One of the most important days in the entire home-selling process is picture and video day. Here’s why: for most buyers, the photos are their very first showing. They’re scrolling online long before they ever set foot inside, so making a great first impression there is essential. The good news is that a little preparation before the photographer arrives can make a big difference. Here’s what we recommend.

Declutter and simplify. Clear the countertops, put away excess decor, and tuck away personal items. Buyers want to focus on your house, not your belongings — and clean, open spaces photograph beautifully.

Make every room photo-ready. Make the beds, fluff the pillows, straighten the furniture, and make sure each room has a clear purpose. A defined, tidy space helps buyers picture themselves living there.

Clean, clean, clean. This one’s worth repeating. Sparkling windows, clean floors, and dust-free surfaces make a huge difference in professional photography — the camera picks up far more than the eye does at a glance.

Let the light in. Open the blinds and curtains, replace any burnt-out bulbs, and make sure every room feels bright and welcoming. Natural, even light is one of the biggest factors in a great photo.

Don’t forget the exterior. Mow the lawn, tidy the landscaping, and move cars and garbage cans out of view. Your exterior photos are often the very first image a buyer sees, so curb appeal matters here too.

When it comes to marketing your home, we use professional photographers and videographers. High-quality photos and video help your home stand out online and attract more qualified buyers. And if you’d like a little help getting ready, we can do that too. Over the years, we’ve taken many staging courses and have additional resources to help showcase your home’s very best features. Often a few small adjustments can have a big impact on the final photos and video.

If you’re thinking about selling and would like personalized advice on getting your home ready for the market, give us a call. We’d be happy to help.

Derby Realtors at Shorewest — your local team, ready to work hard for you.