How Do I Get My House Ready for Listing Photos?

How Do I Get My House Ready for Listing Photos?

By Tiffany Stock, Real Estate Agent, CA DRE #01466776

Tiffany Stock is a real estate agent in Danville, CA helping sellers (including move-up families, luxury sellers, and those navigating a divorce or probate sale) get their home sold, personally, start to finish. Call 925-989-2138 or visit www.tiffstock.com.

Short answer

Clear every surface, open every blind, turn on every light, and hide anything personal. Most buyers see your home online before they ever see it in person, so the photos are your first showing. A little work the day before the photographer comes pays off for as long as the home is on the market.

The whole-house checklist

  • Clear kitchen and bathroom counters almost completely.
  • Put away family photos, mail, magnets, and paperwork.
  • Replace burned-out bulbs, and use the same color bulb in every fixture in a room.
  • Open blinds and shutters. Clean the windows.
  • Hide cords, chargers, trash cans, pet bowls, and toys.
  • Make every bed, and fluff and straighten pillows.
  • Close toilet lids. Take towels down or put up fresh matching ones.

Outside

  • Move cars out of the driveway and off the street in front.
  • Mow, edge, sweep, and put away hoses and tools.
  • Put trash and recycling bins out of sight.
  • Set up patio furniture like someone is about to enjoy it.

On photo day

  1. Turn on every light and open every window covering before the photographer arrives.
  2. Turn off ceiling fans and the TV.
  3. Take pets and people out of the house, or at least out of the room being shot.
  4. Do a last walk-through with your agent for anything you've stopped seeing.

Common mistakes

  • Scheduling photos before staging and paint are done. Retaking photos costs time you don't have once you're listed.
  • Too much stuff on shelves. A few pieces look styled. A full shelf looks cluttered.
  • Skipping professional photos. Phone photos can make a great house look ordinary.

FAQ

Should I be home during the shoot?

It's usually easier if you're not. Your agent can be there.

Do I need to stage for photos?

Staging makes the biggest difference in photos, especially in empty or dated rooms.

Want your home photo-ready without the guesswork? Call Tiffany Stock at 925-989-2138 or visit www.tiffstock.com. She owns Tiffany Stock Staging, so staging and photos are planned together.

Related reading: Staging before and after: what changed when we staged a Walnut Creek listing · Can I keep living in my house while it's staged for sale?

Keller Williams Danville, CA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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