Our FIVE for Photography – There are no second chances at a first impression!
Photography is a significant factor when advertising your home for sale. When it is done right, you can attract curiosity from far and wide! Captivating buyers with images that spark interest and promise a home full of desirable features leads to a timely sale.
A photographer’s time is of the essence, that perfect lighting opportunity does not last all day! So, we have created these top five tips to help you prepare your home.
1. Decluttering - Look, it’s not fun but think about it as the start of the moving process.
Overflowing bookcases, laundry on the benches and playrooms bursting with toys do not photograph well. These rooms will always look more open and spacious with excess belongings removed or put away.
Start boxing up all non-essential items to go into storage (maybe also think about a garage sale, less you have to move & store) and nominate one area, whether that be the garage or a spare bedroom. Not every room needs to be photographed so sacrificing one room is a great option for temporary storage.
2. Clear out the Bathroom – We want to sell your home, not your skin care.
Remove everything from view except clean matching towels on the rails and some decorative styling. Think minimalistic a lovely plant or reed diffuser on the vanity is plenty. Don’t leave the shampoo, conditioner, soap, wash cloth and shaver in view.
Clean, clean, clean a sparkling shower screen and a fresh space is far more inviting than the calcium deposits and toothpaste remnants on the vanity. (Or if you have kids, the mirror, the ceiling, the vanity doors and floor – but how? How do they get it absolutely everywhere!)
3. Tidy Kitchen and Living areas – Kitchen’s sell houses, make it shine.
Another key area that draws buyers in, so again presenting a clean and clutter-free hub of the home is vital.
The fridge is a great place to start, the things to do list, unpaid bills and kid’s timetables are essential but not for your photos. Minimise appliances on the benchtop and if the toaster is looking like it needs to go into retirement pop it in the cupboard as well.
As for living areas, things like treadmills aka extra space to dry your clothes in winter, are best put out of sight as well.
4. Check the lights – Fifty shades of yellow is not a good look.
Lighting is EVERYTHING for photographers – so inconsistent coloured globes is a no, ensure all globes give off the same hue.
Warm white lighting generates a lovely feel in photo’s, but if your preference is a cool white go for it. Just no mixing. Don’t forget your outside lighting is just as important – especially if you choose to include twilight photography in your package.
5. Prepare the Exterior – Don’t underestimate curb appeal, people tend to go where the grass is greener.
Your outdoor areas are just as important as your indoor rooms. Surfaces should be clean, tidy and clutter free.
Remove cobwebs, dust, and the pile of shoes from your entry door.
Place things like your wheelie bins, car trailers and push bikes at the side of your house behind the gate or in the garage. Also removing your cars from the driveway allows for a neater photo.
Considering styling your back table, again some greenery and a candle or a water jug with glasses can create that sense of an inviting space to relax.
Remove weeds from garden beds, lawns, front verges, and those random pesky ones that can grow 4ft high in the gutter. Rake up debris, mow your lawns and ensure paved and concrete areas have been spruced up as well. Clean up after pets and remove cages, kennels, and the like.
Chloe Adams
