If you are preparing your home for sale and want to help your realtor sell your home quickly for maximum dollars, start with setting up for the photo shoot. Today’s buyers are very visual and will look at photos before they will even read the wonderfully written description full of details and dynamic adjectives.
The first step in this process begins with hiring a realtor that provides professional photography services to showcase your home online. When you are choosing a realtor, ask to see other homes they have, or had, listed so you can see the quality of photography. Many real estate boards allow realtors to use up to 20 or more photos on each MLS listing. Be sure your realtor maximizes the amount of quality photos they are able to use.
Here are a few hints on what you can do to get ready for your real estate photo shoot:
1. Be sure the photo shoot is scheduled when the sun is in front of the home. Sun coming from the back will make the front look too dark.
2. Ensure the windows are closed and window coverings are open.
3. Remove vehicles from the driveway, kid’s toys, garbage cans, garden hoses, etc … so the exterior shots are clean and uncluttered.
4. Trim all trees, bushes, hedges and grass … and don’t forget to rake and sweep up after!
5. If you have patio furniture, create a comfortable living space. People will want to envision themselves sitting out in the yard … so make it feel welcoming.
6. Be sure to have the photographer take photos of all the special features of the home. If you just remodelled the powder room, or installed a new back splash in the kitchen, be sure you get photos of it.
7. Less is more! Declutter and remove all items that do not add to the beauty of the room.
8. Replace all light bulbs that have burned out, and try to use the same type of lightbulb throughout your home. Small details like this can reflect on how a buyer feels the seller looks after their home.
9. Depersonalize your home, take down all personal photos and any photos on the refrigerator.
10. And whatever you do … make sure all the toilet seats are down!
These are just a few hints of what you can do to help present your home in the best light. If you have any questions about staging your home and photography, please feel free to contact Sean Kavanagh 905-220-9198 or Leo Manchisi 905-334-9650.