Prepare your house for a professional photo shoot

 A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in real estate!  When it comes to selling your home, professional photography is the secret sauce that turns heads and captures hearts.   With expertly composed shots, showcase your home’s best angles, highlight its unique features, and make potential buyers say ‘WOW!’  Don’t settle for smartphone snapshots—let’s give your home the visual allure it deserves and make every click count! .

Tips to make those pictures shine:At a minimum, the house should look clean and organized.

• Decluttering countertops go along way in making a home look open and inviting.
• Smaller things, such as removing visible garbage cans, can also make the house look cleaner.

EXTERIOR:

• Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.
• Freshen up landscaping.
• Remove trash, branches, leaves, etc.
• Remove dead plants, trees, etc.
• Sweep outdoor space and walkways.
• Remove visible foliage from the roof and gutters.
• Spread fresh mulch.
• Clear debris, hose, and toys from the pool.
• Store outdoor trash and recycling bins – it is best to place them in a garage area in an outside shed for the photoshoot.
• Store garden hoses and caddy.
• Store outdoor tools, equipment, and so on.
• Store toys, bikes, etc.
• Wash windows and glass doors.
• Clean outdoor furniture.
• Place pillows, umbrellas, etc., on outdoor furniture.
• Straighten outdoor furniture.
• Store seasonal decor.

INTERIOR:

• Clear all countertops and remove clutter.
• Somewhat depersonalize home with photos, names, etc.
• Turn off fans; store portable fans.
• Clean mirrors and windows.
• Vacuum carpets and polish floors.
• Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.
• Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.
• Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.
• Display attractive books, magazines, etc.
• Store remote controls and chargers.
• Straighten furniture.
• Hide electrical cords and cables.
• Store toys and video games.
• Store seasonal decor.
• Remove rugs and runners in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms so that the floor can be seen clearly.
• Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.

KITCHEN:

• Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.
• Store food.
• Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.
• Remove refrigerator magnets, photos, etc.
• Clean surfaces and appliances.
• Hide soaps, towels, cleaning items, etc.
• Store draining racks.
• Organize open shelves.
• Sweep and mop kitchen floor and rug.

LIVING AREAS:

• Minimize photos and personal items.
• Organize bookshelves.
• Minimize knick-knacks.
• Set tables with simple place settings.
• Remove excess furniture and accessories.

BEDROOM:

• Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.
• Arrange decorative pillows.
• Store clothing and shoes.
• Remove items underneath the bed if they can be seen.
• Remove all clutter.
• Tidy master closets.
• Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.
• Organize children’s rooms and remove clutter.
• Remove laundry and stow hampers.

BATHROOMS:

• Close toilet lids.
• Remove countertop items.
• Remove bath and shower items.
• Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets.
• Store towels.
• Store soaps and candles.
  

SWIMMING POOL AND SPAS:

• Ensure their cleanliness.
• Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.
• Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.
• Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.
• Turn on pool light(s), spa bubbles, and waterfalls.