Are you thinking about selling your home and wondering how to prepare your home for a photo shoot? It’s highly likely that the person that buys your home will view it online first. Consumers like the ease of online home searches via sites like Zillow.com, Realtor.com, Trulia.com and more. It’s important that your home stand out among the thousands of other listings in your area. If the first few photos don’t keep their attention, they are likely moving on to the next property.

It’s important that your home stand out among the thousands of other listings in your area. If the first few photos don’t keep their attention, they are likely moving on to the next property.Click To Tweet

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), In 1981, 22% of home buyers read newspaper ads to find a home and 8% used friends as an information source. In 2016, 44% looked for properties online first.

Make a Plan

I know there are so many things to consider when selling your home – even before it’s listed. Cleaning, organizing, staging, de-personalizing… And then when it is listed, you have open houses and showings to think about. The process can be stressful and, at times, confusing. You have likely never signed so many documents in your life. And, we all know that real estate decisions are typically the greatest financial decision we will ever make. Working with the right Realtor® will greatly reduce your stress and confusion. Your agent will guide you through the entire process, from pre-listing to closing. Now let’s get to the photo shoot details, as it’s one of the first steps once you have signed a listing contract.

Insist on a Professional Photographer

It does not matter if your home is going to be listed for $100,000 or $10M. Your home deserves professional photos. As a Realtor®, I cringe when I see homes that have photos taken with a smart phone. That is NOT good enough. A professional considers lighting, furniture and accessory placement, angles and highlighting the best features of your home. When a great agent and photographer team up, you will not see;

  • Used bathroom towels
  • Messy kitchen
  • Unmade beds
  • Crooked artwork
  • Dark, cave-like rooms
  • Toilet seats up

Pro Photographer + Home Stager

If your home needs updating, consider hiring a staging company. Nothing says your home has been neglected like stained, damaged walls and worn furniture. Painting is such an inexpensive, fast fix. Talk with your agent about paint colors before you visit the paint store. Your agent will know what buyers are looking for in your area and will be able to guide you when choosing the right neutral paint for your home.

Related Content: How to Sell Your Home Faster

Do you know that staged homes sell an average of 73% faster? If needed, consider staging at least a few of the most important rooms in your home – living room, master bedroom and kitchen. You want people to walk in, either in-person or online and imagine themselves living in your home. Make it as inviting as possible – before you have professional photos taken.

Related Content: Home Staging to Sell Your Home

Selling a home can be an emotional time. Hiring a Realtor® with a proven marketing plan that includes staging if needed will make the process much easier for you. They will be able to look at your home objectively, and partnered with a home staging expert, recommend any changes that will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. When you are ready to move, make sure to sign up below for my email list and I will send you a Moving Checklist that will help you stay organized through the process.

Selling your home in the Naples, Florida area? Look at my Proven Sales Plan to see how I will market your home. If you need an amazing Realtor® anywhere else in the world, I can help with that too. Call (239-595-0205) or email me now.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Photo Shoot | Sonja Pound | Naples, Florida