Prepping Your Home for Listing Photos + Video
Selling your home can be an exciting but daunting task. To ensure you get the best possible price and attract the right buyers, it's essential to prepare your home properly. One crucial aspect of this preparation is getting your home ready for photos and videos, as these are often the first things potential buyers see. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your home camera-ready:
Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter. This will help make your home appear more spacious and allow potential buyers to envision themselves living there.
Kitchen - Any extra appliance you don’t need put away, try and have all the counter tops cleared off with only 1 or 2 items per section. If you have an island try and leave this completely cleaned off.
Bathrooms - Nothing should be on your countertops. Put the toothbrushes, soap away and only leave 1 decorative item (ie. flower/plant). Try to use neutral towel if leaving any out. Shower/Bathtub should be free and clear of any shampoo/soap/body wash/razors etc.
Living Room - TV remotes put away, nothing on the coffee table except 1-2 decorative items. Neutral color throw blanket and pillows if possible.
Bedrooms - 1/2 items on bedside tables, beds made, try and keep kids rooms as organized and clutter free as possible (try and only have a few stuffed animals on bed if any) Any personal pictures, items, jewlery out away. Nothing of value should be left out.
Clean Thoroughly: Give your home a deep clean, including carpets, windows, walls, and floors. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are key selling points for many buyers.
Make Repairs: Fix any visible issues, chipped paint, unfinished home repairs anything that looks unfinished. These small repairs can make a big difference in how your home presents in photos and videos. Also make sure all lights have working light blubs and try to have them all be the same color light bulbs.
Enhance Curb Appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see. Ensure your lawn is mowed, the garden is tidy, and the front entrance is welcoming. Consider adding potted plants or flowers for an extra touch.
Stage Your Home: Arrange furniture and decor to highlight your home's best features. Use neutral colors and minimal decor to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let in all the natural light you can, which can make your home appear brighter and more inviting.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Set the scene by adding small touches like fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a scented candle. These small details can help create a warm and inviting feel in your home.
Remove Personal Items: Before the photo shoot or video tour, remove personal items such as family photos or personal memorabilia. This allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the space.
Highlight Unique Features: If your home has unique features such as a fireplace, architectural details, or a stunning view, be sure to highlight these in your photos and videos.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your home is ready for its close-up and make a great first impression on potential buyers. Preparing your home for photos and videos is an essential part of the selling process, so take the time to do it right!