Picture Perfect

When families decide to sell their house, typically it is one in which they have spent many years. There tends to be a large amount of personal belongings that can be distracting in photos; or perhaps there is large furniture in the home that does not allow the true space and structure of the house to show. Follow the checklist below in order to be sure your home is shown in its best light while having pictures taken. 

Interior:

o Be sure all lights and lamps have bulbs, work properly, and are the same color. **Lighting is very important and as much as possible having matching bulbs (ie incandescent, fluorescent, halogen or LED) will make a big difference.

o Remove personal and distracting articles from vanities, showers, tubs, mantels, and furniture.

o Remove appliances (toasters, mixers, coffee makers, microwave ovens, toaster ovens and large decorations) from kitchen counters and tables. (A few items on the counter tops can be a nice touch but minimize large items.)

o Put away food.

o Remove magnates, notes and pictures from refrigerators, mirrors and bulletin boards.

o Remove personal photos.

o Remove pet accessories including food and water bowls, beds, toys, gates, kennels and cages.

o Remove or put away children’s toys, especially large items.

o Remove unnecessary furniture especially large chairs, tall hutches and large display cabinets.

o Unplug appliances from walls that are not hidden behind other pieces of furniture.

o Remove packing boxes, storage containers, cleaning supplies, paint supplies and tools and equipment.

Exterior:

o Remove garden hoses, hose reels, buckets, yard tools, cleaning equipment, excess patio furniture and garbage cans.

o Remove vehicles and trailers. Both in driveways and in front of house.

o Remove pet accessories including food and water bowls, beds, toys, kennels and cages.

o Remove children’s toys.

o Move unattached grill or bbq to an area that will not be seen in the photos and videos

Following these steps will help your home photograph and show in its best possible presentation to the buying public. We look forward to presenting your home to potential buyers with the best possible professional photography. Your help with getting it ready will make a huge difference and is greatly appreciated.

*Lighting is very important and as much as possible having matching bulbs (ie incandescent, fluorescent, halogen or LED) will make a big difference. It also helps with staging to have some light source other than a window in each room.