How to be Smart when staging your Listing for Photos
Most agents know how important it is to have a well-staged home to help sell a listing quickly. However, you might be surprised how many agents miss some important details when it comes to preparing a listing for photography. Whether you are taking photos on your own, or have hired a photographer to come in and take them for you, it is important that you are smart when it comes to staging the home for photography. Here are some common things to double check before you start snapping photos.
Curb Appeal
These lovely red chairs add a punch of color.
You or the home owner might have arranged for some quick and easy landscaping, but it is easy to miss a few details that might show up in the photos including:
Hoses and other tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows, etc. peeking out from behind a bush or left "unnoticed" on the lawn
Debris that might have blown across the lawn or even lodged itself near the entry way of the home due to a windy night
Pristine front door lacking a smack of color such as a pretty urn or welcoming door mat=
Views and Windows
It is easy to miss some things that can take away from the benefit of windows such as curtains that are too short, blinds and window coverings that are wonky and crooked, too many closed drapes and blinds blocking natural light, etc. Even if the windows are perfect, it can get a little messy if the curtains are open to a view that might not be so appealing. Some things to look for:
Unsightly vehicles parked in driveway or outside on the street
Patches of overgrown or dried out lawn or garden areas
Mess from renovations
Trash cans
You get the picture.
Smooth and Primp
Make sure you do a once over in every room to smooth and primp things such as bed spreads, pillows, area rugs, drapes, towels, shower curtains, etc. Having everything looking neat and finished helps to complete the look of each room.
Overlooked Rooms and Spaces
There are rooms and features that are sometimes overlooked during the staging process such as:
Laundry Room
Walk in Pantry
Walk in Closet
Garage
These areas should be neatened in order to show off space and make everything look well maintained.
Backyard
This pristine pool area demonstrates how attention to detail pays off.
The backyard is a very important aspect of the home, yet it is also an area that can easily have some details missed that could ruin your pictures. Much like the front of the home, look for issues such as:
Hoses and other tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.
Debris
Trash cans
Pool maintenance tools such as nets
Things floating in the pool
Messy pool covers
Dog toys or mess
Messy barbecue without cover
Outdoor furniture with cushions askew or missing
General Tips
There are a few more things you can do to make sure your photos are as impressive impossible including:
Remove all trash cans from each room during the shoot
Add new light bulbs to lamps and light fixtures and make sure light fixtures with multiple bulbs are all of the same type and wattage
Straighten lamp shades
Move out exercise equipment from any room other than a gym especially master bedrooms
Straighten area rugs
Neaten balls and cues in game rooms
Close utility panels in garage, laundry room, basement, etc.
Keep in mind that a professional photographer will be conscious of unsightly issues and do their best to keep them off camera. However, they are not responsible for worrying about the issues outlined on this list. Being smart by preparing prior to real estate photography will make your next photo shoot a snap!
Realtour offers an impressive line-up of professional real estate photographers and each pro shoot includes a free virtual tour and print flyer.
