When it comes to selling your home, marketing is one of the strongest tools Agents can offer. Most buyers spend weeks, or even months, window shopping online before going out to view a home. Your house’s photos are a buyer’s first impression – and you never get a second chance to make a first impression! This is why it’s important to have your home clean, organized, and de-cluttered before you take your listing photos. This allows the buyer to really see themselves in your home, which is what you want! It also makes your home appear brighter, more spacious, and ready for buyers to make it their own.
Decluttering an entire home can seem like an overwhelming task, but you can do it! Here are a few steps that can help make the process more manageable, efficient, and, perhaps even fun.
Outside
- The outside of your home is the first thing buyers will see. Make sure your front yard is neat, the grass is mowed, and leaves are swept away. Prune any dead or dying flowers so your landscape looks bright and welcoming.
- Make sure toys, bicycles, and trashcans are put away for photo day. Cars should be parked on the street, and your driveway should be clear.
Kitchen
- The island and countertops should be clear to emphasize the amount of counter space.
- Remove small appliances (blenders, coffee makers, toasters, etc.) and any clutter. Small appliances can make counter space disappear quickly!
- Clear your refrigerator of any magnets, artwork, calendars, etc. Be sure to wipe away marks or fingerprints, and use a good quality stainless steel cleaner to make your appliances shine. While you’re at it, tuck away any kitchen towels, potholders, aprons, and cooking utensils.
- Lastly, put away your dish soap, sponges, and clear the sink of any dishes, rubber mats, drying racks, etc.
Bathrooms
- Shower/bath items should be put under the sink for the photoshoot. You’ll also want to clear your countertops of toothbrushes, lotions, perfumes, soap bottles, and any other toiletries.
- Put the toilet seat down, wipe down the fixtures, mirrors, and give your shower grout a good scrubbing.
- Make the area appear more spacious by removing any bathroom rugs or toilet seat covers
All Other Rooms
- Make sure all the lightbulbs are working properly. They should also be the same color and wattage. Have all the lights turned on before your photographer arrives?
- Have curtains, blinds, and window treatments open. Most photographers prefer to see the sky and greenery through the windows. They even use a special retouching filter to make things appear more vivid!
- If possible, clear the floors of mats, rugs, or runners. This makes the room appear larger.
- Tuck away trash bins, laundry hampers, and magazine racks. You’ll also want to put away any items hanging on your doorknobs, command hooks, or coat racks.
- Organize the playroom. We know this one can be a challenge, but kid’s playrooms should be every bit as tidy as every other room in your home. For the purpose of the photo shoot, try to pare down the number of visible books, stuffed animals, and toys. Shoot for ‘Pottery Barn Kids’ instead of ‘Kids Zone’.
- Tidy up your office. Tuck away computer cords, clear your desk of loose papers, pens, office supplies, and anything gathering in piles. You know you have one or two piles gathering dust somewhere!
- Depersonalize! These marketing photos will be syndicated to several online search engines; family portraits, personal photos, and sentimental items should be put away.
Although it may seem like a daunting task, decluttering, cleaning and staging create a feeling that buyers buy into and leads to a successful close. It also makes for beautiful photos and a great first impression. Looking for additional tips and tricks to prepare your home for the market? Don’t hesitate to reach out to The Hajdu Group for more!
