When you are selling your home, you want your listing pictures to get prospective buyers to your door. Here are some helpful tips.
See Your Home Through a Buyer’s Eyes
A few days or weeks before photo day, take a walk through your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Bring a clipboard and start at the curb:
- Do the shrubs need trimming?
- Could the walkway use a power-wash?
- Would a fresh coat of paint on the front door boost curb appeal?
- What’s your first impression when you step inside?
Buyers want to imagine themselves living there, so help them by depersonalizing the space:
- Store away family photos and kids’ artwork.
- Remove personal items that might distract from the home’s features.
Get Ready for Photo Day
If you’re still living in the home, your agent may provide a checklist to prep before the photographer arrives. Here are key steps to make your home photo-ready:
Outside:
- Park vehicles away from the house.
- Hide trash bins and clear toys or pet waste from the yard.
- Stage outdoor areas with tables and chairs.
- Remove covers from grills and hot tubs.
Inside:
- Declutter thoroughly—focus on removing personal items.
- Ensure all lights work and emit the same hue.
- Open blinds to let in natural light.
- Turn off TVs, monitors, and ceiling fans.
- Straighten picture frames and tidy up surfaces.
- Empty laundry machines and hide shoes.
- Remove calendars to avoid dating the listing.
- Conceal power cords and cables.
Bathrooms:
- Close the shower curtain unless showcasing the shower.
- If photographing the shower, remove all toiletries—no razors, loofahs, or shampoo bottles.
Final Goal: Captivate Buyers
Your listing photos should stop buyers from scrolling and spark their imagination. A well-prepped home helps them picture their future there; and that’s the first step toward a successful sale.