Maximizing Your Home's Potential: How to Prepare for a Real Estate Photography Session

When it comes to selling or renting a property, first impressions matter. Potential buyers or renters often start their search online, and the photographs of your home can make or break their interest. With so many properties on the market, it’s important to make sure your house stands out from the rest. Professional real estate photography can help showcase your home's best features and increase its market value. Here's a guide on how to prepare your home for a photoshoot before the real estate photographer arrives to take the pictures:

Clean and declutter your home.

Clean your house thoroughly before the photoshoot. Dust, vacuum, and clean all surfaces, including windows, mirrors, and floors. Pay attention to the details, such as wiping down countertops and straightening pillows and throws. Remove any personal items that you don’t want in the final pictures, such as knick-knacks, family photos, trash cans, pet toys and accessories or anything that could distract potential buyers from the beauty of your home. If you’re unsure about an item, put it away–less is better. If there is a particular room in your house that will not be photographed use this as a temporary storage location for any items that you do not want to show–in most cases people use their garage or closet. A clean and clutter-free house will make the rooms appear more spacious and inviting.

Make necessary repairs.

Fix any broken or damaged items, such as ceiling fans or blinds, replace any burnt-out light bulbs. Consider cleaning the pool and check if the pool lights work especially if you want twilight photographs of your house. A well-maintained house will show potential buyers that the property has been taken care of and is worth their investment.

Stage your home for photography.

Staging your home for photography means arranging furniture and decor in a way that showcases the best features of your home. For example, if you have a fireplace, arrange furniture around it to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. If you have a large window with a view, arrange the furniture to showcase the view, and remove any bulky or oversized items that can make a room feel cramped. You may also consider hiring a professional stager to help you decorate your home to make it look its best.

Enhance the lighting.

Proper lighting can make a big difference in how a room appears in photos. Make sure to open up curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Turn on all the lights in every room, including lamps and overhead lighting. This will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Set the scene.

Once you have staged each room, it’s time to set the scene. This means adding decorative elements, such as fresh flowers, candles, and throw pillows. These small touches can make a big difference in how a room appears in photos especially for vacation rentals.

Pay attention to curb appeal.

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Don’t forget to prep the outside spaces too, whether it’s a patio, garden or a balcony. Make sure the exterior of your home looks appealing and well-maintained by cleaning the outdoor furniture, removing any personal items such as garden equipment, toys or bikes. Sweep the porch or patio, tidy up any garden or lawn areas, and remove any vehicles from the driveway or front of the house. If you have pets, make sure they are either out of the house or secured in a separate room during the photoshoot.

Safety is important.

If you plan to have a fire in the fireplace during the shoot, it is strongly recommended to have a functioning fire extinguisher readily available. Throughout our real estate career, we have encountered several fire incidents like accidental sparks, gas residue, flue issues, human error. The significance of having a readily accessible fire extinguisher cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in promptly and effectively managing emergencies. Furthermore, it serves as a proactive safety measure, ensuring the well-being of future occupants and your property if you choose to rent your house.

Hire a professional real estate photographer.

While many homeowners may consider hiring a general photographer or relying on their smartphone cameras to capture images of their house, there is a significant advantage in enlisting the services of a professional real estate photographer. We possess unique skills, experience, specialized equipment, and editing techniques that are specifically tailored to showcase homes’ true potential. We understand how to highlight the architectural features, expansive views, capture the entirety of the rooms. Additionally, we offer a variety of services like stunning drone photos, immersive video tours, 3D virtual tours, floor plans and more to provide you a distinct advantage.

Our photographer is allocated sufficient time to complete all services ordered for the size of home. Please ensure that everything is ready at the appointment start time to present your property in the best light possible and allow the photographer to focus on capturing the true beauty of your home.