As a real estate professional, you know buyers are more likely to make an offer when they’re excited about the property and can picture themselves living there. Since so much real estate marketing happens online (especially these days!), pictures, videos, and virtual tours of the home are the first impression most buyers and their agents get of the property. It is your chance to show the property at its absolute best and entice prospective buyers and real estate professionals to seek out more information.
This means that getting ready for the property’s photoshoot is of paramount importance. But what exactly do you need to do? How do you prepare a home to make sure your photographer can show it in the best possible light?
Make the Home Appealing to a Diverse Range of Prospective Buyers
One of the key elements is for prospective buyers to be able to picture themselves living in the home. To make the space as appealing as possible to a general audience and maximize its overall aesthetics, take the following steps:
Depersonalize the space by removing things such as family portraits, personal collections, or knicknacks.
Clean all visible surfaces, including flooring.
De-clutter the space by removing unnecessary or excessive decorations, countertop appliances, bathroom toiletries, wires, laundry, and toys.
Neutralize colorful walls, particularly those in kids’ rooms.
Optimize lighting by replacing bulbs that don’t match or are out. You can also add strategic lighting using portable floor lamps.
Optimize Exteriors
Exterior spaces should emphasize the home’s curb appeal and make buyers feel as though they’d enjoy the experience of coming home and pulling up in the driveway.
To optimize the aesthetics of exteriors, take the following steps:
Put away trash cans, toys, bicycles, and other garden items.
Clean windows, especially those that look out to an attractive view.
Sweep and blow away leaves and debris from outdoor paved spaces such as patios, walkways, and driveways.
Power-wash the siding to remove buildups of dirt, mold, or mildew.
If the property has a pool, remove leaves and debris, and put away distracting objects such as nets, pool toys, and inflatables.
Final Touches: Day of the Shoot
On the day of the photo shoot, prep for your photographer with these final touches:
Turn off ceiling fans.
Turn on all lights, making sure that all bulbs match and are working (bring some extra bulbs with you just in case).
Open the blinds to let in natural light.
Move vehicles 1-2 homes away from the property so that they aren’t reflected in windows.
Remember, whether the viewer of your ad is a prospective buyer or another real estate professional, the pictures of the property are their first impression, and many decisions are made right then.
A professional real estate photographer will know how to maximize a home’s appeal, but they can only do so much without your help. Working with them to get the house ready ensures that you are putting your best foot forward and increasing the chances of selling it faster and for a higher price.
For more information about Alaska real estate marketing, reach out to DMD today.