Staging Your Home for Real Estate Listings

Preparing your home for a photoshoot can be exhausting. The day the photographer arrives is one of the most anxious times of the entire home-selling process. Everything has to be completely ready by the appointment time. What can you do to make it easier? Realtors work very hard to help clients throughout the selling process and use checklists to ensure the home looks outstanding before the photographer arrives. To get the most out of your professional real estate photographer, follow the pre-shoot checklist below. It will help ensure that your house is photo-ready and welcoming.

Use these tips below to prepare your home…

EXTERIOR:

  • Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.

  • Freshen up landscaping.

  • Remove trash, branches, leaves, etc.

  • Remove dead plants, trees, etc.

  • Sweep outdoor space and walkways.

  • Store outdoor trash and recycling bins - it is best to place them in a garage area in an outside shed for the photoshoot.

  • Store outdoor tools, equipment, and so on.

  • Store toys, bikes, etc.

  • Place pillows, umbrellas, etc., on outdoor furniture.

  • Straighten outdoor furniture.

  • Mow the grass, rake up leaves, pull weeds, and remove any dead vegetation.



INTERIOR:

  • Horizontal blinds and shutters - it is best to keep horizontal blinds down. However, open the blades in a flat position to see the exterior.

  • Vertical blinds - usually look best fully open. The most important thing is that any wall with multiple window coverings is adjusted all the same.

  • Clear all countertops and remove clutter.

  • Turn off fans.

  • Clean mirrors and windows.

  • Vacuum carpets and polish floors.

  • Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.

  • Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.

  • Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.

  • Straighten furniture.

  • Hide electrical cords and cables.

  • Store toys and video games.

  • Store seasonal decor.

  • Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.



KITCHEN:

  • Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.

  • Store food.

  • Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.

  • Clean surfaces and appliances.

  • Organize open shelves.

  • Sweep and mop kitchen floor and rug.







LIVING AREAS:

  • Minimize photos and personal items.

  • Organize bookshelves.

  • Minimize knick-knacks.

  • Remove excess furniture and accessories.



BEDROOM:

  • Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.

  • Arrange decorative pillows.

  • Store clothing and shoes.

  • Remove items underneath the bed if they can be seen.

  • Remove all clutter.

  • Tidy master closets.

  • Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.

  • Organize children’s rooms and remove clutter.

  • Remove laundry and stow hampers.


BATHROOMS:

  • Close toilet lids.

  • Remove countertop items.

  • Remove bath and shower items.

  • Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets.

  • Store towels.

  • Store soaps and candles.

In closing, don’t STRESS, just clean the MESS and remember that less is more! Talk to your realtor for more tips on selling your home!

Donnie SmithComment