When preparing for a photo shoot, it’s important to keep in mind that less is often more. Here are some key elements to consider when getting your home ready for its close-up:

OUTSIDE

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Here are some things to remove:

• Vehicles: Park cars, trailers, and trucks somewhere else to avoid blocking the view of your house.
• Garbage/recycling cans: Keep them out of sight to avoid distracting from your home’s appeal.
• Toys and outdoor equipment: Tuck away bikes, skateboards, and other items that may detract from your home’s curb appeal.
• Real estate signs: If possible, remove them. If they can’t be removed, consider using virtual removal services.

GENERAL

When it comes to staging your home for a photo shoot, less is more. Here are some general tips:

• Personal items: Remove family photos, memorabilia, and other personal objects to help potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
• Pet items: Put away water bowls, pet beds, toys, leashes, and collars.
• Cleaning: Clean windows and hide garbage/recycling bins. Remove floor mats, door mats, and rugs.
• Lighting: Turn on all lights and lamps, and replace any non-matching or faulty bulbs. Turn off ceiling fans.

LIVING AREA

When staging your living room, keep in mind that potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in the space. Here’s how to get your living room ready for a photo shoot:

• Electronics: Hide video game equipment, TV remotes, and DVDs in a cabinet out of sight. Hide exposed electrical cords.
• Clutter: Remove books, magazines, coffee cups, and other clutter. Arrange cushions neatly and keep decorations to a minimum.

BATHROOM

A clean, refreshing bathroom can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Here’s how to prepare your bathroom for a photo shoot:

• Cleanliness: Ensure that the shower screen is streak-free. Set out coordinated towels and fold them neatly.
• Clutter: Remove toothbrushes, tissue boxes, and skin creams. Close the medicine cabinet and make sure no prescriptions are visible.
• Lighting: Set all taps to center or side on. Place the toilet seat down. Remove bath mats and cover them from view.

DINING/KITCHEN

The kitchen and dining areas can have a big impact on a buyer’s decision to purchase a home. Here’s how to get these spaces photo shoot-ready:

• Lighting: Switch on all lamps and turn on the oven light to complement natural light.
• Clutter: Remove items from the outside of the refrigerator, like magnets and to-do lists. Keep appliances streak-free and clutter-free. Put away dishes and remove tea towels.
• Decor: Set the table with your finest cutlery and glassware, and consider adding a low-height centerpiece.

ENTRY AREA

The entryway is another important first impression. Here’s how to make it photo-ready:

• Clutter: Remove shoes, shoe shelves, umbrellas, and floor mats.
• Mirrors: Remove any mirrors that may cause uncomfortable reflections or shadows on the day of the photo shoot.

BEDROOMS

The main bedroom is a particularly important selling point, so it’s important to make it as inviting as possible. Here’s how:

• Bedding: Make the bed with the most appealing pillowcases and blankets in neutral colors with small pops of color.
• Clutter: Remove all personal belongings from nightstands and dressers.
• Lighting: Switch on all lights in the room.