Preparing Your Home for Showings and Professional Photos: A Guide for Homeowners
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. A well-prepared home not only attracts potential buyers but also ensures your property stands out in the online listing with professional photos. Here are some essential tips to help you get your home ready for showings and listing.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Start by removing most personal items such as family photos, personal collections, and memorabilia. This helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Decluttering also makes rooms appear larger and more inviting. Consider renting a storage unit if you have a lot of items to store.
Make Necessary Repairs
Fix any minor repairs that could turn off potential buyers. This includes leaky faucets, squeaky doors, saggy floors, burned out light bulbs, and chipped paint. These small fixes can make a big difference in how your home is perceived.
Deep Clean
A clean home is a must. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Clean windows, dust furniture, and vacuum carpets. Don’t forget to clean light fixtures and ceiling fans. A sparkling clean home gives the impression that it has been well-maintained.
Enhance Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make sure your lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and flowers are planted. Consider power washing the exterior and cleaning the gutters. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can also make a significant impact.
Stage Your Home
Staging involves arranging furniture and decor to highlight your home’s best features. You can hire a professional stager or do it yourself. The goal is to create a welcoming and neutral space that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Optimize Lighting
Good lighting can make your home look more inviting and spacious. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Consider replacing dated light fixtures and using higher wattage bulbs to brighten up dark areas.
Set the Scene
Create a welcoming atmosphere by setting the dining table, placing fresh flowers in vases, and adding cozy touches like throw pillows and blankets. These small details can make your home feel more inviting.
Professional Photos
High-quality photos are crucial for online listings. Your realtor will hire a professional photographer so make sure your home is photo-ready by following the tips above. The photographer will likely have additional suggestions to ensure your home looks its best. If you have a few special photos of your home or flower beds in different seasons for example, feel free to offer them to the REALTOR® for their use.
Final Touches
Before the photographer arrives, do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is in place. Fluff pillows, straighten rugs, turn on lights, and make sure all surfaces are clean and clutter-free. Hide things off your countertops if possible.
Last-Minute Checklist for Showings
When a showing is booked, it’s important to leave your home in the best possible condition. Here are ten last-minute tips to follow:
- Turn on all lights: Ensure every room is well-lit to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Open curtains and blinds: Let in natural light to make rooms appear brighter and more spacious.
- Tidy up: Quickly straighten up any clutter, make beds, and fluff pillows. Hide dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
- Wipe down surfaces: Clean countertops, tables, and other surfaces to ensure they are spotless.
- Take out the trash: Empty all trash cans to avoid any unpleasant odors.
- Set the thermostat: Adjust the temperature to a comfortable level for potential buyers.
- Secure valuables: Lock away any valuable items or personal documents.
- Check bathrooms: Ensure toilets are flushed, lids are down, and clean towels are neatly hung.
- Freshen up: Use air fresheners or open windows to ensure your home smells pleasant.
- Leave the house: Give potential buyers the space to explore your home without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a great impression on potential buyers and ensuring your home stands out in professional photos. Happy selling! 😊
I hope you find these tips helpful! If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact Randy with any questions. Working together, we look forward to helping you sell your home in a timely way. 🏡
