When hiring a photographer to take pictures of your home, there are many things you’ll want to do to make the most of the photo shoot and the images that result from it. Preparing your home for the photo shoot will ensure that all rooms and spaces look their best, and that there are no awkward, out-of-place elements visible in the photos. To get started on getting your home ready, consider these five tips to prepare your home before a photographer arrives.
1.) Clean Up, Clean Up, and Clean Up
Showing your home in its best light requires you to ensure it's clean and clutter-free. After all, what better way is there for buyers (or potential renters) to see how comfortable and well-appointed your place is than by being able to walk through it and imagine themselves living there? But cleaning for showings isn't just about keeping surfaces dust-free or floors sparkling; true preparation means de-cluttering, furnishing for maximum space utilization, removing out-of-season items, changing light bulbs and drapes, and installing real estate commercial signs outside. It takes time—but if you're serious about selling (or renting), it's worth it.
2.) Make Use of Natural Lights
Clutter is not only aesthetically unpleasing, but it also reflects badly on your home. If you’re trying to sell or lease your house, prospective buyers and renters might be turned off by stacks of mail and dishes piled in the sink. To ensure your pictures are flawless, keep an eye out for clutter. Remove any visible dirt or stains from floors, furniture, countertops—anything that could detract from your property’s appeal. It might also be worth setting aside some time for a thorough deep clean—including mopping and vacuuming floors—before a photographer comes over.
3) Make Use of Natural Light
When it comes to taking photos of your property, there’s nothing better than natural light. Natural light makes your images pop, revealing all of your home’s best features in ways artificial lighting can’t. When using natural light for photos, shoot early in the morning or between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. when natural light is still present. For optimal results when using natural light, you should have as few obstructions (trees, houses) as possible between you and your subject. Also avoid shooting on an overcast day—it will cast too much shade and ruin otherwise vibrant colors.
4.) Remove Anything You Don’t Want in the Photos
Nothing’s more annoying than noticing something in your photos that you wish wasn’t there. The best way to avoid that is to take photos of your property before any clutter accumulates. So, if you have piles of paperwork on your desk or unopened boxes in your living room, take some time to clean up and organize before anyone takes photos of it. You’ll be happy when you don’t notice any clutter showing up on camera.
5.) Prepare The Outside of The House Too
One of your property’s most attractive features is likely its exterior, so take a moment before your professional photographer arrives to make sure it looks its best. Hire a handyman if there are repairs that need to be made; plant flowers in your garden and spruce up your landscaping. Painting your home’s exterior can also help—and all that color will certainly stand out on camera. Though you shouldn’t spend too much time worrying about curb appeal, making some minor improvements can go a long way toward making potential renters feel at ease when they arrive at their appointments.
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