Listing photos are the first showing your home gets. Most buyers decide whether to book a visit based on them. Before real estate, I worked on the design and marketing side of the industry, so I've seen how much a little preparation changes the result. Here's what I ask sellers to do in the week before the photographer comes.
A week out
- Clear the counters. Kitchen and bathroom counters should be close to empty. Keep one or two nice things, like a bowl of fruit or a plant, and put the rest away.
- Thin out each room. Take out extra furniture, piles of paper, and anything stored in corners. Rooms look bigger in photos when you can see the floor.
- Put personal items away. Family photos, kids' artwork, and anything with your name on it. Buyers should be able to picture themselves living there.
- Fix the small things. Replace burnt-out bulbs, tighten loose handles, and touch up obvious paint scuffs. The camera notices more than people do.
- Match your light bulbs. Warm and cool bulbs in the same room make photos look patchy. Use the same colour throughout if you can.
Outside
- Mow the lawn, edge the garden beds, and sweep the paths and deck.
- Move garbage and recycling bins out of sight.
- Put away hoses, tools, and toys.
- Plan to have cars off the driveway and away from the front of the house on photo day.
Our weather matters here. If the forecast calls for heavy rain, we may move the outside shots to a better day.
The day before
- Clean windows, mirrors, and stainless steel appliances.
- Make the beds neatly and hang fresh towels in the bathrooms.
- Clear magnets and papers off the fridge.
- Put pet beds, bowls, and litter boxes away.
Photo day
- Open all the blinds and curtains, and turn on every light.
- Turn off TVs and ceiling fans.
- Close the toilet lids.
- Plan to be out of the house, with any pets, while the photographer works. It usually goes faster that way.
You don't have to do it alone
When we list together, I walk through the house with you beforehand and tell you exactly what's worth doing and what isn't. Most of it costs nothing but a bit of time.
If you're thinking about selling, let's talk.