You’ve decided to sell your home, and you want to make a great first impression on potential buyers. You know that professional photography can help you showcase your home’s best features and attract more interest and offers. But before you book a photographer, you need to prepare your home for the photo shoot.
A well-staged and clean home will look more appealing and inviting in photos than a cluttered and messy one. It will also help you highlight the unique selling points of your property, such as spacious rooms, high ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops, etc. A photo-ready home will also make your photographer’s job easier and allow them to focus on capturing the best angles and lighting.
Here are some tips for getting your home ready for a photo shoot:
Clean the Whole House
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: clean the whole house thoroughly before the photo shoot. Vacuum the carpets, mop the floors, wipe the windows, dust the furniture, and polish the appliances. A clean home will look more spacious, bright, and fresh in photos.
Don’t forget to clean the outside of your home as well. Remove any dirt, cobwebs, or stains from the walls, doors, windows, and porch. Trim the lawn, rake the leaves, and weed the garden. Sweep the driveway, sidewalk, and patio. Remove any trash cans, hoses, or tools from the yard. You want to make your home’s exterior look as neat and tidy as possible. A clean and well-maintained curb appeal can make a great first impression on buyers and invite them to explore your home further.
Corral Your Clutter
You want to make your home look as spacious and organized as possible in photos. That means removing any unnecessary or distracting items from the rooms, such as mail, magazines, toys, clothes, shoes, etc. You can store them in boxes or bins and hide them in closets or cabinets.
You also want to depersonalize your home by removing any personal photographs, memorabilia, or religious items. These can make buyers feel like they are intruding on your space and prevent them from imagining themselves living there. Instead, replace them with neutral or generic artwork, plants, or accessories.
Say Hello to Fresh Flowers
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to add some life and color to your home is by adding fresh flowers. They can brighten up any room and create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. You can buy some bouquets from your local grocery store or florist and arrange them in vases or jars.
You can also use some greenery, such as eucalyptus, olive branches, or ferns, to add some texture and contrast. Place them on tables, shelves, mantels, or windowsills. You can also use some fruits, such as lemons, oranges, or apples, to add some freshness and vibrancy to your kitchen.
Camouflage Cords
One of the things that can ruin a photo is a visible cord or wire. They can make your home look messy and outdated. You want to hide them as much as possible by unplugging them, tucking them behind furniture, or using cord covers. You can also use some tape or velcro to secure them to the wall or floor.
You should also remove any unnecessary electronics or appliances from the rooms, such as laptops, chargers, coffee makers, toasters, etc. They can clutter the space and distract from the main features of your home. You can store them in drawers or cabinets until the photo shoot is over.
Style Your Home
The final touch for getting your home ready for a photo shoot is to style it with some accessories and details. You want to create a balance between simplicity and personality. You don’t want your home to look too bare or too busy. You want it to look comfortable and inviting.
Here are some ideas for styling your home:
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- Use pillows and throws to add some color and texture to your sofa and bed.
- Use rugs to define different areas and add some warmth and coziness.Use candles and lamps to create some ambiance and mood lighting.
- Use books and magazines to add some interest and character to your shelves and coffee table.
- Use trays and baskets to organize and display your items.
- Use mirrors and art to add some dimension and reflect light.
- Use towels and soap to make your bathroom look fresh and clean.
Conclusion
Getting your home ready for a photo shoot can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Professional photography can help you showcase your home’s best features and attract more buyers. By following these tips, you can make your home look more appealing and inviting in photos. If you need any help with staging or styling your home, you can always hire a professional stager or consult with your real estate agent. They can give you more advice and guidance on how to make your home photo-ready.