
In today’s digital-first property market, your home’s listing photos are often the first impression potential buyers will have of your property. Property experts like Orpington estate agents say these images can make the difference between someone scheduling a viewing or scrolling past your listing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing your home for those all-important listing photographs.
Start with Deep Cleaning:
A thorough, deep clean is essential before any photographs are taken. This means going beyond your regular cleaning routine. Windows should be spotless inside and out to allow maximum natural light and create a sparkling appearance in photos. Pay special attention to reflective surfaces like mirrors, glass tables, and stainless steel appliances, as these will be particularly noticeable in photographs. Carpets and rugs should be professionally cleaned to remove any stains or wear patterns that might show up in images.
Declutter and Depersonalise:
The process of decluttering and depersonalising your home is crucial for creating appealing listing photos. Begin by removing personal photographs, children’s artwork, and refrigerator magnets. These items, while cherished by you, can distract potential buyers and make it harder for them to envision themselves in the space. Store away personal care items from bathrooms, remove paperwork and magazines from countertops, and clear kitchen counters of small appliances. The goal is to create clean, clear surfaces that photograph well and make spaces appear larger.
Lighting Matters:
Natural light is your best friend when it comes to property photography. Schedule the photo shoot for the time of day when your home receives the best natural light. Remove heavy drapes or draw them back wholly to maximise light flow. Clean all light fixtures and ensure all bulbs are working at the same colour temperature. Consider adding supplementary lighting in darker areas of your home. Rooms that look dim in photos can appear smaller and less inviting to potential buyers.
Focus on Curb Appeal:
The exterior of your home deserves special attention as it will likely be the first photo in your listing. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove any dead plants. Power wash the driveway, walkways, and exterior walls if needed. Add some colourful potted plants near the entrance to create an inviting atmosphere. Clear away garbage bins, garden tools, and children’s toys. If you have outdoor furniture, ensure it’s clean and well-arranged. Consider touching up exterior paint where needed, particularly around the front door and trim.
Room-by-Room Preparation:
Each room requires specific attention to photograph well. In the kitchen, clear countertops of everything except perhaps one or two decorative items. Ensure appliances are clean and fingerprint-free. Remove magnets and papers from the refrigerator. In bathrooms, remove personal care items, close toilet lids, and hang fresh towels. Bedrooms should have neatly made beds with pressed linens and minimal decor on nightstands. Living areas should be arranged to show good traffic flow, with furniture positioned to create inviting conversation areas.
Strategic Staging:
While complete staging isn’t always necessary, strategic placement of decorative elements can enhance your photos. Fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit can add life to a kitchen or dining room. Decorative pillows and throws can add colour and texture to living spaces. However, be careful not to overcrowd spaces – less is often more in listing photos. Remove any furniture that makes rooms feel cramped or blocks natural pathways through the space.
Final Details:
On photo day, pay attention to the smallest details. Open all blinds and curtains to maximise natural light. Turn on all lights, including table lamps and under-cabinet lighting. Open interior doors to create a sense of flow between rooms. Hide electrical cords and supplies for pets, including food bowls and beds. Fresh air out of the house and consider using subtle air fresheners, as a clean-smelling home can actually translate to better impressions of your photos.
Professional Touch:
Consider hiring a professional home stager for a consultation before the photo shoot. They can provide valuable insights about furniture placement and decor choices that will photograph well. If your budget allows, professional staging, even of just key rooms, can significantly improve the quality of your listing photos.
Maintenance Matters:
Address any visible maintenance issues before the photo shoot. Replace any burned-out light bulbs, fix dripping faucets, and touch up paint where needed. Small imperfections that you might not notice in daily life can become glaringly obvious in photographs. This includes things like crooked switch plates, visible cords, or dusty ceiling fans.
The Day of the Shoot:
On the day of the photo shoot, start early to ensure everything is perfect. Open all window coverings and turn on all lights at least 30 minutes before the photographer arrives to allow the house to be evenly lit. Do a final walkthrough of each room, checking for any items that need to be removed or adjusted. Make sure all beds are perfectly made, towels are straight, and surfaces are dust-free. Park vehicles away from the house to ensure clear exterior shots.
Remember, your listing photos are a marketing tool that can significantly impact your home’s sale price and time on the market. Taking the time to properly prepare your home for these photos is one of the most important steps in the selling process. With careful attention to detail and thorough preparation, your listing photos can showcase your home’s best features and attract potential buyers who are eager to see more.