I have found the following Prep Tips very useful for homeowners when preparing for a virtual tour.  When they do follow them closely, the result is something like the St Augustine tour I recently did for a home in the South Hampton Community.  As we all know the trick is to get homeowners to understand the value of following tips such as these.

Here is my list of prep tips that I share with agents.   As I continuously look to improve, I'd love to hear if anyone has other suggested tips that they find helpful. 

•1)       Clean and De-clutter

•         Clean, spacious rooms will photograph best.   If there are specific rooms that are not to be shot, this is a good place to store stuff temporarily.  Don't forget to clean up outside too if outdoors will be photographed

•         Kitchens photograph best with fewer appliances on counter, refrigerators free from pictures, etc.

•         Straighten cushions, bedding etc.

•         Ensure all windows, mirrors and shiny surfaces are cleaned

•         Fold decorative hanging towels in baths, ensure toilet seats down, shower curtains open

•         Empty trash.  Conceal trash cans when possible.

•         Make sure electrical cords are tucked away

•         Close all dresser drawers and closet doors; open doors between rooms for spacious feeling and  easy ‘flow' of tour

•         Conceal pet food bowls, litter boxes, pet toys

•         For security reasons, hide any valuables you wish not to be included in photographs

•2)       Lighting

•         Ensure bulbs are working in all light fixtures.  Lights will typically be turned on during shoot

•         Open window blind/shades to reveal the view (unless advised otherwise by your real estate agent)

•3)       Exterior

•        Cut grass  sweep sidewalks and entryways

•        Clean up pool area.  Conceal cleaning equipment, pool toys, towels etc.

•         Remove cars from driveway/front of house

Scheduling of tour considerations:

•1)       Holidays - generally, it is preferable to remove seasonal décor if the tour may be used year round.  It helps both to remove clutter as well as to not draw attention to how long house has been on market (if applicable).

•2)       Time of Day/Day of Week

•·         Don't  schedule on trash pickup day if exterior of house to be shot (especially if street/neighborhood panorama is desired)

When scheduling time of day for shoot, try to avoid any times where exterior of house (esp. front or pool, if applicable)  is strongly shaded. 

 Trish Edmonds

Ad Vantage Virtual Tours