Home Preparation Tips for Real Estate IMAGERY
The following suggestions will help make your property look its best to potential buyers! Property shoots take anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours depending on the products chosen to showcase your home! You do not need to be present, however, you are welcome to be! Please keep at least one floor between you and the photographer.
Interior
Depersonalize and declutter. Remove personal items such as photos and toiletries.
Clear countertops in kitchen and bathroom, removing towel rolls, tissue, soap, and toothbrushes. Close toilet seats.
Vacuum carpets and make beds.
Put all kids' toys away, unless kept organized in a playroom or bedroom.
Remove remotes, magazines, and newspapers.
Clear off refrigerator by removing magnets and pictures
Turn off ceiling fans and make sure all light fixtures/lightbulbs are in working order.
Hide trash cans and remove evidence of cleaning supplies, mops, buckets, sponges, etc.
Pets need to be put somewhere during the shoot, kennel, garage or a room not being photographed. Keep pet beds, bowls, and toys out of sight.
Set all blinds to the same height.
Typically closets, pantries, and garages are not photographed, unless a selling feature or specified by your agent and organized. Example: large walk-in closet or a garage with a home gym.
Adding plants, accent pillows, and decor such as welcome signs are small special touches that make your space look like home.
EXTERIOR
Remove all vehicles from the driveway. Make sure garage doors are closed. Do not park in residential spaces in front of your home.
Tuck away trash cans and remove garden tools, hoses, and sprinklers from view.
Sweep driveway, patios, and sidewalks.
Put patio/deck furniture and umbrellas up in season (unless too windy). Remove covers from furniture and grills.
Mow lawn, trim trees, and bushes.
Enhance curb appeal with a door wreath, pots of greenery or fresh flowers, and a welcome mat.
Aerial
Some packages include the use of a drone. Potential buyers like to see a birds-eye view of the property.
All drones are registered with the FAA. We comply with all flight restrictions, including height limits and no-fly zones.
Depending on your situation you may want to notify any neighbors prior.
3D Virtual Tours
A 3D tour may have been chosen to showcase your home in a unique, interactive way. Because these tours involve the use of a 360 camera, it is important to have the whole area clear of people and pets. If possible, please exit the home or at least one floor between the photographer and you.
Since a 3D tour guides a prospective buyer through quite a bit more of the home from every angle, it is very important that anything you do not want to be seen is put away. Walk-in closets, pantries, and utility rooms will be scanned to make a complete dollhouse/floorplan, but can certainly be “hidden” in the final tour if needed.