Preparing your home for a real estate photoshoot is a vital step in presenting your property in the best possible light. Captivating photographs can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with a detailed list of tips for preparing each area of your home, including the exteriors, kitchen, living room, family room, home office, bedrooms, bathrooms, and finished basements. From preparation tips to what to expect on the day, this guide will help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you are looking for ways to improve your home after you have moved in, explore our article Improve Your Home for a Stress-free Escape From Your Busy Life.
General Tips for Proper Home Preparation
- Declutter and Depersonalize: Clear out clutter and personal items to create a clean, neutral canvas for potential buyers to envision their own belongings in the space.
- Deep Clean Every Nook and Cranny: Pay attention to details and ensure that every surface is thoroughly cleaned to make your home appear well-maintained and inviting. Pay special attention to mirrors and windows to make sure they clean and streak free.
- Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let natural light flood the rooms, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that enhances the appeal of your property.
- Turn On All Lights: Turn on all lights before the shoot for a bright, inviting look. Replace any missing or burn out lightbulbs. Whenever possible use lightbulbs with the same color temperature.
- Highlight Key Features: Showcase the unique selling points of your home, such as architectural details, high ceilings, or panoramic views, to capture the attention of potential buyers.
- Curb Appeal Matters: Create an inviting first impression by maintaining a well-manicured lawn, trimmed shrubs, and a clutter-free entrance.
Exteriors, Including Swimming Pools and Spas
- Landscape Perfection: Ensure the lawn is mowed, hedges are trimmed, and any dead plants are removed to create a visually appealing exterior.
- Pool and Spa Maintenance: Clean the pool and spa thoroughly, ensuring crystal-clear water and a well-maintained surrounding area to highlight the property’s luxury features.
- Outdoor Furniture Arrangement: Arrange outdoor furniture strategically to create an inviting space that showcases the potential for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
- Repair and Repaint: Touch up any chipped paint on the exterior of the house, and consider a fresh coat of paint to boost the overall appeal.
- Add Seasonal Touches: Incorporate seasonal flowers or decor to add a touch of warmth and color to the exterior.
Kitchen
- Clear Countertops: Remove unnecessary items from countertops to create a spacious and organized look, highlighting the available workspace.
- Showcase Appliances: Make sure all appliances are spotless and polished, creating a sleek and inviting atmosphere that encourages potential buyers to envision themselves cooking in the space.
- Organize Cabinets and Pantry: Neatly organize cabinets and pantry spaces, as potential buyers often open these areas to gauge the available storage.
- Highlight Upgrades: Showcase any recent upgrades or high-end features, such as granite countertops or stainless steel appliances, to highlight the modernity and value of the kitchen.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: Add a few carefully chosen kitchen accessories, like a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers, to add warmth and character to the space.
Living Room
- Arrange Furniture for Flow: Arrange furniture in a way that creates an open and inviting flow, allowing potential buyers to visualize their own furniture in the space.
- Create a Focal Point: Arrange furniture around a focal point, such as a fireplace or a captivating piece of artwork, to create an engaging and visually appealing centerpiece.
- Layer Lighting: Incorporate a combination of ambient and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that highlights the living room’s features and design.
- Add Cozy Textiles: Include soft, inviting textiles like throw pillows and blankets to add warmth and comfort to the living room space.
- Eliminate Clutter: Remove unnecessary items such as excessive decor, personal photos, and excessive knick-knacks to create a clean and spacious living room area that allows potential buyers to focus on the room’s features.
Family Room
- Arrange for Comfort: Arrange seating in a way that encourages relaxation and conversation, allowing potential buyers to envision the space as an ideal family gathering area.
- Entertainment Focus: Highlight any entertainment features such as built-in shelving for media, a home theater system, or gaming areas to showcase the room’s potential for recreation and leisure.
- Accessorize Moderately: Add a few tasteful accessories such as a cozy rug or decorative throw pillows to add warmth and character to the space without overwhelming it.
- Optimize Lighting: Ensure the room has sufficient lighting to create a welcoming and inviting ambiance, emphasizing the functionality and comfort of the family room.
- Ensure Cleanliness: Pay special attention to cleanliness, including the cleaning of upholstery, carpets, and any visible surfaces to ensure a well-maintained and inviting space.
Home Office
- Create a Functional Space: Organize the den to showcase its potential as a home office, library, or multifunctional space, demonstrating the versatility and flexibility of the area to potential buyers. Discover additional insights about preparing your home office from our article Making Room for Success: Upsizing Your Home for a Thriving Business.
- Highlight Built-Ins: Showcase any built-in bookshelves, cabinets, or desks to emphasize the den’s functionality and storage capabilities.
- Optimize Natural Light: Place furniture near windows to maximize natural light, creating an inviting and productive environment that highlights the room’s unique features.
- Personalization in Moderation: Limit personal items and decor to create a neutral space that allows potential buyers to visualize their own use of the room.
- Enhance Comfort: Incorporate cozy elements such as a comfortable chair or a small reading nook to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and productivity.
Bedrooms
- Neutralize Decor: Choose a neutral color palette and remove any overly personalized decor to create a tranquil and inviting space that appeals to a wide range of potential buyers.
- Make the Bed the Focal Point: Dress the bed with high-quality linens, pillows, and a stylish bedspread to create a luxurious and inviting focal point that showcases the comfort and potential of the bedroom.
- Declutter Nightstands and Dressers: Clear nightstands and dressers of any unnecessary items, leaving only a few tasteful accessories to create a clean and spacious bedroom environment.
- Maximize Storage: Showcase the storage potential of closets and wardrobes by organizing them neatly, giving potential buyers an idea of the available space for their belongings.
- Add Soft Lighting: Incorporate soft, ambient lighting such as bedside lamps or wall sconces to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere that highlights the bedroom’s comfort and tranquility.
Bathrooms
- Thorough Cleaning: Ensure that every surface in the bathroom is spotless, paying special attention to fixtures, mirrors, and any visible grout or tile lines.
- Fresh Linens: Replace worn or outdated linens with fresh, high-quality towels and bathmats to create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere that enhances the bathroom’s appeal.
- Minimalistic Decor: Keep decor simple and minimal, with a focus on tasteful items such as a stylish soap dispenser or a small vase of fresh flowers, to create a clean and refreshing environment.
- Maximize Storage Space: Clear countertops and organize cabinets to showcase the available storage space, highlighting the functionality and practicality of the bathroom.
- Incorporate Greenery: Consider adding a potted plant or fresh flowers to add a touch of natural freshness and color, creating a spa-like atmosphere that emphasizes the bathroom’s potential for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Finished Basement
- Optimize Lighting: Ensure that the basement has ample lighting to create a bright and inviting atmosphere, highlighting the space’s potential for various activities and functions.
- Create Functional Zones: Divide the space into functional zones such as a recreation area, home office, or entertainment center, showcasing the versatility and potential uses of the finished basement.
- Highlight Amenities: Showcase any additional amenities such as a wet bar, built-in shelving, or a home theater system to emphasize the entertainment and relaxation potential of the finished basement.
- Add Comfortable Seating: Incorporate comfortable seating options such as a sectional sofa or recliners to create a cozy and inviting environment that encourages relaxation and leisure.Maintain Cleanliness: Pay extra attention to cleanliness, including the removal of any musty odors, to create a fresh and welcoming basement space that leaves a lasting positive impression on potential buyers.
Preparing your home for a real estate photoshoot may require some effort, but the impact it has on potential buyers is invaluable. By following these comprehensive tips, you can ensure that your property is presented in the best possible light, ultimately increasing its appeal and expediting the selling process.
Freqentenly Asked Question About Real Estate Photoshoots
How long does a photoshoot take?
A typical photoshoot for properties under 3,000 sq ft takes about 45 - 60 minutes when the property is ready. Larger homes or properties with multiple photo services (e.g., drone photography, virtual tours) may take up to 2 hours. We’ll provide an estimated time based on your selected package.
What should I do to prepare my home before the photoshoot?
Preparation is key to showcasing your home at its best. We recommend following our checklist, which includes steps like decluttering, cleaning, and arranging spaces. We also encourage homeowners to ensure all lights are working and windows are clean to let in natural light.
Do I need to be present during the photoshoot?
As long as we have access to the property, you don’t need to be present. If you’re unavailable, please ensure we have access instructions ahead of time.
How should I prepare the exterior of my home?
We recommend mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, and removing any clutter like garbage cans, garden tools, or cars from the driveway. This will help create an inviting first impression for potential buyers.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the photoshoot?
Weather can affect exterior shots, particularly with aerial or drone photos. If poor weather is forecasted, we’ll reach out to discuss rescheduling options to ensure your home looks its best.
How soon will I receive my photos after the shoot?
You can expect fully edited, high-resolution photos within 24–48 hours after the shoot. We’ll send a link to your agent (directly to you if it's a For Sale By Owner) to download all the images for easy access, and there will be a link for an owner preview.
Brought to you by
This check list was brought to you by Emanuel of Emanuel Mozes Photography, your top real estate photographer in New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. To discover additional benefits of professional real estate photographers near you, consult the article The Top Benefits of Using Professional Photography for Real Estate Listings.
