors. The only exception is if the floor is in poor condition and the rugs are nearly new.
G.) LAUNDRY ROOMS: Yes, I do photograph laundry rooms, so try to keep shelves as uncluttered as possible. Remove clothes from the dryer if they are visible as you walk into the room. If you have no place to hide these items, put them into a laundry basket that I can easily carry out from the room when I take the photograph.
H.) POOL TABLES: Take the cover off and rack the billiard balls as if you're ready to play.
I.) DECKS AND PATIOS: Organize tables and chairs. If your barbeque is presentable, please remove it's cover. If you have an umbrella, please open it (unless it's a windy day!). If it's torn, remove it.
J.) GARAGES, STORAGE ROOMS, CLOSETS, UTILITY ROOMS: Unless they are really great, I don't usually photograph these so feel free to use them for all those extra items in the house.
Whew! Now it's my turn to make some magic! I plan about 3 hours to photograph your home. Most of the time I shoot alone but you are certainly welcome to stay. And most importantly, please make sure that you file away all of your financial information. Too often checkbooks, statements and loan documents are left out in plain sight. I'm looking forward to helping you sell your home.
Gary Gunnerson
