Preparing Your Home for Real Estate Photos & Video

There’s no denying the impact of a well-shot image in the world of real estate. A clean, vibrant photo can be the difference between your home catching a prospective buyer’s eye or getting lost amidst thousands of listings. However, the success of their work is not just down to the skill of the photographer but also the condition and presentation of your home.

Here are some tips for homeowners on how to prepare your home before we arrive to take the photos:

1. Open all curtains and blinds to maximize natural light: The abundance of natural light can make your space appear more expansive and welcoming. It adds depth to your photographs, highlighting the details of your interiors while offering a glimpse of the view from your windows.

2. Switch all light bulbs to white, cool white, or daylight color temperatures: This is massivly important for real estate videography. Different color temperatures can dramatically affect the mood and aesthetic of the video. Swapping out any warm or soft white bulbs for ones that emit a white, cool white, or daylight color temperature can create a consistent, clean, and modern feel throughout your home. Keep them consistent, try to pick one color temperature and use that throughout the home.

3. Remove clutter from all rooms: Cluttered spaces can be distracting in photographs. By removing unnecessary items, you draw the viewer's eye to the features that truly matter. Clear spaces not only photograph better but also allow potential buyers to envision their own belongings in the space.

4. Simplify furniture; less is more: In real estate photography, the focus should be on the space, not the furniture. Overly crowded rooms can make your home appear smaller. By reducing and rearranging your furniture, you can emphasize the spaciousness and functionality of each room.

5. Deep clean the entire house, especially the kitchen and bathrooms: A spotless home is a more appealing home. Ensuring your home is meticulously clean helps highlight its best features without distraction. This is particularly important for high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, where dirt and grime can be most noticeable.

6. Make sure all beds are neatly made: A neatly made bed can instantly make bedrooms feel more inviting. Consider using neutral-colored linens for a more universally appealing look.

7. Ensure cushions are plumped and properly arranged: Cushions can add comfort and color to your space, but they need to be well-presented. A few well-plumped and tastefully arranged cushions can enhance your living room and bedrooms.

8. Check all towels are fresh, clean, and neatly folded: Bathrooms can be a make-or-break point for many potential buyers. Fresh, clean, and neatly folded towels can create a spa-like atmosphere that feels luxurious and inviting.

9. Ensure all picture frames are straight: It's all about the details. Straightened picture frames not only show that you care about your home but also help maintain the visual balance in your photographs.

10. Make sure lampshades are level: Askew lampshades can be surprisingly noticeable in photographs. Ensuring they are straight and level contributes to the overall neatness of your space.

11. Clean all windows and mirrors for a streak-free finish: Clean windows let in more light and allow for a clear view outside, while clean mirrors reflect light, making the space appear larger and brighter.

12. Clear kitchen counters of unnecessary items: A minimalistic kitchen allows potential buyers to focus on the amount of counter space and visualize their own cooking setups.

13. Clean and empty all sinks: A clean, empty sink presents a well-maintained and hygienic kitchen or bathroom.

14. Make sure all appliances are clean and fingerprints are wiped off: Clean appliances not only look better in photographs but also suggest that they have been well taken care of.

15. Clear bathroom counters and remove toiletries: Like the kitchen, a decluttered bathroom allows the space and finishes to shine.

16. Clean and close toilet lids: It's a small act, but closing toilet lids contributes to the overall cleanliness and propriety of your bathroom.

17. Arrange a few tasteful, simple accessories for visual interest: A few well-chosen accessories can provide pops of color and personal touch without overwhelming the space.

18. Turn off televisions and computer screens: Dark screens can be distracting and date your photos. Turn them off to keep the focus on the space itself.

19. Remove personal photographs or identifiers for privacy: You want potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the house, which can be difficult if your family photos are on display. Removing these also helps protect your privacy.

Each of these steps can go a long way toward presenting your home in the best possible light, making it not just a property, but a potential dream home for buyers. Take the time to prepare your home thoroughly before the photographers arrive, and you'll reap the benefits in the stunning photos that result.