If you are getting ready to sell your home, preparing for real estate photos will take some work, so give yourself enough time to get your home picture perfect. Below are some general preparation guidelines and room specific tips to help jumpstart your efforts.  

General Guidelines For Real Estate Photos
The key take-away when prepping for real estate photos is that less is more. It is always best to clear the clutter out of every room because a clean space makes rooms look larger. In addition, it may be hard for a buyer to picture himself or herself living in your home if too many personal photos and knick-knacks are on display. The goal is to create generic, but pleasing rooms that a potential buyer will find attractive and inviting. 

You also want to get rid of the grime. It’s important that all areas are thoroughly cleaned in order to remove hard water build-up, dirt or anything else that might be visible. You want to make sure that windows are spotless; they should be washed to get rid of fingerprints or other marks.

Prior to the photo session, you want to turn on all the lights and make sure that all light bulbs, both inside and outside, are in working order. You should also raise all window shades/blinds and hang them at the same length and in the same direction.

Room Specific Guidelines
Kitchen
    • Clear as much as possible off counters including food, dish racks, cutting

       boards, and small appliances

    • Put away any dishes in the sink

    • Remove fridge magnets and other items off the fridge

    • Remove dish liquids, dish towels, and cleaning products as well as

       garbage bins, brooms, and mops

    • If possible, put out a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of fresh flowers on the

       kitchen table or countertop

 

Bathrooms

    • Clear off the countertops including toothbrushes, soaps, razors, lotions,

       and beauty products

    • Remove garbage cans, bath mats, scales, spare toilet rolls, and toilet

       brushes

    • Remove shampoo and other products from the shower/tub area

    • Clean tub area and leave the show curtain open

    • Close toilet lid

    • Put out fresh towels neatly folded on towel bars

 

Bedrooms

    • Clear away clothes, shoes, laundry baskets, and make sure that nothing

       shows under the bed

    • Remove items from bedside tables, including books, magazines, and

       jewelry

    • Put away stuffed animals and excess toys

    • Remove portable fans, heaters, and waste baskets

    • Make the bed with a nice bedspread and fluffy pillows at the head of the

       bed

 

Dining Room

    • Arrange chairs neatly around the table

    • Add a nice centerpiece such as a bowl of fresh fruit or a floral

       arrangement

 

Living/Family Rooms 

    • Remove piles of newspapers and magazines

    • Put away all TV/stereo remotes

    • Remove excess knick-knacks and clutter

    • Conceal all electric cords as best you can

 

Exterior

    • Keep lawn mowed and trim trees/overgrown shrubs

    • Rake up any leaves

    • Sweep porch and sidewalks

    • Remove all garden tools including hoses and sprinklers and store them

       neatly in garage or storage area

    • Put away children’s bikes and toys

    • Move garbage and recycling bins out of sight

    • If you have outdoor furniture, wipe it down and make sure that cushions l

       look clean and nice

 

Final Touches
Now that you’ve cleaned, de-cluttered, and tidied up, there are just a couple last to-do’s. On the day of the photo session, turn off any ceiling fans and televisions. If you have a pet, it’s important to have them out of the way when the photos are taken.  Last, move any cars out of the driveway and do not park them in front of the home. Exterior shots are very important and will make an initial impression on potential buyers. 

Taking the time to prep your house for photos will go a long way. If you can do the tasks noted on this list, you are going to get much better images and a lot more views by potential buyers. This, in turn, will hopefully get your home sold quicker and for more money.