Preparing Your Home for Listing Photos

You’ve been working on getting your home ready to go on the market for a few weeks.  You’ve been tackling various projects; cleaning up the yard, touching up the paint, and de-cluttering.  Unfortunately, these projects may seem to take more time than you had imagined and now the time has come for your home to be photographed.  Preparing your home for photos is a little like preparing your home for a party.  Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, but overall you want it to appear tidy and clean.

​First on your list should be removing clutter.  If you’re running low on time, this means cramming everything in the closets, drawers and boxes in the garage.  Obviously this isn’t the best approach for long term, but if you just need the home presentable for photos, this is your best bet.  You really want only a few minimal items on all the countertops in the home.  Hide all your kitchen appliances in the cabinets, and make sure all the random papers, personal items, and cooking supplies are off the kitchen countertops.
 
In the bathrooms, place all of your personal items (toothbrush, deodorant, beauty supplies etc.) in a large Tupperware, bath caddy, or box. Place this box under the sink.  Your countertops will be clear, and you can utilize this method throughout the showing process as well.  Simply remove the box in the mornings and evenings, perform your daily hygiene routine and then put the box back under the sink.

​Don’t forget the pet’s and kid’s stuff.  Hide food and water bowls in closets.  Make sure the litter box is tucked away out of sight.  Stuff the kids toys under beds or in the closet, and make sure all of the kids and animals are out of the way for the photos.
 
When it comes to cleaning your home for photos, you can get away with doing a lot less than you will need to do to prepare your home for showings.  For photos, you want to focus on a few main areas: floors, countertops, and windows.  Make sure the carpet is vacuumed and steam cleaned if necessary.  Have stubborn stains?  This stuff works miracles!  Sweep and mop the hard surface floors, and make sure to clean the countertops and kitchen appliances.  Windows are important too! If time permits, take the screens off.  Photos look better without the mesh in the background.  If you’re running short on time, make sure to clean the most prominent windows, especially if they reveal a pretty view.  

​Outside you will want to make sure the lawn is cut and leaves are raked or blown away.  Hide your trash bins in the garage or on the side of the house.  Nothing ruins a gorgeous first shot of your home more than an unsightly waste bin.  Last but not least, don’t forget the lights.  Make sure all of your lights are functioning and have bulbs.  Open all of your blinds and curtains to let in natural light.  Great light really does make a great photo.  

Preparing for listing photos leads to great images.  First impressions occur with your home’s photos these days.  Do yourself a favor and take these steps to ensure your home looks it’s very best when buyer’s see it online.  Thinking about selling your Austin area home?  Contact me today for more home selling tips.