When preparing your property for sale, there are many factors to consider to make the best impression on buyers and the market in general. At Altamont Property Group, we work to strategize with our sellers for much time before officially listing a property in MLS, in some cases even months! You only have one chance to make a first impression, and poor preparation can often mean tens of thousands of dollars in the final sale price. Don’t let this happen to you – surround yourself with expert guidance!
We teamed up with our friend and real estate photographer Ken Fine to compile a list of tips to prepare your home for photographs before you list for sale. We are appreciative of Ken for his insight!
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GENERAL PREPARATION
Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean counter tops, clean windows).
CLEAN WINDOWS & ALL SHINY SURFACES.
Turn on all interior lighting. Make sure bulbs are same type and replace all burnt out bulbs.
Don’t mix LED’s, fluorescent, halogen, CFL’s and incandescent in the same room.
Turn all ceiling fans OFF.
Turn all TVs OFF.
Turn all computer screens OFF.
Open all blinds & window treatments.
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general art).
Make all beds and fluff the pillows.
Remove all small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring.
Place all clothing items in closets.
De-clutter rooms that may be excessively furnished.
EXTERIOR PREPARATION
Close garage doors.
Remove cars from driveway and in front of home.
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves).
Remove visible water hoses and garden tools.
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables, chairs, cushions, etc.
Remove all children’s toys.
Clean swimming pool, fountains etc.
Remove trash cans.
KITCHEN
Clear counter tops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
CLEAN WINDOWS & ALL SHINY SURFACES.
You can leave out one small appliance e.g. a coffee maker.
Remove magnets, papers, photos, etc. from refrigerator.
Hide garbage/trash cans.
DINING ROOM / TABLE
Clear table, dust and polish the table top.
Use decorative place setting if available.
Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers.
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly.
LIVING / FAMILY ROOM
Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth.
Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed.
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows.
Remove all children’s and pet toys.
MASTER BEDROOM
Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available.
Press bed linens and bed skirts.
Clear nightstands of all personal items. No clocks, cell phones etc.
Store away phone and tablet charging cables.
Remove all clutter from top of dressers.
Remove family photos from walls.
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos.
KID/GUEST BEDROOM
Remove personalized names from walls.
Remove wall stickers/posters.
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos.
BATHROOMS
Clear counter tops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats & lids down.
Close closet doors.
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs.
Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels.
Remove all floor mats.
PETS
Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet.
Hide pet beds, toys, water and food bowls.
Hide pet crate.
Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair.
Secure pets in hidden crate or outside.
Clear back yard of pet waste & toys.
Do not allow your pets to wander loose while photos are being taken.
Large and/or aggressive dogs must be secured.
A NOTE FROM KEN FINE:
I appreciate all help and suggestions! I will ask for a simple walk-through before setting up my equipment. This will give you the opportunity to point out details and features of your home that you want included in your marketing photos. Once I begin, please either vacate the premises or try to stay out of the way, as wide-angle photos can include adjacent rooms where you may inadvertently walk into the frame, which I will have to re-shoot. I love friendly conversation, but only before or after the shoot, as I need 100% focus (no pun intended) to get the best shots of your home. More information on my services can be found at www.kenfine.com.
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Are you looking for premier real estate marketing to sell your property for the highest value? Connect with Collin O’Berry of the Altamont Property Group to discuss strategies for success today! altamontpropertygroup@gmail.com or 828-772-1667.
