7 Tips for Preparing A Home for Listing Photos

I have the joy of shooting real-estate and rental properties all over the Phoenix area! Knowing how many people are starting air bnb’s or selling a home in AZ, I have been meaning to give homeowners and realtors a “first steps” list for preparing homes for their real estate photo sessions.

The bottom line is, if you/your clients are not a photographer themselves, some of these things might be a new idea and not something you may have thought of before.

***Besides the obvious “ de-cluttering” and “de-personalizing” a home should undergo before sale, I wanted to share 7 ways you can prep a home for photos or video!

Truthfully, I could probably make a list of 20 things, but starting with a few is a good beginner approach, and some of these could just be my personal preference for showing off a home.

1. UNPLUG UNNECESSARY ELECTRONICS AND TUCK IN CORDS

   These are just unsightly and distract from an image’s clean look.

2. DO NOT NEGLECT THE BATHROOMS

   Make sure the toilet seats are down, shower doors and mirrors are clean, and bottles/personal items are put away. The last thing we want buyers/renters to see are mildewing glass and an open toilet is plain yuck.

3. ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER IF THEY PREFER LIGHTS ON OR OFF, BLINDS OPEN OR CLOSED/UP/DOWN, TURN OFF FANS

   Try to have fans off and lights on/off and blinds set accordingly to make the process go smoothly for the photographer.

4. REMOVE ANY EXTRA ITEMS ON TOP OF OR MAGNETIZED TO THE REFRIGERATOR

   One of the areas most forgotten, because it seems so normal to have mail/items here

5. BEWARE OF HIDING A BUNCH OF ITEMS UNDER BEDS

   You may think these are not seen, but often they are and can be an eyesore!

6. REMOVE PET PARAPHERNALIA

   Pet beds, food and water bowls, toys…have them put away in another place, at least temporarily.

7. DON’T FORGET THE EXTERIOR

   Curb appeal and the condition of your front/back yard are super important. Move cars out of the driveway, remove any dying plants and replace them…make your front door/porch appealing by added a new potted plant or door mat…and clear out any dilapidated patio furniture, and old kids toys. Give your address numbers and mailbox a renovation.

Truly, I hope these few considerations help you to get your home listed and sold/rented quicker! Looking for more help in this area? I always have realtor recommendations and would love to help take YOUR photos!

THANK YOU!