Preparing Properties for Photographs & Videos

Preparing Properties

for Photographs & Videos

Today’s potential buyers and renters review properties online and immediately make up their minds in but a few seconds to determine if there is any type of emotional connection. This is why at Generating Media we make it our goal to publish the best photographs and videos in order to try and stimulate the offers and quicker sales. However, prior to having us come and do our work there is a long list of things the owner can do to support our efforts.

The First Real Estate Photograph

The first photograph or video clip everyone wants is of the front of the property. We can not stress to the owners enough how important it is to exhaust all efforts to make sure things are well thought out. The time of day plays an important factor. Advise us when the sun shines directly on the front of the house. Natural light provides the best opportunity to capture the key features. A special touch would also include an evening photograph with the interior lights on and any exterior lights that are directed to the front of the house or landscaping. Obviously, a clear, bright day is ideal.

Keep the landscaping clean

Always best to remove any vehicles from the driveway or curb. All clutter around the outside should be removed or neatly rolled up such as garden hoses. The lawn should be freshly mowed using a grass catcher to help capture all leaves and foreign matter. Make sure the edging around the gardens is crisp, hedges are all neatly manicured, and no weeds in gardens. Nice planting adds a nice touch.

We often see properties that have mold and mildew on the exterior siding or stairs. Hardware stores sell mold and mildew remover that comes in a plastic bottle and can be attached to a garden hose. Spray the solution onto the required areas. This is important as mold and mildew are real turn-offs. If the house has exterior peeling problems a decision will need to be made to think about having the house painted or stain. A fresh coat of paint will work wonders. If there are exterior shutters make sure they are all in good condition and attached properly and not crooked. Clean windows are huge along with clean gutters. You want to show the property is well taken care of at every detail.

Roof & Chimney

The condition of the roof shingles and bricks of a chimney may need attention. These imperfections will stand out with high-resolution photographs and videos. This is especially true with aerial photographs and videos. The building inspector will also bring the quality of these areas to the attention of a potential buyer so might as well make a decision early rather than later.

Outdoor Property Lighting

Outdoor lighting plays a key factor. Check all outdoor lights to make sure they work and have the proper lightbulbs. Outdoor lights can provide a very sensitive mood for a home. Recommend that night photographs be taken as they will capture the imagination of potential viewers as so few listings use outdoor shots.

Remove Personal Items Inside the House

Setting the mood inside the home takes some creativity. Potential buyers have to visualize themselves living in the property. Sitting in the living room, watching television in the family room, cooking a meal in the kitchen, sleeping in the bedrooms, and using the bathrooms. Therefore, all clutter needs to be removed along with a majority of the personal items. Furniture may need to be moved around to make the room look more spacious. In some cases, the property may need to be staged with newer furniture and artwork. Ragged tired furniture is not appealing. A very important and often forgotten detail is to make sure all artwork or photographs on the walls are level. Uneven artwork stands out in real estate photographs.

If there are curtains and/or blinds have them open and clean. Curtains should hang evenly and blinds on all windows should be raised to the same even level. Check all lighting in the house to make sure they work and are on. Fresh flowers or fruit nicely placed provide a contrasting vibrant color to help make the photos “pop”.

Make Your Bed

One of the best investments an owner can make is having fresh bed coverings. The bed covering should not have wrinkles and be even on both sides. Do not store anything under the bed that can be seen. The camera will pick it right up. Every drawer and closet door should be shut.

Bathrooms must be sparkling clean. Dirty tiles or grout will explode off the photograph. Remove all bathroom products from the shower/bathtub. Fresh new high-quality towels and wash clothes will make a huge difference and help to take away any imperfections of the bathrooms. Mirrors should be clean without streaks. Showerheads clean. If there are any stainless fixtures make sure they are clean without streaks. Towels racks should not be loose and bathroom fans clean. Clean any walls from mold or mildew. Toilets should be clean and from rust stains or any stains for that matter. Toilet seats should be down. Brand new toilet paper rolls should be put in place. No partially used soap in the soap dishes.

Keeping up with the Kitchen

Kitchens are where potential buyers will spend lots of time thinking about. Countertops should be clean with no streaks. Try to remove all kitchen appliances off the countertop. Nothing in the sink or dishwasher. All kitchen cabinets should be clean and orderly. Cabinet doors and drawers need to all be closed and work properly. If there are pets involved remove food bowls and beds.

The flooring should be cleaned. Rugs should be shampooed and provide a fresh smell. Cushions on furniture should look smart and tidy. Set dining room tables as if it is a special occasion. Nice dinnerware, candles, flowers, and cloth napkins. Remove all clutter such as magazines and children’s toys.

Success is in the Details

There is no one thing that can be done that will assure the results you’re looking for, but rather it’s the culmination of many single, relatively small things that all together when added up with bring a much higher chance of success. The above suggestions were made to help the property owners prepare their homes so we can put their properties in the best position to capture the imaginations and emotions of potential buyers.