Helping Your Home Sell Through Photographs

Anyone planning to sell their house this summer knows the goal is to sell as fast as possible and as near the asking price.  Photographs help. Take photos with an eye to a toward the outcome. Professional looking images can be made with a cell phone. The house will sell with these tips for styling — and the results seen.  

Most home buyers begin the buying path online. That initial impression must be good.

There are ins-and-outs of real estate photography. To position your home for the best photos possible, follow just a few tips.

In General

- Tips for all areas in the home -

Completely clean the house (carpet, hard floors, wipe countertops and windows)
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computers OFF
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Hide personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
Be sure the beds are made and the bedrooms tidied up
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Put unworn shoes in the closet -- don’t leave them out and visible

Exterior

Online “curb appeal” and a relaxing oasis
Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of house
Get rid of the cobwebs from the eaves
Hide water hoses
Put away toys, sports balls, soccer goals, etc.

Back Yard

The backyard should be an oasis to relax

Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

Freshing and fluff the pillows and cushions
Do something about the toys, sports equipment and bicycles
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Remove garden hoses
Hide trash cans

Kitchen

Sometimes the focal point, the kitchen gets attention to detail
Clear surfaces completely. Store garbage cans in the pantry
Get rid of those dishes from the sink, place in dishwasher

Dining Room / Table

Give buyers the room to imagine a nice family meal
Clear table and polish the table top
Use decorative place settings,
Feature one centerpiece such as a bouquet of flowers
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Remove child seats/booster chairs

Living / Family Room

The space to enjoy conversation and spend quality time with family -
Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
Declutter fireplace mantel
Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys

The Takeaway

Marketing your house is selling a product. While location is important, marketing is paramount if you wish to reach a particular type of buyer. Being sure your to keep these tips in mind even when you don’t have a visit with a potential buyer scheduled.

You can also visit https://www.homephotogenic.com/ to get an idea of what a sellable house looks like.