The photographs used in marketing your property are vital tools in attracting potential buyers to arrange a viewing. It’s probably true that nobody ever buys a house after just seeing a set of photographs, but they are a “hook” to lure potential buyers and encourage them to book a viewing. This is the time when decisions are made.
There are 6 areas you need to consider before your photographer arrives.
· Decluttering & Depersonalization (Crucial!)
· Deep Cleaning & Repair
· Lighting & Ambiance
· Staging & Presentation
· Exterior & Entrance
· Final Checks (Just before the photographer arrives)
Selling a house is like selling anything else really, but just on a much larger scale, and for an individual or couple, something that most seldom do. We need to keep a few things in mind when preparing a property for photographs that might not be immediately obvious.
A house needs to be presented at it’s very best. The best advertising agencies spend vast amounts of money on media for their campaigns and ensuring the things look their best. When did you ever see a fast-food advert’ serving food on a dirty plate?
Fortunately, preparing a house for photographs doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but does need some diligent preparation beforehand.
Let’s have a more in depth look at these tips and think about implementing them before your photographer arrives. It may seem like a lot of things to do, but it all helps. It’s also worth bearing in mind that these tips also apply to viewings at your house, so it’s not all just for photographs.
Decluttering & Depersonalization (Crucial!)
• Aim to remove personal items: This includes family photos, excessive ornaments, religious items, children’s drawings on the fridge along with fridge magnets, (which for some unknown reason stand out like a sore thumb in photographs). The goal is for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.
• Clear all surfaces: Kitchen worktops, bathroom vanities, bedside tables, coffee tables, and shelves should be as clear as possible. A few tasteful, neutral decorative items are fine, but less is more. Space is king and people like to be able to imagine their own items in place not surfaces full of clutter.
• Declutter wardrobes and cupboards: While these might not be explicitly photographed, potential buyers will open them during viewings. Tidy, half-empty cupboards, give the impression of ample storage. The same goes for items on top of wardrobes and kitchen cupboards. They are unsightly and may portray a subliminal message that the house is lacking in storage.
• If you need to, invest in a few storage boxes (which will come in handy when you do move) to put things in. These can then be easily moved out of the photographer’s way, into another room.
• Hide everyday essentials: Toothbrushes, razors, cleaning products, laundry baskets, pet bowls, and waste bins should be out of sight. One thing that we all do daily but just looks awful on photos, are tea towels hanging in oven doors. Also, make sure your washing machine isn’t full of clothes that can be seen through the door.
• Remove pet items: Beds, toys, food bowls, and litter trays should be stored away. Remember your pet is a valuable family member to you, but that might not be the case for a potential buyer.
Deep cleaning & repair
• Thoroughly clean every room: This means dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down all surfaces. Pay attention to skirting boards, light fixtures, and corners.
• Clean windows and mirrors: Streak-free windows allow maximum light in, and clean mirrors make rooms feel larger.
• Clean bathrooms and kitchens meticulously: Ensure sinks, toilets, showers, baths, and kitchen appliances are sparkling. Remove limescale and mould.
• Descale taps and shower heads.
• Polish chrome fixtures.
• Fix minor repairs: Leaky taps, broken lightbulbs, cracked tiles, sticky doors, and peeling paint should all be addressed. These small issues can create a negative impression.
• Touch up paintwork: Especially in high-traffic areas or where there are scuffs.
• Clean carpets and rugs: Consider professional cleaning if they are heavily soiled.
Lighting & Ambience
• Maximize natural light: Open all curtains and blinds wide.
• Turn on all lights: Even during the day, turning on all internal lights (including lamps) makes rooms appear brighter, warmer, and more inviting. Use bulbs with a consistent colour temperature if possible.
• Ensure all lightbulbs are working (Extra bonus points for this!)
Staging & Presentation
• Make beds neatly: Use clean, neutral bedding.
• Arrange pillows attractively.
• Fluff cushions on sofas and chairs.
• Straighten rugs and mats.
• Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit: These can add a touch of life and colour. Keep it simple and elegant.
• Set the dining table: A simple place setting or a decorative centrepiece can make the dining area more appealing.
• Ensure towels are clean, matching, and neatly folded: In bathrooms, hang them straight.
• Hide all cables and wires: Tidy up any visible power cords.
Exterior & Entrance
• Tidy the garden/yard: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, weed flowerbeds, and sweep paths.
• Clean the front door and entrance area: Remove cobwebs, wash down the door, and polish any hardware.
• Ensure house numbers are clean and visible.
• Sweep the driveway or path and remove vehicles for the external photographs. Again, people like to see empty drives and see how much space there is.
• Remove any bins from view. If you can take down clothes lines then do it, but at least remove pegs.
• Close all windows.
• If applicable, clean patio furniture and arrange neatly.
Final Checks (Just before the photographer arrives)
• Do one last sweep/vacuum if necessary.
• Check all toilets are flushed and lids are down.
• Ensure no pets are visible (they should be removed from the property during the shoot if possible).
• Turn off televisions and computer screens.