prepare homeforphotography better

How To Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography

by Lance Selgo, Unique Exposure Photography

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How To Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography

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The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count! Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.

Make The First Impression Count

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Section 1

GeneralTips for all areas in the home

• Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum car-pet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)

• Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON

• Replace all burned out light bulbs

• Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL in-candescent or ALL compact fluorescent)

• Turn all ceiling fans OFF

• Turn all TVs OFF

• Turn all computer screens OFF

• Open blinds/window treatments to let in out-side light

• Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)

• Make all beds

• Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring

• Place all shoes/jackets in closets

Lance Selgo ・ http://www.UniqueExposurePhotography.com ・ (682) 710-1683

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Section 2

Front ExteriorOnline “curb appeal” - the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see

• Close garage doors

• Remove cars from driveway and front of home

• Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)

• Remove visible water hoses

• Remove toys, sports balls, etc.


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Section 3

Back YardThe back yard should be an oasis to relax

• Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

• Clear out kids toys, balls, frisbees, etc.

• Clean pool

• Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose

• Hide pool cleaning supplies

• Turn on pool fountains/water features

• Remove visible water hoses

• Remove trash cans


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Section 4

KitchenSometimes the focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail

• Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.

• Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)

• Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, etc.

• Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

• Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher


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Section 5

Dining Room / TableAllow buyers to imagine a nice family meal

• Clear table

• Use decorative place setting if available

• Feature one center-piece such as a bouquet of flowers

• Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

• Remove child seats/booster chairs


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Section 6

Living / Family RoomThe space to enjoy conversation and spend quality time with family

• Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

• De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth

• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows


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Section 7

Master BedroomA good nights rest recharges the body and mind

• Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

• Clear nightstands of all personal items

• Store away phone/tablet charging cables

• Remove all clutter from top of dressers


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Section 8

BathroomsTo be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items

• Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.

• Put toilet seats down

• Close closet doors

• Remove shampoo, soap, luffas, etc. from showers and tubs

• Remove dirty towels - only leave out new, unused towels

• Remove floor mats


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Section 9

Kid/Guest BedroomDon’t forget about guest bedrooms

• Remove personalized names from walls

• Remove wall stickers/posters


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Section 10

PetsPets are loving, but their presence should be minimized

• Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet

• Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet

• Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair

• Contain pets in hidden crate or outside

• Clear back yard of pet waste/toys


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Section 11

Need Help?Staging helps provide top dollar and a quick sale

Selling your home is like selling a prod-uct - it must be marketed correctly to reach a specific buyer. Although your furnishings and decor are great for your lifestyle, it’s impor-tant to optimize your home for the future buyer.

All of the tips suggested in the previous sec-tions were approved by professional home stagers from the Real Estate Staging Associa-tion (RESA) - Dallas Chapter.

A professional home stager can provide you with a consultation to help you prepare your home for sale and make sure your home shows at its best online through the photographs.

To find a RESA professional stager in your area, visit their website:

http://www.RESADallas.org


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Section 12

What to Expect During the Photo ShootThe house should be shoot-ready when I arrive

I DO NOT:

• Move or re-arrange furniture

• Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter

• Pick up toys or yard items

• “Photoshop” vehicles, walls, damaged walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.

• Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels)


Hi I’m Lance Selgo, owner and photographer of Unique Exposure Photography. I look forward to taking photos of your home!

I want the photos of your home to be the best they can be. This requires teamwork and cooperation that will result in an outstanding online presence when your home goes LIVE on the market.

Although I would love to help you style/design your home, I unfortunately do not have the skill set required to do so. When I arrive to take photos of your property, I ask that all staging and cleaning be done prior to my arrival. To efficiently maintain my busy schedule and deliver the level of service my clients expect, I can not spend unnecessary time at the home waiting for it to be cleaned, dusted, de-cluttered, etc.

Please review the previous sections for tips on preparing your home for real estate photography, and note that I am not responsible and will not partake in any of the following duties while photographing your home:

prepare homeforphotography better

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