WELCOME HOMEOWNERS
Prepping your home to MAXIMIZE photo potential
Online
It’s where buyers start
The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make
the first impression count!
Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.
GENERAL
– Tips for all areas in the home –
• Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
• Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
• Replace all burned out light bulbs
• Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
• Turn all ceiling fans OFF
• Turn all TVs OFF
• Turn all computer screens OFF
• Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
• Make all beds
• Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
• Place all shoes/jackets in closets
• Remove animal heads/pelt from walls
EXTERIOR
– Online “curb appeal” and a relaxing oasis –
FRONT EXTERIOR
Online “curb appeal” – the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see
• Close garage doors
• Remove cars from driveway and front of home
• Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
• Remove visible water hoses
• Remove trash cans
• Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
• Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
BACKYARD
The backyard should be an oasis to relax
• Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
• Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
• Clear out kid’s toys, balls, frisbees, trampolines, etc.
• Remove visible water hoses
• Remove empty planters
• Clean pool
• Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
• Hide pool cleaning supplies
• Turn on pool fountains/water features
KITCHEN
– Sometimes the focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail –
• Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
• Leave out a max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
• Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
• Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
• Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher
DINING ROOM/TABLE
– Allow buyers to imagine a nice family meal –
• Clear table, dust and polish the table top
• Use decorative place setting if available
• Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers
• Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
• Remove child seats/booster chairs
LIVING/FAMILY ROOM
– The space to enjoy conversation and spend quality time with family –
• Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
• De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)
• Clean interior of fireplace & re-paint if needed
• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
• Remove kid’s toys
• Conceal exposed cables and cords as best as best that you can
BEDROOMS
– Rest for you and guests –
MASTER BEDROOM
A good nights rest recharges the body and mind
• Make the bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
• Clear nightstands of all personal items
• Store away phone/tablet charging cables
• Remove all clutter from top of dressers
• Remove family photos from walls
• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
KID/GUEST BEDROOM
Don’t forget about the kids and guest rooms
• Remove personalized names from walls
• Remove wall stickers/posters
• Remove diaper genies
• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
• Store away all kids toys
BATHROOMS
– To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items –
• Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
• Put toilet seats down
• Close closet doors
• Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from shower and tubs
• Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels
• Remove floor mats
PETS
– Pets are loving, but their presence should be minimized –
• Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
• Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
• Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
• Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
• Clear backyard of pet waste/toys