How to Get Your Property Ready for Photography

06 August, 2024

Are you planning to sell your property? The market is fairly strong but not what it was a few years ago. Estate agents and sellers must go further to achieve a good result. “No matter how amazing your property is, you may not get the desired result if you don’t have good pictures of it.” Says Tom Cranenburgh of GetAnOffer Estate Agency. As we all know, first views are very important when trying to impress a buyer. Moreover, having good photos of your home can make it stand out, and eventually raise its value. How do you get your home ready for the perfect photo shoot, though? These tips will help your home look great through the lens.

Do

Clear out every room

A home without a lot of items looks bigger and better in pictures. Get rid of anything that isn't needed, like extra furniture, personal things, and stacks of magazines. It will make the room look nicer.

Give your house a deep clean

Clean the floors, windows, and mirrors so they reflect light beautifully. Pay close attention to the tiles in the bathroom and kitchen. If you don't have time to clean yourself, you can hire a cleaning service. Thus, you can have a spotless home ready for photography.

Improve the kerb appeal

Your property is not only the bedroom, hall, and kitchen. Even the entire garden is a part of your home. To make it look better, you should put in some effort – its well worth it! For example, you can mow the grass; then trim the hedges. Even planting bright flowers will do. Also, you must maintain a clean walkway and front door. Apart from that, you can also add simple things like a new doormat to give your space a more welcoming look.

Set up your rooms

Staging a property is the most essential aspect while setting it up for photography. For that, you should always choose simple, basic colours. Some nice accents like pillows, throws, and art will add some value to your space. If your house is empty, renting furniture can help people see how the space would look. Setting up your home for sale helps buyers picture themselves living there, which makes it easier for them to connect with the property.

Let there be light

Rooms look bigger and friendlier when they have natural light. Let in as much light as you can by opening all the blinds and windows. All the lights should be on, including the lamps and the lights under the cabinets. Use daylight lights to make the room brighter on cloudy days. For shots that look bright and airy and appeal to buyers, you need good lighting.

Don’t

Ignore the exterior

Ignoring the outside can make a bad first impression. Buyers may not want to buy if the garden isn't mowed, the driveway is dirty, or the porch is a mess. Always make sure the outside is as clean and inviting as the inside.

Leave Personal Items Out

Personal items can distract buyers from seeing the home as their own. That’s why you should keep family photos, personal stuff, and children’s toys hidden. Neutral decor is more appealing to a broader audience. Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, and personal items can make that difficult.

Put too much green stuff

Plants and flowers bring life into your home, but too many can be too much. However, you should not put too many plants in one room. Otherwise, it can feel cluttered. In fact, just a few well-placed pieces are enough.

Cut down expense on photos

Good photos can make your home look more inviting. If you have never taken pictures before, don't do it yourself. Always hire a professional photographer – your agent will know the best ones. They will make sure you get high-quality pictures that will help you sell your home. Professional photos show off the best parts of your home and make your ad stand out.

Forget to point out what makes you different

You shouldn't hide or overshadow things that make you unique. These things must stand out in pictures. Get rid of anything that could take attention away from these points. To get people's attention, you should show off unique features like a lovely fireplace or a beautiful garden.

Additional Tips for Success

Do: Make the atmosphere friendly

Small things can make your house feel more like a home. For example, some candles placed on the dining table will add more depth in pictures.

Don't forget to decorate for the holidays

While holiday decorations can make a picture look nicer, leaving them up for too long can make it look old. Make sure that any holiday decorations you use are acceptable, and take them down as soon as the holiday is over to keep your listing looking new.

Do: Have enough space for storage

A lot of buyers care a lot about having enough storage space. Make sure that your storage spaces and rooms are clean and well-planned. This lets people who want to buy the house see how much room they have for their things.

Don't neglect pet areas

People love their pets, but their areas can get messy from time to time. Make sure that the beds, toys, and places where pets eat are all clean. To make sure your home smells good, get rid of any signs of pet smells.

Do: Pay attention to the details

It's the little things that can make a big difference, like shiny door handles, newly painted trim, and well-kept fixtures. These little things show that you've taken good care of your home and are ready for a new owner.

Tom has been selling homes for over 20 years – ask him for his Top Tips when selling your property. 01903 331 031.