How To Prepare Your Home

A well-prepared house can significantly decrease the time required to photograph. It also provides the opportunity to plan and maximise the space available through the clever use of furniture placements. A decluttered place can also enhance the space available, which is always a positive factor for selling houses.

It is important to remember that we are photographers, and it is our job to capture what we see the best we can. The home preparation before we arrive is the responsibility of the homeowners and the agents involved. So please take the time required to plan and do what is required to enhance the space.

This page is a list of recommended things that can be done to the property before we arrive to help capture the best of your property, and at the same time, make it more time efficient to carry out our tasks and passion.

Declutter

Less is more. This is the theme when it comes to staging a home. The space needs to be maximised and decluttering will significantly help to enhance the feel of spaciousness.

Some things to consider:
– Put away personal things that you don’t the public to see
– Only display the bare minimum of furniture. An extras should be hidden away in garage and storage space
– Tidy up the bathroom and toilets, especially the likes of shampoos, conditioners, facewash etc. Clean and empty surfaces are ideal.
– The kitchen should be tidy, and all cutleries, books, sauces, etc should be tidied away. This is especially true for kitchen appliances. There is no need to have many appliances on the kitchen top

Details are important

Things to do:
– Put away rubbish bins
– Bed sheets, curtains, etc should all be straightened and wrinkle free if possible
– Windows, Doors, Glass Surfaces should all be clean and smudge-free
– Ensure there are no unwanted items lying around here and there, as this would often require images to be taken again and thus waste time for everyone involved
– Clean any reflective surfaces, like taps, fridge, stainless steel appliances
– Hang fresh towels, but not too many
– Hide shoes and clothing
– Put away remotes, and devices, and tidy up cables
– Mow the lawns and have a tidy garden. Remove any rubbishes
– Make sure all light bulbs work

Make the space feel livable and inviting

Things to consider:
– Use neutral colours, and nothing too vibrant
– Use flowers, fruit bowls, books, wine glasses and wine bottles on the deck. These items significantly soften the feel of the harsh interiors and thus make the space much more inviting and allow the viewers to easily visualise how they can use and live in the home
– Turn on heat pumps and heaters in the winter to provide warmth
– Engage with an interior designer can really help to make the space more enticing and warm and fuzzy.
– Stage the outdoor living area to make it feel much more inviting and liveable
– Make sure to air the house before open homes

Conclusion

Your home is your most valuable tangible asset. A well prepared help, along with good photography and videography, can significantly help to boost the emotional connection with potential buyers, and thus, can help to achieve faster and more successful sales.