At times it can be difficult to lay out everything your client needs to do in order to prep his or her home for the listing photo shoot. So, what's an agent to do? Why not simplify. By handing your clients a hard copy of a checklist of tasks to complete before the photo shoot, you'll be more at ease and they'll be more prepared.
Here's a quick run down of some chores that need to be completed.
Home Interior
When it comes to the interior of the home, have them first focus on minimizing clutter. Clutter includes all knick-knacks and objects on coffee tables, vanities, bedside and end tables. If you wouldn't see it in a model home, hide it!
Pictures of the family are great, but not when it comes time to take MLS photos. All small, unhung picture frames should be put away.
Small throw rugs should be removed in order to open up floor space, thus making the home appear larger.
In the bathroom, small bath items including soap, bottles and toothbrushes should be hidden.
In the kitchen, all small appliances including the coffee maker and toaster should be removed from the counter tops.
Lighten up dark furniture by using light colored throw blankets or pillows and remove or replace any dark area rugs to brighten up the room.
Have clients open up all blinds, drapes and other window dressings. There's one exception to the rule: if there's an unflattering view from the window, have residents hang semi-sheer curtains in order to allow light to pass through but block the view.
Home Exterior
First, some simple yard maintenance including raking leaves, mowing the lawn and trimming dead branches should be done the day before or day of the shoot.
Flowering plants should be made visible.
All yard signs including For Sale and home security signs should be put away.
Toys, trash and recycling bins, water hoses and other gardening tools should be moved to an area of the home that isn't going to be photographed.
Ask residents to move their cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.
By making sure your clients know what's expected of them beforehand, the day of the shoot will run more smoothly and the listing photos will turn out better! Providing your clients with a pre-shoot checklist will show your professional expertise and commitment to providing only the best services to your client.
