So, you’ve decided to put your Toowoomba property on the market. Great! But before those stunning photos can be taken, there’s some prep work to be done. As a professional real estate photographer in Toowoomba, I’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of effort can make a world of difference in showcasing your property in professional real estate photos. Let’s look at how you can best prepare your home for real estate photography.
Your guide on how to prepare your house for photos
1. Clean and declutter
- Kick things off with a deep clean. Windows, floors, and surfaces should be spotless.
- Pack away personal items like fridge magnets and other clutter to make your space feel more open.
2. Curb appeal
- First impressions matter. Ensure your front yard is manicured with neatly mown lawns
- and trimmed edges.
- Add a touch of welcoming charm with fresh flowers or potted plants near the entrance.
- Tuck hoses, sprinklers and wheelie bins out of sight.
3. Let there be light
- Natural light is your best friend. Throw open curtains and blinds to let it flood in.
- Make sure every light bulb – including lamps – is working and if possible make sure all the bulbs are the same colour (warm or cool). This means the internal photos of your house will result in a cohesive look and feel.
- Brighten things up by turning on all interior and exterior lights before the photoshoot. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
4. Repairs and maintenance
- Dripping taps, chipped paint or broken fixtures? Fix them up before the photoshoot. It’s amazing the attention to detail that can be picked up in the camera, and potential buyers can spot repairs and maintenance that need to be done a mile away.
5. Staging
- Arrange furniture and decor to showcase your home’s best features.
- Opt for neutral, cohesive colour schemes that appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
- If your property is vacant, ask your agent about virtual furniture staging. Virtual furniture staging can make a property more appealing by showing how rooms might look with furniture and decor. It helps buyers and tenants visualise themselves living in the space, which can lead to quicker sales and shorter vacancies.
6. Remove personal items
- I’m sorry to say, but it’s best to say goodbye to family photos, religious items and personal knick-knacks while you’re in sale mode. Temporarily removing personal items and keeping the spaces in your home neutral helps buyers visualise the space as their own.
7. Kitchen and bathrooms
- Clear those countertops and put away small appliances, drying racks, tissue boxes, toiletries and personal items.
- Remove dirty and worn-out tea towels, bath towels, bath mats and hand towels.
- Don’t forget to remove rubbish bins from view and remove those fridge magnets!
8. Living areas
- Make your couches and chairs inviting by fluffing up pillows and throws.
- Remove any unnecessary items from shelves and mantels.
9. Bedrooms
- Beds should be made with sheets tucked in, neat and tidy.
- Tidy up bedside tables and remove personal items.
10. Pets
- Do furry friends live with you? Keep them out of the frame during the shoot. Also, tackle pet hair and indoor odours and clean up any of your pet’s deposits in the yard.
11. Exterior areas
- Patios and decks should be clean and staged with welcoming furniture and decor.
- Remove any outdoor clutter like tools and kid’s toys.
- Peg baskets, pegs and laundry trolleys should be hidden out of sight.
12. Pool and spa
- Make sure your pool or spa is clean and inviting with no debris. Take the cover off your pool or spa too to make them extra inviting to potential buyers!
13. Remove vehicles
- If possible, move cars out of the driveway or carports for exterior shots.
14. Special features
- Showcase any unique upgrades or features in your home. Light your fireplace in winter to show the mood or lifestyle of your property. If you have built-in shelving, incorporate books or indoor plants.
15. Remove any rubbish:
- Ensure all bins in the house are empty and hidden from view, and remove any rubbish from your house or yard.
16. Final walkthrough
- Just before your photographer arrives, give your home a final once over to ensure everything looks its best.
Make your property shine with professional real estate photography
With these steps, your property will be primed for its closeup, attracting potential buyers and increasing your chances of a successful sale. If you need any guidance or advice, ask your
agent beforehand or speak with your professional real estate photographer on the day.
If you’re interested in having your property photographed for sale or rent, give Matt Edwards Photography a call.
