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Your Photography is what over 95% of the buyers will see first about your listing for sale. This is a Preparation guide for Photography. If you want to see a video on how to actually shoot Real Estate Photography, please visit... Tips for Real Estate Photography with examples.
Real Estate Photography should never be looked at as just taking pictures of a residence. All too often do we see MLS photos that are poorly lit, light bulbs burnt out, evidence of pets inside the home, and many other issues that a professional should never make. With the advancement of quality affordable cameras that are available on the market today, many Real Estate Professionals are doing their own photography... and although I need to be careful how I say this... Many are probably doing more harm than good by doing so.
Hopefully, this list will help in your preparation before the shoot and help your Real Estate Photography stand out above the crowd. I cannot emphasize how important that preparation is for photography if you want to create interest in a buyer. We always recommend that you hire a professional, but at the very least, please adhere to these guidelines:
Exterior:
- Move vehicles from drive and away from the front of home
- Place trash barrels, and anything that is not attached to the home, in the Garage or out of sight.
- Cut grass, and remove all weeds from cracks in concrete
- Clean the Windows! Believe me... it really helps a home "POP"
- Remove the Yard Sign. For those that are seeing your photos on the web/print, your contact info is already there.
- When possible, water the grass 4-5 hours prior to shooting- Even a brown lawn will look better.
Kitchens:
- Remove any Calendars. - Calendars make a listing dated if it goes over 30 days.
- Clear all counter tops. - No scrubbies, Soap, knives or cutting boards.
- Okay to leave 1-2 small appliances for size perception, but more than that can be distracting.
- Clear the Refrigerator completely. - No magnets, pictures, lists etc...
- Clean shiny appliances very well - Dirty appliances will look smudged with flash cameras.
- Remove Trashcan from Kitchen.
General:
- Open all drapes and blinds on windows with a good view. - An exception would be Baths and some Bedrooms.
- For security, remove any expensive artwork and Firearms from view. Even if they are decorative.
- Remove any furniture that obstructs windows.
- Turn all ceiling fans OFF. They will create a motion blur in your photo and even video.
- Turn all inside lights ON. This will help balance the light in most areas.
- Turn all Televisions OFF, and clean them very well.
- Make Beds and Close Closets. If you showcase a closet, do so separately if possible.
- Open doors between rooms to give an open feeling when possible.
- Remove ALL evidence of pets.
- Remove rugs from floors, especially from tile or wood floors.
- Conceal Cords! Unplug them from the wall if needed. (Except lights)
- Replace any burnt out light bulbs.
- No shoes by doors or anywhere... Place them in the closet.
Bathrooms:
- Toilet lids must be down.
- Clear the Counter-top from absolutely every item considered to be personal.
- Remove cleaning brushes and trashcans.
- Close Shower Curtains. If custom tiled bath, showcase with shower curtain half-open.
- Remove Toilet Paper from Holder, or use a full roll. No partial Rolls please.
There are many other items to consider when preparing a home for Real Estate Photography, however by just following the above guidelines, your listing should stand out from the crowd.
You only get one chance to make a first impression... Please don't waste it on poor Photography.
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