Real Estate Prep - Part 4/6: Room-by-Room Listing Photos Checklist
Buyers will first encounter your home through its real estate listing photos online. This makes the preparation for these photos a crucial step in the selling process. Presenting your home at its best will attract more buyers, possibly sell your home faster, or even increase the offer price. Here’s a comprehensive room-by-room guide to preparing your home for sale.
The Entrance and Foyer
First impressions count.
Clean or repaint your front door, front step, and mailbox.
Remove old, weathered doormats and replace them with new ones.
Add fresh flowers or plants to exterior pots or hang a spring wreath on the door.
Ensure the area is well-lit, either with natural light or a warm overhead light.
Remove any shoes, coats, or mail cluttering the space.
Remove any keys, purses, or dog leashes.
If you have a family command center, erase any personal notes or calendar info.
The Living Room/Rec Room
Create a focal point.
Remove any unnecessary or bulky furniture.
Arrange furniture around a focal point, like a fireplace or a large window.
Remove everything from coffee tables, side tables, and media centers except for simple décor.
Tuck away family photos.
Declutter/downsize bookshelves by one-third.
Remove any brightly colored pillows, blankets, and décor.
Remove sports team/band memorabilia, jerseys, posters, etc.
Consider upgrading throw pillows/blankets, curtains, area rugs to light-colored neutrals.
Consider adding a wall-mounted or leaner mirror to reflect light.
The Kitchen & Dining Room
Highlight cleanliness and space.
Remove all magnets, photos, and kids’ art from the fridge.
Remove nearly everything from counters, leaving only a small selection of aesthetic kitchen decor.
Ensure no dishes are in the sink.
Move standalone garbage and recycling bins from view.
Move any pet bowls from view.
Remove dishrags, dishtowels, and floormats.
Remove everything from the table/island except for a few select pieces of décor (bowl of fruit, fresh greenery in a vase, a large tray, etc.).
If your kitchen has newer millwork, organize a few cupboards and drawers to showcase the craftsmanship in photos.
Set a simple table - matching dishware and a centerpiece of flowers.
The Bedrooms
Aim for a serene retreat.
Make all beds, ensure pillowcases in each room are matching.
Keep bedding neutral and light in color.
Use textural throw blankets and pillows to add style.
Hang one large, or a set of two pieces of art above the bed to anchor the room.
No visible clothes in laundry drums or under the bed.
Nothing hung on the backs of doors.
Remove all personal items from dressers and bedside tables (glasses, water bottles, medications, lotions, etc.).
Remove one-third of clothing from walk-in closets. This gives the illusion of a spacious closet.
Tuck kids' toys and stuffies into baskets.
The Bathrooms
Sparkle is key.
Remove all grooming items from view (shampoo, vitamins, lotions, toothbrush, razor, etc.) from countertops and showers.
Remove any cleaning items (plunger, toilet bowl brush).
Close toilet lid.
Ensure all bulbs in vanity lights are a matching hue.
Remove the bathmat to show the floor.
Use white “show towels” in the bathroom for a cleaner look and spa-like feel.
Remove any used towels in hampers or on the back of the door.
A white shower curtain doesn’t distract in photos.
Keep décor neutral and to a minimum (a white candle, a small plant, and a stylish soap pump).
The Home Office
Showcase productivity.
Keep desk surface clear except for a computer, lamp, notepad, and a small piece of decor.
Declutter bookshelves by one-third and insert decor to create visual breaks on the shelves.
Ensure there are no stacks of paperwork, folders, or binders.
Remove any personal books with titles you’re not comfortable sharing with the world.
Erase any personal notes or calendar info on whiteboards.
Hide messy wires using cable wraps and cord organizer clips.
The Backyard and Outdoor Areas
Extend the living space.
Sweep dirt and debris.
Wipe or wash patio tables and chairs (seasonal).
Trim any overgrown shrubs or trees.
Mow/water lawns, and do any light weeding.
Remove any pet or kids' toys from view.
Repaint or stain any visibly chipped and worn wood on railings or deck.
Arrange outdoor furniture neatly.
Consider staging an outdoor gathering area as you would for entertaining.
The Garage
Showcase storage potential.
Move as much as possible to the perimeter of the garage to show as much floor space as possible. Crowded storage rooms give the impression to buyers that there isn’t enough room.
Move cars, boats, motorcycles into the driveway for photos.
Sweep dirt and debris, clean any visible garbage from the floor.
Corral small, loose items into plastic totes and stack.
Showcase any wall-mounted storage systems for tires or bikes by organizing neatly.
General Tips Across All Rooms
Thorough Clean: A clean home photographs well and signals to buyers that the property is well-cared for, essential for preparing the home for sale.
Neutralize: Personal items, such as photos, certificates, and bold, niche decor, should be stored away. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves in the space, not feel like they’re intruding on someone else’s home.
Repair and Refresh: Address any minor repairs, such as leaky faucets, loose handles, or scuffed walls. Consider upgrading things like hardware, handles, address numbers, and outdated lighting and window coverings. Check out this post for more details on what to consider upgrading.
Lighting: Ensure every room is well-lit. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light and turn on all interior lights, including lamps, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, crucial for capturing the best real estate photography.
Preparing your home for real estate listing photos might seem like a daunting task, but it’s an essential step in the process of selling your home fast. By following this room-by-room guide, you can ensure your home is presented in the best possible light, attracting more potential buyers and making a strong first impression. Remember, the goal is to make potential buyers fall in love with your home before they even step through the door!
Centered Space helps realtors & sellers with positioning a home to show its very best and appeal to the greatest pool of buyers.
Check out our staging and decluttering services for more details.🌵🏠
