Prepare your home for photographs and videos





When buyers are looking at properties online or in estate agent’s particulars, they make their minds up in seconds.

That’s why having the very best photographs of your home is so important. Get the photos right and it could mean higher offers and a quicker sale.

Why? Well, because first impressions count.


Now more than ever buyers are also looking for videos and virtual tours of a property to see if they like the look of it before they visit in person. 



The easiest way to get the very best photographs and videos is to invite a professional to come and take them. Rialto can help with a professional photography and video service that’s sure to wow buyers. But even if you have the professionals coming round, there are steps you can take to prepare you home for photographs and really show your property at its best.


Seller Guide


Choose the time of day when the front of the house is shown in a good natural light

Try to choose a clear, bright day

Move any vehicles from the outside of the property

Remove any clutter from outside the property such as bins and hoses

Mow the lawn and tidy round the garden including weeding and removing leaves

Clean the windows


Reception rooms

Remove scruffy throws from sofas

Arrange cushions to look smart and tidy

Set dining room tables

Remove rugs, especially where you have wooden or tiled floors

Any children’s toys or piles of magazines, DVDs etc should be out of sight

Set the scene inside

Moving furniture around may help to make a room look more spacious

Make sure your home is well lit, and replace any light bulbs that have gone out

Open all curtains and blinds

Fresh flowers help to breathe life into a property


Bedrooms

Make the bed and choose bed clothes that compliment the room

Anything stored under the bed should be completely out of sight

All drawers and wardrobe doors should be shut


Kitchen

Clear all work tops and make sure there are no tea towels or chopping boards on show

Move bins out of sight

Clear away appliances

Close all cupboards

Hide all fridge magnets

Clear the sink (no dirty dishes!)

If you have pets, hide their food bowls and beds

A full, fresh fruit bowl can add a flash of colour


Bathroom

Keep the toilet lid down

Remove clutter like shower gels and tooth brushes

Close the shower curtain

Remove toilet paper from its holder

Any towels should be neatly arranged and folded, and chosen to compliment the room