Your E&V Listing Photo Session: Things to Do

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Pictures are one of the most important marketing tools of the listing. Think of creating a dating profile for your home, and pictures are the first impression. We want buyers to swipe left instead of right. The overall goal is to make your home feel like a hotel room: clean, simple with minimal clutter,  where buyers can see what they’re buying and feel like it could be their home! 

Exterior

- straighten up the front yard, mow grass rake leaves out of view
- clear toys, bicycles, trash cans
- make sure vehicles are out of the driveway, parked away from the house (this makes for a great first, exterior picture)
- take the cover off any grill, and clean if dirty
- put away garden equipment

Interior | kitchen

- clear the island and counters to emphasize counter space
- remove toaster, microwave, coffee pot, can opener, hand mixers, etc. (small appliances reduce counter space)
- keep only 1-2 items per counter run, like a knife block or single decorative item (less is more)
- clear the refrigerator of sports schedules, school lunch menus and magnets (it distracts buyers with clutter)
- remove kitchen garbage receptacles
- empty the sink, put the soap, dishes, and sponges away

Interior | bathrooms

- place all shower and bath items under the sink or hidden away
- clear counters of electric toothbrushes, pill bottles, soaps, etc. (unless decorative; again, less is more)
- put toilet lids down, and remove frayed toilet paper trails

Interior | other rooms

- make sure all light bulbs are working properly
- items not included in the sale of the home should be out of view
- open window blinds and drapes natural light and to reveal favorable views (unless advised otherwise)
- turn on all inside lights, including any accent or decorative lighting (however, dim or turn off  any lighting that are too bright
- as much as possible, clear floors of miscellaneous items such as children’s toys, pet beds, TV tables, etc.
- make the beds, and put clothes and shoes away
- hide garbage containers
- open doors between rooms to give an open feeling, and ensure all rooms are included in the tour
- keep closet doors shut (they are typically not photographed unless empty or exceptionally organized)
- remove pet food bowls and toys, and keep pets out of view
- organize or hide visible electrical cords, etc.