HOW TO BEGIN
Home Prep
Most real estate agents will work with you on recommended improvements prior to listing your home. Preparing your home before marketing will not only increase the value of your home, but can also reduce the length of time before the sold sign is prominently displayed!
Room by Room
TIPS FOR PHOTO SHOOT SUCCESS
For even the most seasoned home seller, a few quick reminders on prepping your home can make the process less stressful. Below I have listed recommended actions that will showcase your home at its best. If you ever have any questions in the home prep stage, feel free to contact me.
I'm more than happy to share my experience of 100's of properties with you.
WHAT WE TYPICALLY DON'T PHOTOGRAPH
Closets
Pantry
Unfinished basements
Garages
Shed interiors
ENTIRE HOME
Routine cleaning (dust, vacuum, mop, clean surfaces/windows)
Declutter unnecessary items
Replace burned out lightbulbs (TIP: use bulbs of the same color temperature in the same fixtures/area)
Open blinds and window treatments
Turn off ceiling fans, TV's, and computer screens
Consider reducing number of personal/family photos
Place shoes and clothing in closets
Minimize seasonal decor
KITCHEN
Remove soiled dishes, mail, food packages, excess kitchen supplies and small appliances.
Clear refrigerator exterior of magnets, papers, and photos.
Clean countertops, stovetops, appliances
LIVING/FAMILY ROOMS
Remove newspapers, periodicals, and cluttered electronics
Tidy bookshelves, fireplace mantels, etc.
Remove kid's toys
BATHROOMS
Remove personal hygiene products from counters, showers, etc.
Replace soiled towels with fresh ones
Put toilet seats down
Stow away cleaning products, brushes, plungers, and waste bins
BEDROOMS
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Make beds
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Clear tops of side tables and dressers of personal items
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Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photographs
KIDS AREAS
Minimize toys by storing them out of sight
If desired, remove personalized names from walls
Make beds
PETS
Remove crates, food & water bowls, liter boxes, scratching posts, and toys.
Clean up pet waste
Contain pets out of the way
EXTERIOR
Remove all vehicles from driveway and park them down the street or in garage for duration of photo shoot
Mow grass and remove all debris from sidewalks and driveways
Shovel snow from driveway and sidewalks
Stow away garbage and recycling cans in garage
Put away toys, garden tools, hoses, and empty pots
Minimize holiday decorations
Arrange patio furniture and cushions to look welcoming