Thank you for choosing PhotoVideoSound.com to capture the beauty of your home for sale. Home buyers use the Internet 92% of the time when searching for a new home. Professional photographs in online listings often pay for themselves many times over. Just as there are things that you do to make your house more sellable, there are some things you can do to also make your photographic Internet presence more appealing.
- Have all your staging completed and in place. A clean, uncluttered, lightly furnished home is more appealing than a empty house. If you are unsure, ask your agent for advice, or to recommend a home staging professional.
- Ensure everything is clean, sparkling, and clutter-free.
- Remove items that make your home specific to you – your hobbies, pets, family photos, etc. One or two things are fine, but your potential buyers need to be able to see themselves in your home.
- Ensure all light bulbs work (including the under-cabinet lights). Try to ensure your bulbs are the same type and color temperature. Turn on all lights, televisions, and computers. Turn off all ceiling fans. Open all blinds, shutters, and curtains.
- Make all beds, straighten pillows and cushions, put away all toys, pet bowls and beds, straighten towels, clean mirrors and shower glass, store all toothbrushes, blow dryers, bottles and cans, etc., hide all trash, leave toilet lids down.
- In the kitchen, hide all non-decorative dishes, soap bars, sponges, unnecessary appliances and other clutter. Remove all refrigerator magnets and art.
- Remove glass tops and pads from tables.
- Freshly vacuum all carpet, and leave a nice “pattern” in the carpet.
- As we photograph each room, be prepared to light any gas fireplaces.
- Be aware that your photographer may move or remove items for better photographic impact and composition.
The exterior – especially the front – is also very important.
- Mow, trim, edge, and blow your yard. Trim trees and bushes. Spruce up any mulch and landscaping. Power wash any stains. Roll up hoses.
- Have all vehicles, trash cans, toys, animal dishes, etc., well out of sight.
- Close your garage doors.
- Make sure your pool and fountains sparkle.
- Ensure all exterior lights work and are turned on.
Lastly, I encourage you to trust and work closely with your agent or broker. Statistics show that homes listed at the agent recommended price sell more quickly and often at a better price. Trying a higher price to see what the market will bear backfires more often than not. Statistics also show that listing on Thursday or Friday net the highest prices – so be patient.
If possible, please be available in case the photographer needs something adjusted or has a question. Allow up to two hours for photography for most houses. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. Thanks again for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
Redfin has an interesting article that is also helpful here.