Preparing The Home For Photography
Nearly all homes can benefit from staging before photography. If a professional home stager is not employed, please consider these simple suggestions that will help us get you – and your client – the best marketing images possible:
- During the warmer months, have the lawn mowed (and clippings bagged if the grass was long enough to create clumps) within two days of our appointment.
- Consider adding brighter colors near the front stoop. An example might be potted flowers or tasteful decor items.
- “Limb up” overgrown trees that hide the home from the camera (and prospective buyers)
- If there is a sprinkler system, turn it off or have it adjusted so it won’t come on during the time we’ll be at the property.
- Remove cars from the driveway and ask neighbors for their assistance if there are cars parked at the curb in front of, or just to the sides of the home.
- Be aware of trash day and try to schedule around it if possible.
- Remove garden hoses from the exterior of the home or the landscaping around the home.
- Sweep the driveway, sidewalks and patios as necessary
- Tidy up deck or patio furniture. Remove grill cover as appropriate.
- Raise or fully open all shades or blinds.
- Replace any burned-out lightbulbs
- Remove all magnets and photographs from the surface of the refrigerator
- Remove visible waste baskets.
- Confine pets and hide their dishes and supplies out of site.
- Remove obvious pet hair – especially from darker furniture.
- Remove personal grooming items and toiletries (toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, used soap bars, etc) from bathroom counters, tubs and showers. Leave only the things that would look appropriate in a spa!
- And finally, clean and de-clutter as if the sale of the home depended on it!
Please know that it is our goal to provide you with the very best images possible for marketing your listing. While we never want to cause an inconvenience, it is often necessary to be in the home for several hours to meet that goal. In addition, because the technique we use requires the camera to be kept very still, we humbly ask that homeowners – especially those with young children or pets – consider leaving the home during the shoot.
That said, we will always work hard to meet your particular needs and serve you well!