Why Pre-Shoot Staging Directly Impacts Your Sale Price
National Association of Realtors (NAR) data shows that 89% of prospective homebuyers consider listing photography the most important website feature when browsing homes online.
High-resolution cameras capture every detail — including stray power cables, refrigerator magnets, pet hair, and cluttered counter space. Staging and decluttering prior to your photographer's arrival ensures your property looks spacious, pristine, and move-in ready.
Exterior & Curb Appeal Checklist
The exterior shot is your listing's hero image on Zillow and the MLS. Maximize curb appeal with these steps:
- Clear the Driveway: Park all vehicles inside the closed garage or on the street completely away from the front of the home.
- Tuck Away Equipment: Put away garden hoses, lawnmowers, trash and recycling bins, children's outdoor toys, and seasonal sports gear.
- Lawn & Landscaping: Mow the lawn, edge walkways, and trim overgrown shrubs blocking windows. In autumn, rake leaves; in winter, shovel driveways, steps, and pathways completely.
- Clean Porches & Patios: Sweep the front stoop, clean cobwebs around outdoor fixtures, and arrange patio furniture neatly with clean cushions.
Kitchen: The Make-or-Break Room
Kitchens sell homes. Buyers inspect every inch of kitchen photography:
- Clear Countertops 100%: Store small appliances (toasters, blenders, air fryers) in cabinets. Leave at most one decorative item, such as a bowl of fresh citrus fruit or a clean cutting board.
- Empty the Refrigerator Exterior: Remove all magnets, family photos, calendars, shopping lists, and children's artwork from the fridge.
- Spotless Sink & Cooktop: Ensure the sink is completely empty of dishes. Remove dish soap bottles, drying racks, and damp sponges.
- Hide Trash Cans: Place garbage cans and recycling bins out of sight inside a pantry or closet.
Living, Dining & Family Areas
Create an open, airy feeling that invites buyers to picture their own lives in the space:
- Hide Cables & Remotes: Tuck away television cords, gaming consoles, surge protectors, and coffee table remotes.
- Depersonalize Strategically: Replace oversized family portraits with neutral landscape art or mirrors to help buyers visualize the home as theirs.
- Light Bulbs: Check that all light fixtures, lamps, and under-cabinet lights have functioning bulbs of matching color temperature (warm soft white is preferred).
- Windows & Blinds: Clean glass surfaces and open all window blinds horizontally to allow natural Capital Region sunlight to fill the room.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Bedrooms and bathrooms should look like a luxury boutique hotel:
- Master Bed Presentation: Make beds with freshly pressed linens, straighten duvet covers, and fluff decorative pillows.
- Clear Nightstands: Remove phone chargers, tissue boxes, books, medications, and drinking glasses.
- Bathroom Counters: Remove toothbrushes, soaps, razors, makeup, and hair dryers. Store everything in drawers.
- Shower & Tub: Remove all shampoo and body wash bottles, loofahs, and hanging caddies. Close shower curtains or clean glass shower doors.
- Toilet Lids Down: Always ensure all toilet lids are closed. Hang fresh, neutral towels neatly on towel racks.
Preparing for Drones & 3D Matterport Tours
If your listing package includes FAA drone aerials or a 3D Matterport virtual tour, keep in mind:
- 3D Matterport Scans See Everything: The 3D camera scans 360 degrees in every room. Keep closet doors closed and ensure hallways are completely clear of shoes and coat clutter.
- Drone Aerials Capture the Whole Property: Walk the backyard to pick up dog toys, garden tools, and cover pool equipment. Ensure neighbor boundary lines are tidy.
- Plan for Pets: Secure pets in a carrier, basement, or off-site during the shoot so they don't wander into bracketed HDR photos or trip camera equipment.
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