Owners: The kids enjoyed the backyard. You: So let’s write, huge backyard, beckoning for birthday parties and barbecues. We’ll plant a few more flowers and paint your picnic table! More Tweaks to Get Photo-Ready Besides discussing the things that truly make the home shine, you’ll want to give the owners a list of other items they need to accomplish. Here’s a basic list of things to do around the house. A lot of it is common sense, but it helps to have a checklist. You might add more, depending on what each home needs. Leave this list with the owners when the appointment ends. ● Clean the entire house from top to bottom, including fans and baseboards. ● De-clutter as much as possible. Tables and surfaces should be clear. No newspapers, mail, or magazines should be visible. Shelves should look organized. ● Depersonalize rooms by stowing family photographs, knick-knacks and loud artwork. Bright or bold wall paint or wallpaper needs to be neutralized as well. Aim for cool, earthy tones. ● Get rid of any seasonal decorations to ensure photos are timeless. ● In the bathrooms, stow items around sink/shower such as soaps, toiletries, personal items. Put all toilet lids down. Hang up matching guest towels. ● In the kitchen, get rid of dirty dishes, soap, clutter around sink, pet bowls, paper clutter, etc. Add a bowl with fruit or a vase of flowers for visual appeal. ● Replace any burned out light bulbs. Consider adding more lighting to any dark rooms. ● Put fresh flowers wherever color is needed. ● Hide all trash cans, inside and out. ● Make sure the lawn is properly trimmed, leaves raked, bushes and trees pruned. ● Hide toys, bicycles, skateboards, etc. ● Clean up the pool, hot tub or spa and make sure it’s visible (not behind a gate). ● Make sure umbrellas are open, grills are open and yard looks “welcoming.”
● Plant flowers or add potted plants as necessary. Professional Photographers - Are they worth it?
The question of whether to take your own photos for the listing or to hire a professional real estate photography comes down, of course, to the listing itself. If the home is a luxury property that will yield a higher commission, it will be well worth it to invest in a photographer. Remember, the Center for Realtor Development states that, for homes in the $200,000 to $1 million range, those that include high-quality photography in their listings sell for $3,000-$11,000 more.
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