Preparing for photography is such an important factor when selling or renting a home as first impressions count & the first thing a everyone sees is the photos on the internet.
We send our clients the following helpful checklist which helps to alleviate the stress of knowing how to prepare before the photographer arrives.
GENERAL
Always maximise space to create a larger look & feel. Remember, less is more!
REMOVE
o Family Pictures
o Personalised Ornaments
o Memorabilia
o Animal Food Bowls
o Animal Bedding
o Animal Toys
WINDOWS & MIRRORS
o Free Of Streaks
o Clean Windows
FLOORS
Remove these items to enhance perception of floor space size in photos.
o All Rubbish Bins Out Of Sight
o Rugs
o Floor Mats
o Door Mats
LIGHTS, LAMPS & FANS
o Turn On All Lights/Lamps
o Replace Any Faulty Globes (we want all lights working for photo’s as well as open homes)
LOUNGE / LIVING AREA
CLEAR
o TV Remotes
o Video Game Equipment
o DVDs
o Any Visible Electrical Cords
o Books
o Magazines & Additional Clutter
o Pedestal Fans
If you have a nice coffee table book & homewares you can display them tastefully on the table. Keep any cushions to a minimum & neatly arrange.
Tip: Many living rooms lack colour. Adding a pop of colour with artwork, rugs and cushions can add life and complete a room.
BATHROOM / EN-SUITE SHOWER
o Shower Screen Free Of Stains and Streaks – Very Important!
o Keep Toilet Lid Down
REMOVE
o Remove Washing Baskets
o Rubbish Bins
o Tissue Boxes
o Used Soap Dishes
o Bath Mats Off Floor (makes bathroom look larger)
o Remove Most/All Products Lying Around
Tip: Put out freshly co-ordinated Towels. Neatly double folded looks best – use matching colours for most attractive results. Add a candle for a extra touch.
Tip: For that professional touch turn all taps to the centre (or even side on looks great) so that they are all matching – basins, showers & baths. Same goes for the kitchen & outdoor areas.
KITCHEN / DINING AREAS
REMOVE
o Put Away Dishes
o Hide Small Appliances
o Bench Tops Clutter
o Tea Towels
o Visible Child-Proof Equipment (for example on doorways, cabinets & cupboards) Kettles, coffee machines etc are all okay as long as they don’t clutter your bench space. The idea is to style your space like a display home.
APPLIANCES
o Clean All Appliances
o Free Of Streaks
o Replace Oven Light (if blown)
o Turn On Oven Light For Extra Ambiance
o Clutter Free Refrigerator (magnets, kids’ drawings, fingerprints, calendars, etc.)
Tip: It is always a good idea to set any table with your best cutlery & perhaps a centre piece such as a candle or flowers, lower height is better. White plates have the best affect in photos. Neatly presented flowers/fruit are always welcomed in the kitchen/dining/living areas.
SWIMMING POOL
REMOVE
o Pool Cover
o Cleaning Equipment
o Toys
o Any Debris
Make sure your pool water is balanced and not “green”.
ENTRY
REMOVE
o Shoes
o Bags
o Floor Mats
o Umbrellas
o Any Other Clutter
OUTSIDE AREAS
REMOVE
o Noticeable Large Weeds
o Fallen Palm Fronds
o Cars
o Caravans & Trailers
o Garden Hoses
o Garden Tools
o Toys
o Bicycles & Skateboards
o Pet Utilities
o Rubbish Bins (hidden in the garage is best)
o Washing From Clothes Line
o Any Garden Pegs Lying Around
Sweep/remove stains from driveway & paths.
Groom the lawns & garden.
Rake any leaves on-site & cover any dirt with mulch.
Outdoor furniture should be wiped clean
