What can you do to make sure your property looks it’s best in the photos?

First impressions count, a picture paints a thousand words, you never get a second chance to make a first impression – we’ve all heard these words.

So with that in mind here are some tips to get your home ready for photographing.

Interior

• Open window coverings (curtains, drapes, sheers, blinds) to let in as much natural light as possible. Unless of course you are trying to not draw attention to something outside.
• Turn off ceiling fans—moving fan blades just look like a blur in the photos.
• Make sure your windows are clean. Clean windows let in more light than dirty windows.
• Make sure all light fixtures have the proper type of bulbs—do not mix fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
• Eliminate as much clutter as possible, including children’s toys, clothing, piles of newspapers/magazines. Remove anything from the floor that doesn’t belong on the floor.
• Remove personal items that may not be to everyone’s taste.
• Remove toiletries and other personal items from bathroom counters; close toilet lids; remove/replace old or dirty towels, washcloths, etc.
• Make all beds neatly (avoid wrinkles, lumps, etc.); clear dressers of personal items.
• If a child’s bedroom has his/her name spelled out on the wall or otherwise visible, you may wish to remove it. If removal isn’t feasible, be sure to alert me and I will attempt to edit it out from the final photos.
• In an office space try to hide dangling cables/wires; clear papers. Straighten up and/or remove items from bookcases.
• In the kitchen, remove most, but not all, items from the counters. Items that can be left out might include: decorative canisters, a colorful bowl or platter, no more than one countertop appliance. You want it to be uncluttered, but not sterile. Items to remove or hide from view include: dish towels, pet dishes, trash cans. Remove everything (magnets, pictures, calendars, etc.) from the outside of the refrigerator.

Exterior

• Move green boxes, blue recycle bins and garbage cans into the garage or shed
• Close garage doors
• Remove cars from driveway and front of home
• Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
• Remove empty planters
• Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
• Remove visible water hoses
• Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

For a room by room list of suggestions from the Real Estate Staging Association click here.