First impressions are everything in real estate. The way your home is photographed sets the tone for how buyers perceive it from the very start. That’s why preparing your home for professional photography helps create striking images and sets the stage for successful showings. Here are some practical tips to ensure your property looks its best.
Declutter for a clean slate.
One of the first steps in preparing your home for professional photography is decluttering. Clear away personal items, including excessive family photos and knick-knacks, to create a neutral canvas. This allows potential buyers to envision their own lives in the space.
Keep surfaces such as kitchen counters and bathroom vanities free of unnecessary items. To reduce visual clutter, temporarily store belongings in boxes, bins, or storage containers and keep them out of sight. This creates a clean, spacious look that buyers will appreciate.
Light up your space.
Good lighting is key to capturing attractive photographs. Ensure all bulbs are working and replace any that are burnt out. This includes often-overlooked spots like range hoods and bathroom vanities.
Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light, creating a welcoming and airy atmosphere in your photos. Furthermore, for both listing photos and everyday use, the ideal light bulbs are soft white (2700K) with 800 lumens.
Neutralize personal touches.
While your personal style is part of what makes your house a home, preparing your home for professional photography requires a more neutral approach. Remove items that are overly personal or potentially controversial, such as bold art pieces, to appeal to a broader audience.
Stand in each room and take a look around. If you can easily spot personal items that aren’t essential or used regularly, buyers will notice them too. Consider packing these away until after the photoshoot or until the home sells.
Freshen up outdoor spaces.
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Ensure lawns are mowed, leaves are raked, the landscape is well-trimmed and any pet waste is removed. Tidy up patio furniture and clean the grill to create an inviting outdoor space. Additionally, fresh mulch, pine straw and pressure washing can have a significant impact.
Store away garden hoses, tools, and seasonal decorations to maintain a clean and uncluttered look.
Manage temperature comfort.
This tip for preparing your home for professional photography also applies to showings. More specifically, a comfortable home temperature is essential during showings. Ensure your air conditioning or heating system is set to an appropriate level. Note that ceiling fans should be off during photography sessions to avoid motion blur.
Remember to set the temperature a little lower or higher than usual before a showing to compensate for frequent door openings.
Summary
By decluttering, optimizing lighting, neutralizing spaces and sprucing up outdoor areas, you create a welcoming and appealing environment for prospective buyers. Ryan’s reference for more in-depth professional photography tips and his helpful contacts for professionals who handle a range of jobs.
Are you ready to list your home? Contact Ryan Roberts for expert guidance in Lee County and surrounding areas! Ryan understands the intricacies of real estate transactions, from preparing for professional photography to promoting his clients’ best interests. For more tips and real estate updates, keep reading our blogs.
