In today’s digital world photos have become the new “curb appeal” for perspective home buyers. Just about everything you want to know about real estate can be found instantly on the web. Buyers are savvy and will spend countless hours on their computer and phones looking up houses while making Pinterest Boards of their future dream home. That means sellers have to become savvy too!
Photos are the first impression of your home, which means they need to be done right. Smart phones are great but a professional photographer is the way to go when you want your home to really stand out from the rest. Professional photographers have professional cameras; which have larger sensors that capture more information resulting in richer more flattering photographs.
There are some things to keep in mind before the photographer comes for their shoot, below are a few tips to remember!
- The yard! Plan for the photographs to be done the day after your landscaper has manicured your lawn. Plant new flowers in the pots outside, and clean/pressure your front porch, remove all clutter specially kids toys. Keep an eye out on the weather, sunny days make for brighter, happier feeling photos!
- De-clutter! Now is the time to pack away all the nick knack’s that takes up counter space and just make your room look smaller. Sometimes Less is More! Keep the kitchen counters free of everything but the essentials this will give the appearance of a bigger, cleaner, and neater kitchen, don’t forget to take down all the magnets and photos off the refrigerator.
- Clean, clean everything! With the more professional cameras and the different types of shots (HDR) everything can and will show! If you have spots on the carpet try to get a spot remover, these tend to show up in photos pretty well if you don’t. Don’t forget to clean the windows, with the newer tricks in photography it will make a difference in what the photos look like with clean vs dirty windows.
- Bathrooms! Take all the lotions, bottles, tooth brushes and combs and put them in the drawers! Put out a fresh new roll of toilet paper, straighten and smooth the shower curtains, empty the trash can, bring out the “good matching towels”, make sure all toys are removed from the tub and shampoo bottles can’t be seen, and PLEASE be sure the lid to the toilet is closed!!
- Day of the shoot! Poof the pillows on the couch, poof the pillows on the beds, straighten the curtains, adjust the blinds, try to make everything look as neat, clean and inviting as possible.
- Last but not least! If you have hired a professional photographer remember this is what they do for a living and they may ask you if they can move a lamp, or a chair or even a table. Be open minded they know what they are doing and the image they are trying to accomplish!
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