10 Things Your Real Estate Photographer Desperately Wants You To Know
Professional photos for real estate listings has reached it’s tipping point. It’s common knowledge among realtors that your property will sell much quicker when your house is photographed by a pro. That is, if the images are well composed, evenly lit, and taken with a sharp, wide angle lens.
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1. It’s All About the Views!
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Just before your photo appointment, turn all lights and lamps on making sure every light bulb works, matching in their color and intensity. Turn all fans off. If left on, they look like twirling helicopter blades in your photos. Put all toilet seats down.
Prepping your home for photos is no small undertaking and takes advance planning and executing. If you have domestic help, schedule the photographer early in the afternoon after they leave (and before the kids get home). Photos should be taken the day after the gardener does their magic.
2. The Front Image is the First One Viewed Online
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All cars should be out of the driveway, extra porch furniture and outside items put away, including colorful garbage/recycling bins. A fresh coat of paint on the front door gives a great first impression.
3. The Back: Your Lifestyle Shot
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It goes without saying that all windows, mirrors and doors throughout the house should be sparkling clean. There should be no BBQ’s or patio furniture blocking the windows. You are selling the lifestyle and lovely views of your property, so work to make it as enticing as possible.
4. The Living Room
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To prep the living room remove all clutter from the tables with the exception of a well placed book or vase of flowers. Get rid of the throws and ottomans. Ottomans are floor eaters and quickly make a living space appear small. Remove any family photos and expensive artwork. Your private space is going live, online.
5. The Dining Room
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The dining room seems to be the least used room, thus collects the most clutter. To make it look spacious remove the extra leaves from your table and put them, plus the extra chairs in the garage. Since there is usually a hanging light fixture, center the table on it and put a minimal, low lying centerpiece for enhancement.
6. The Family Room
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Most living happens in the family room and kitchen area. Out to the garage go all but a few pillows, toys, toy furniture, and ottomans. Throw open the blinds on all windows and sliders, and pick up the throw rugs covering up those beautiful floors. Turn the TV off and put the remotes out of sight. Pet beds go into the garage as well. Continue on with the same instructions from the living room.
7. The Kitchen
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Thank goodness the kitchen is usually close to the garage! Tote out the microwave, toaster oven and all other appliances, pet bowls and distracting decor. Counter space is precious real estate to prospective buyers so you need to make it loom large in your photos. A small, well placed bowl of fresh fruit works well here. Put the knives in the garage also. For some reason knives have a negative impact in photos. Bad ex’s perhaps?
8. Bedrooms
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Open all blinds and curtains in the master bedroom. Make sure the bed is tightly made with no lumps, and the bedspread is even along the sides. Since spacious is what we are after, remove the bench at the foot of the bed and that treadmill you bought for your spouse. Continue on with the same instructions from the living room, and repeat in all bedrooms.
9. Bathrooms
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Counter space in the master bath, and all baths is also at a premium. Clear off all personal items, jewelry and bulky items hanging on the backs of the doors (they show in the mirrors). Clear out the tubbie toys and monogrammed bulky towels. Most people keep the bathroom blinds closed but they need to be open for the pictures,
10. The Foyer
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The foyer, or entrance should be clear of shoes, slippers, key racks, umbrella stands, dog leashes, rugs or any other distracting items.
It will take thirty to sixty minutes to photograph your home. Since it’s costing your realtor a few hundred dollars they will greatly appreciate it if your property is photo-ready.
And no, you don’t have to do this for every showing, just the for your photos!
This post was created by a user and has not been vetted or endorsed by BuzzFeed's editorial staff. BuzzFeed Community is a place where anyone can post awesome lists and creations. Learn more or post your buzz!