Pre-Shoot Tips For Selling Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar

Interior Real Estate Photography

Photos, especially for a real estate photographer or anyone involved in a real estate deal, hold so much power. These days, when buyers are looking at potential homes online, photos create strong impressions that can make or break a deal. Pre-shoot preparations are then very critical to showcase your home at crowning state.

SHOOTING INTERIORS

Interested clients want to see nothing but the home. The idea is to have as clean a slate as possible so people can easily imagine themselves living in it. The house should almost look like a hotel or artfully staged generic showroom.

Here is a quick pre-shoot checklist to make sure you’ll have top-notch real estate photos.

LIVING ROOMS:

  • Make sure pillows are fluffed and not too distracting/loud. They should also be balanced on couches, and ideally, have light neutral colors. 

  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, and mail.

  • Clean out the fireplace interior. Put fire tools in the garage.

  • Clear away kid’s and pet’s toys.

  • All TVs and computers should be completely turned off.

KITCHEN/ DINING:

  • There should be nothing else on the table except for a centerpiece, decorative place settings, or flowers.

  • Straighten all chairs and make sure they are spaced evenly.

  • Remove any child seating such as booster seats or high chairs.

  • Empty counters unless it is one or two items neatly arranged.

  • Clean off the outside of the refrigerator — it should be empty of magnets, papers, and photos.

  • Sinks should be clear of sponges and dirty dishes.

  • Dish towels should be put away or neatly folded, not hung.

BEDROOMS:

  • Have perfectly made beds. Light neutral color beddings set a nice tone. Discard anything too loud or distracting.

  • Make sure there is no visible clutter on nightstands, dressers, and underneath beds.

  • Remove name signs, posters, and photos of people on walls, tables and cabinets.

  • Aim for balance if you feel like rearranging anything – having two nightstands, for example.

  • Only one stuffed animal can be placed on a kid’s bed if desired. The rest, including big toys, should be kept in the storage room or garage.

  • Store away phone/tablet charging cables.

  • Generally, closets are not shot on the inside – except if it is a neat and tidy walk-in with built-in shelves. The closet should be at least half empty, not packed full with everything arranged nicely on matching hangers if being photographed.

BATHROOMS:

  • Towels should be neat, clean, and either folded nicely over a rack or positioned carefully. White towels are often recommended but not necessary. 

  • Clear counters of soap, toothbrushes, makeup, toiletries, and other personal belongings.

  • Store away bathmats. People get a better idea of floor space and size without these and it helps it look cleaner. 

  • Toilet seat should be closed and nothing should be on its back.

  • If you have a clear shower door, no shampoo and conditioner bottles, and loofahs should be visible. 

Take note that less is definitely more. The general rule is to clear away personal items and clutter like small pictures, knick knacks, refrigerator magnets, stickers, trash cans, and pet bowls/beds. Things that hang are not ideal. It is also often recommended to put religious items away, and to have almost nothing sitting on the floor that isn’t furniture.

Mopped floors and vacuumed carpets photograph best. Clean all surfaces, including mirrors and windows.

All lights should be on – make sure they are all the same temperature/hue and that there are no burned-out light bulbs.

Fresh flowers add a charming touch. Lastly, open all windows or blinds to let in the natural light!

Exterior Real Estate Photo Shoot Tips

When preparing your property for exterior photos, here are some tips to get you ready. Just like the interior set ups, you want to remove anything that will make the pictures look unattractive to a potential buyer.

  • Close garage doors, and make sure no cars are parked in front of home or in driveway (if possible).

  • Tidy up landscaping for curb appeal. Remove dead leaves and the like.

  • Put away water hoses, yard tools, old grills, and all toys.

  • Outdoor furniture should be tidy and neatly arranged.

  • Make sure there is no pet waste in the yard.