Preparing Your Home for Professional Photography

Lighting and Cleaning Before Photography

Open all blinds and drapes
Turn on all lights and lamps, replace burnt out light bulbs
Remove excess clutter, vacuum, clean and mop tile floors
Wash windows both inside and out.

Staging a Living Room for Photography

Remove clutter in the living areas
Magazines and newspapers removed from view
Remote controls to be stored away
Hide power bars and cords out of sight where possible
Arrange furniture so the rooms look as spacious as possible
Remove throw rugs and area rugs where possible
Study – clear and remove clutter desk, straighten items on bookshelf, file papers away
Toy room – organize and remove toy clutter

Staging a Kitchen for Photography

Counters to be clean, uncluttered and clear of any appliances and utensils
Kitchen sink to be free of dishes
Remove magnets, photos, calendars, etc. from refrigerator
Take away tea towels

Staging the Bathroom and En Suite for Photography

Clear counter tops
Polish faucets and mirrors
Remove stains from sinks, grout and bathtubs
Clear away any personal items and cleaning products
Remove all towels and toilet paper roll
Toilet seat lid closed

Staging the Bedroom for Photography

Make the beds with fresh, clean linen
Clear out anything from under the bed that is visible
Bedside tables are to be clean, free of tissue boxes, remote controls, alarm clocks, jewelry, etc.

Staging the Front Yard, Gardens, and Backyard

Move vehicles out of view from front of house
Paving and sidewalks cleared, swept and weeds removed
Garbage bins and garden hose to be stored out of sight
Fertilise and mow lawn
Trim hedging and overgrown shrubbery
Put away lawn equipment and gardening tools
Neatly arrange outdoor items such as furniture and play equipment
Pools – cleaned with leaves and debris cleared. Water feature turned on
Pool equipment should be stored out of sight where possible

Professional Photography

If the 3 rules of buying a property are “location, location, location”, then of equal value importance are the 3 rules of selling: “presentation, presentation, presentation”. With over 87% of buyers starting their search online, professional photos can mean the difference to be on a buyer’s short-list or not.

Twilight Photography

Images are captured at dusk - those moments with stunning light between the night and day. Twilight photography is excellent for showcasing exterior and interior views, emphasizing the rich colours and dramatic shades of light.

Full-Screen Virtual Tours

A 360° view of an interior or an exterior aspect of a property. Gives potential buyers an online interactive experience, almost the same as if they were physically immersed in the environment.

Interactive Floor Plan

A floor plan on the property displayed online where buyers can click on the hot spots to bring up corresponding high quality images. A simple and easy way to engage potential buyers with a point of reference.

Justin Havre at eXp Realty also offers the following when selling a home: