Follow these tips to prepare your home for real estate photos That Truly Stand out.
Don't have time to clean? check out HUX (a local ATL company) To Do the heavy lifting
General:
Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Replace all burned out light bulbs
Try to use bulbs of the same color temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Fluff and straighten curtains
Remove all personal photographs or memorabilia
Make all beds and smooth the covers
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Place all shoes/clothing in closets
Exteriors:
Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Freshen up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, rake leaves)
Remove empty planters
Remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove kids toys, sports equipment, etc.
Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Clean pool, and hide pool cleaning equipment
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Hide trash cans
Kitchen:
Clear countertops and sinks completely.
Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, photos, kid’s “artwork” etc.
Hide garbage cans in closet or pantry
Dining Room:
Clear table, dust and polish the table top
Use decorative place setting if available
Feature one center piece such as a bowl of fruit or bouquet of flowers
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Remove child high chairs/booster seats
Living Room/Media Room:
Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 4 - 8 items, including art)
Clean interior of fireplace and remove any soot marks from the exterior
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys
Organize wires and cables - completely hide them if at all possible
Bedrooms:
Make beds, add decorative pillows/duvet if available
Press bed linens and bed skirts
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
Store away cables and hide light cords
Remove all clutter from top of dressers/nightstands and wipe clean
Remove family photos from walls
Remove wall posters/stickers/decorations from kid-themed rooms
Remove all baby equipment such as diaper genies
Bathrooms:
Clear countertops completely. No soap, lotions, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.
Clean mirrors
Put toilet seat and lid down
Remove all toiletries from showers and tubs
Remove used towels - leave out only new, fresh towels
Remove bath mats
Pets:
Vacuum furniture or use a lint roller to remove pet hair
Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys