Let’s face it — these days, the search for a new home begins on the internet. Photos are the first impression you give when selling your home. This starts with good preparation.
We’ve put together this checklist to help you prepare your home for a successful shoot, leading you toward a successful sale.
BEDROOMS
• Put away clothes, shoes and laundry baskets
• Remove portable fans, heaters and rubbish bins
• Remove tissues, books and jewelry from bedside tables
• Tidy up desks, remove toys and posters
• Make your beds with your best linen and thickest pillows
BATHROOMS
• Clear bench tops of toothbrushes, clutter etc.
• Hide shampoos, soaps and cleaning products
• Remove bathmats, scales, rubbish bins and laundry baskets
• Close toilet lids, remove toilet brush and toilet cleaners
• Put out fresh towels, folded and hung neatly on rails
KITCHEN
• Remove fridge magnets and any other items off the fridge
• Remove hand towels, tea towels, soaps, plugs and dish racks
• Clear bench tops of food, plates, cutting boards and bulky items
• Put away brooms, mops, garbage bins and cleaning products
• Add a vase of flowers or bowl of fresh fruit — remember, less is more
GENERAL INTERIOR
• Clean windows, dust surfaces, vacuum and mop floors
• Remove door mats and pet bowls, litter or toys
• Turn on all lights and replace any bulbs that aren’t working
• Turn ceiling fans off and open curtains all the way
• Straighten tables and chairs, arrange cushions
• Turn off all TVs and computers, hide cables where possible
GENERAL EXTERIOR PREPARATION
• Sweep patio and deck areas
• Remove vehicles from driveway and front of house
• Move wheelie bins so they are not visible in any photos
• Hide garden hose, tools, toys and bikes
• Remove pool cleaners, skimmers, kreepy krauly and pool toys
• Use pot plants to add a bit of colour
PROFESSIONAL STYLING
Professional styling might feel uncomfortable because that’s not the way you would live in the home, but it will unequivocally generate the best return on your investment. It’s about creating broad appeal, not something that is to your taste. Not mandatory but well worth considering.