Selling your home? Great photos can make all the difference. Here’s how to get your property photo-ready:
- Clean and Declutter: Make every room spotless. Clear countertops, hide personal items, and tidy up.
- Maximize Light: Open curtains, clean windows, and turn on all lights for a bright, welcoming look.
- Stage Key Areas:
- Kitchen: Remove fridge magnets, clean appliances, and clear counters.
- Living Room: Arrange furniture neatly, hide cables, and let in natural light.
- Bedrooms: Make beds with smooth linens and keep decor minimal.
- Bathrooms: Clear toiletries, hang fresh towels, and close toilet lids.
- Outdoors: Mow the lawn, clean walkways, and remove clutter.
- Final Walkthrough: Turn on lights, check for clutter, and ensure everything looks polished.
- Work with Experts: Consult local agents for staging tips tailored to your market.
Pro Tip: Schedule your shoot during the day for the best natural light.
Follow these steps, and your home will stand out in photos and attract buyers faster.
Basic Home Prep Steps
Clean and Tidy Up
Start by decluttering your home to make it look spacious and inviting in photos. Remove personal items and unnecessary furniture to showcase a clean, organized space.
Key cleaning tasks include:
- Dusting and wiping surfaces, including windowsills and baseboards
- Cleaning windows and mirrors for a polished, streak-free look
- Vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors for spotless results
Once the clutter is gone, shift your attention to lighting to highlight each room’s best features.
Optimize Lighting
Good lighting can make a big difference in how your home appears. Here’s how to brighten things up:
- Fully open blinds and curtains to let in natural light
- Turn on all overhead lights and lamps to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere
Room Preparation Guide
Kitchen Setup
Get your kitchen photo-ready by keeping it clean and clutter-free:
- Clear countertops, leaving just one or two decorative items like a stylish bowl or coffee maker.
- Remove magnets, notes, and photos from the refrigerator.
- Store small appliances inside cabinets.
- Hide dish soap, sponges, and other cleaning supplies.
- Close all cabinet doors and drawers.
- Polish stainless steel appliances to remove fingerprints.
- Take away drying racks and floor mats.
Once the kitchen is set, focus on creating a welcoming living room.
Living Room Setup
Make the living room feel open, bright, and inviting:
- Arrange furniture to ensure clear pathways.
- Remove extra seating to avoid a cramped look.
- Center and straighten area rugs.
- Arrange pillows symmetrically for a tidy appearance.
- Hide cables from the TV and entertainment systems.
- Put away remote controls and magazines.
- Fully draw back curtains to let in natural light.
- Clear windowsills of any personal items.
For tailored advice on staging your living room, you can consult local real estate experts like the Austin Local Team, who stay up-to-date on market trends.
Next, apply similar principles to the bedrooms.
Bedroom Setup
Ensure bedrooms are neat and appealing for photos:
- Make beds with crisp, wrinkle-free linens.
- Remove personal items and decor from visible surfaces.
- Close closet doors.
- Hide charging cables and electronics.
- Straighten curtains or blinds.
- Keep decor on dressers minimal and tasteful.
Bathroom Setup
Make bathrooms look pristine and fresh:
- Remove all personal hygiene items from view.
- Keep countertops clear except for a decorative soap or accent.
- Hide toothbrushes and toiletries.
- Remove bath mats and scales.
- Close toilet lids.
- Hang fresh, matching towels.
- Clean mirrors and shower doors until spotless.
- Store cleaning supplies and plungers out of sight.
Outdoor Area Setup
Create a polished outdoor space that enhances curb appeal:
- Mow the lawn and trim edges.
- Move vehicles out of the driveway.
- Store garbage bins where they can’t be seen.
- Clear leaves and debris from walkways.
- Put away garden tools and hoses.
- Wipe down or clean patio furniture.
- Remove children’s toys and sports equipment.
- Test all exterior lights to ensure they work.
- Remove seasonal decorations.
- Power wash decks and patios if necessary.
The goal is to make every room and outdoor area feel spacious, clean, and neutral so potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Once everything is in place, you’ll be ready to finalize photos and virtual tours.
Last-Minute Prep Tips for Real Estate Photo Perfection
Photo and Virtual Tour Setup
Once each room is ready, it’s time to fine-tune the look of your home for photography and virtual tours.
Photo Preparation
Good lighting and a clutter-free space are key to capturing high-quality photos. Open curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible, and supplement with artificial lighting if needed. Double-check that all interior lights are working to ensure every corner of your home is well-lit.
Eliminate Distractions
Before the camera starts clicking, remove anything that might pull focus away from the home’s best features. Clear out personal items and unnecessary clutter to create a clean, inviting space. This helps potential buyers focus on the property itself, making it shine in photos and virtual tours.
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Pre-Photo Checklist
Once you’ve staged and prepared every room, take a moment to do a final walkthrough before the photoshoot.
Check Rooms and Lighting
- Turn on all lights and open the window coverings.
- Look around each room to make sure it’s bright, tidy, and free of clutter or personal belongings.
Final Property Check
Double-check the overall presentation to ensure everything is photo-ready:
- Test all light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
- Make sure surfaces, floors, and windows are spotless and free of smudges.
- Adjust decorations and artwork to keep the look neutral and appealing.
- Confirm that all areas are easy and safe for the photographer to access.
Austin Real Estate Support
Great photography starts with proper preparation and expert advice. Collaborating with local real estate professionals can enhance your listing’s visual appeal and help it perform better in the market.
Expert Agent Guidance
Getting your home ready for photos is easier with the help of experienced local agents. Austin Local Team connects homeowners with top agents who know how to showcase properties in the Austin market. These agents provide:
- Tailored staging tips specific to Austin buyers
- Advice on showcasing features that attract potential buyers
- Insights into current market trends for impactful presentations
"The best decision I made was going with Austin Local Team! Austin Local Team exceeded my expectations!" – Sam L., June 2022
Comprehensive Support Services
Beyond expert agent advice, Austin Local Team offers a range of services to help you prepare your property for the market:
| Service | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Free Home Evaluation | Learn your property’s value and identify areas to improve |
| Agent Matchmaking | Get paired with knowledgeable local agents |
| Market Analysis | Receive a detailed comparison of your property within the market |
| Local Network Access | Access referrals for reliable contractors to handle repairs or updates |
With local expertise, your property will stand out. Reach out to Austin Local Team to ensure your home is ready to meet Austin’s market expectations.
Next Steps
Your property is now photo-ready – time to take the next steps to showcase your home effectively.
Get a Free Home Evaluation
Knowing your home’s market value is a key step before listing it. Austin Local Team provides a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you price your property competitively.
Work with Local Real Estate Experts
Experienced real estate agents can make the selling process much smoother. Fill out the short questionnaire on Austin Local Team’s platform to connect with an agent who knows the Austin market inside and out.
"Let us connect you with the top local real estate agents who can turn your housing dreams into reality." – Austin Local Team
Photography Day Checklist
- Double-check your preparation list
- Schedule the shoot when natural lighting is best
- Ask your agent to emphasize standout features
- Make sure every area of the home is easily accessible
With everything in place, you’re ready to team up with experts and make your home sale a success.
FAQs
What steps can I take to make my home look spacious and welcoming in real estate photos?
To make your home appear spacious and inviting in real estate photos, focus on decluttering and creating a clean, open environment. Remove personal items, such as family photos or excess decor, to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space. Rearrange furniture to maximize floor space and ensure walkways are clear, creating a sense of openness.
Pay attention to natural light by opening curtains or blinds to brighten the rooms, and consider adding warm lighting if needed. Finally, add small touches like fresh flowers or neutral-colored accents to make the home feel welcoming without overwhelming the space. These simple steps can make a big difference in how your property is perceived in photos.
What should homeowners avoid when getting their property ready for real estate photography?
To make your property shine in real estate photos, avoid these common mistakes:
- Cluttered spaces: Remove personal items, excess furniture, and unnecessary decor to create a clean, open look.
- Poor lighting: Ensure all light fixtures are working and use warm, inviting lighting. Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light.
- Unkempt outdoor areas: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and clear away any outdoor clutter like toys or tools.
- Ignoring small repairs: Fix minor issues such as chipped paint, loose cabinet handles, or visible stains to present a well-maintained home.
Taking the time to address these details ensures your home looks its best in professional photos, helping it stand out to potential buyers.
Why is it best to schedule real estate photography during the day, and how does natural light enhance the photos?
Scheduling real estate photography during the day is ideal because natural light plays a significant role in showcasing a property at its best. Sunlight brings out vibrant colors, enhances textures, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers.
Natural light also helps rooms appear larger and more open, highlighting key features like hardwood floors, countertops, and outdoor spaces. For optimal results, aim to schedule the photoshoot during mid-morning or early afternoon when sunlight is abundant but not too harsh.
