Creating Stunning Property Photos: A Comprehensive Guide to Showcase Your Home's Best Features

In today's digital age, striking photographs play a crucial role in the success of a sales campaign. Potential buyers often form their initial impression of a property through online listings, making it essential to present captivating photos.

The camera lens has a unique perspective that tends to magnify imperfections or flaws, making it vital to invest time in preparing your property for a photo shoot. Not only will this enhance the visual appeal of your listing, but it will also set the stage for successful open house viewings.

To ensure your property is photo-ready when the photographer arrives, follow our room-by-room photo styling checklist to transform your home into a captivating model.

General Tips:

1. Thoroughly clean the entire house, including vacuuming carpets, mopping wooden floors, and wiping countertops.
2. Clean all windows to let in natural light.
3. Clear clutter from surfaces.
4. Turn off ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens.
5. Remove personal photographs.
6. Put away shoes and toys.
7. Open blinds, shutters, and curtains to maximise natural light.
8. Turn on all lights.
9. Create a sense of spaciousness by removing excess furniture and ensuring mirrors won't reflect in photos.

Curb Appeal:

1. Close the garage doors.
2. Remove cars from the driveway and front of the property.
3. Tidy up the landscaping, including sweeping paths, mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, and clearing leaves.
4. Remove visible water hoses.
5. Clear away toys, sports equipment, and soccer goals.
6. Consider adding pot plants near the front door for added charm.

Kitchen:

1. Clear clutter from countertops.
2. Remove old fruit from the fruit bowl.
3. Leave one to two attractive appliances on display.
4. Remove items from the fridge doors, including magnets, artwork, and flyers.
5. Hide garbage bins.
6. Ensure no dishes are in the sink.
7. Close the dishwasher door.
8. Consider adding a bowl of fresh citrus fruit as a colourful centrepiece.

Dining Area:

1. Remove clutter from the table.
2. Place a centrepiece such as a vase of flowers or a decorative bowl that complements the overall decor.
3. Straighten and evenly space chairs.
4. Remove high chairs or booster seats.

Living/Family Room:

1. Remove stacks of magazines, newspapers, and mail.
2. Declutter bookshelves, fireplace mantels, and television cabinets.
3. Hide remote controls.
4. Fluff up cushions.
5. Remove or hide kids' and pets' toys.
6. If you have indoor plants, remove dead leaves and dust large leaves. Alternatively, consider adding a couple of indoor plants for added visual appeal.

Bathroom:

1. Remove all toiletries from the vanity, including toothbrushes and deodorant.
2. Clear shampoos, soaps, and other personal items from showers and bathtubs.
3. Ensure the toilet seat is down.
4. Add a fresh roll of toilet paper.
5. Place a small flowering plant, nice soap, and perhaps a candle for a touch of elegance.
6. Add fresh, plump towels.
7. Pull open the shower curtain.

Bedrooms:

1. Make all beds neatly, paying attention to hospital corners if necessary.
2. Iron bed linen and bed ruffles if needed.
3. Remove personal items from bedside tables, leaving only a small stack of books, a light, and a small potted plant.
4. Take down family photos from the walls.
5. Clean under the bed, removing any items that may appear in photos.
6. Remove wall stickers in children's rooms if present.
7. Tidy bookshelves and remove excess items if they appear cluttered.

Pets:

1. Hide food and water bowls, as well as litter boxes.
2. Remove pet beds and toys.
3. Vacuum sofas to remove any pet hair.
4. Keep pets out of the house during the photo shoot.
5. Ensure the front and backyard are free from pet toys.

Highlighting Special Features:

If there are specific areas you want to emphasise, communicate these to the photographer. Examples include:

1. Display shelves.
2. Fireplaces or fire pits (ensure they have a fire or ask the photographer to add one digitally).
3. Pools or spas (ensure they are sparkling clean).

By following these guidelines, you can showcase your property's unique features, capturing stunning photos that attract potential buyers and add significant value to your sales campaign.