How to stage your home.
In today’s market, more than 90% of home buyers start their home search online where photos of your home become the first reason buyers choose to look at your property over others listed in the area. First impressions are everything! We’ve compiled this list not only to help make your property outshine the competition but to ensure that your home photographs well. The more people come see your house, the bigger the chances you'll receive an offer.
Please be aware that once we arrive, we might still move some items and furniture around to help create a “look” or “stage” a scene. We like using "props" to add impact to a photo and play on the home’s lifestyle. While not vital, it would be quite helpful if you could have some of these items we mention on-hand.
IMPORTANT: Please don't schedule any other services that day so as to not interfere with the photography.
EXTERIOR
CURB APPEAL SELLS!
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Arguably, the most important shot of all! Home buyers will make a decision to look at more photos of your house if they like what they see.
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Make sure that no vehicles are on the driveway or in front of the house
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Put away bins, hoses, lawn equipment, etc.
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Power wash driveway, paths
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Clean/wash windows
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Close all windows and open all blinds and curtains and make sure they look the same from the outside
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Close garage doors
LANDSCAPING
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Cut grass
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Prune trees and shrubs, especially the ones obstructing the view of your house
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Plant blooming flowers if possible
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Remove and replace dead plants or flowers
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Blow leaves and debris off the driveway & garden
* Please have these items taken care of before we get there so we can start taking photos of the outside as soon as I arrive.
INTERIORS
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A lived-in home and a house for sale photograph a bit differently. Personal photos and knick-knacks look great in a home but do not necessarily make good real estate photos. Many of these items will just distract the potential buyer from seeing the size and features of a room.
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Open window blinds and curtains to let in more light
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If you have a fireplace be prepared to light it. Lit fireplaces look cosier and more welcoming
CLEANING
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Because our photographs are bright and crisp, you will be able to notice dust and dirty mirrors in the photos. A clean and well-kept house looks beautiful and inviting not only in photos but also in person.
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Declutter - pack away personal photos and collectables but try to strike a balance between decluttered and empty. Leave out elements that will make your home less appealing.
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Make sure that chandeliers and mirrors and glass doors are clean.
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Put away toys.
DINING ROOM
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Set your dining room table (optional).
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A large dining table can look bare and uninviting, so styling it up can increase its appeal.
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Don't hide your table under a tablecloth.
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An oversize arrangement can look too stiff and formal, so try lining up a series of smaller vessels down the centre of the table instead.
KITCHEN
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Clear counters but leave a few appliances (no more than three)
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Clear the refrigerator of magnets, photos, schedules, menus, etc.
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Clean and polish all appliances.
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There should be no dirty dishes in the sink.
STYLING IDEAS:
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A bowl of fresh fruits (i.e. apples, citrus fruits)
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Fresh vegetables on a chopping board (i.e. tomatoes, spring onions)
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Beverages (i.e. soft drinks, juices, sparkling water, wine)
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Cookbooks
SITTING ROOM
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Declutter the room and clear the table tables
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Plump the cushions on the sofa
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Put Family/personal photos away
STYLING IDEAS:
Magazines/books
BEDROOMS
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Put fresh linen on the bed and have it neatly made
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Use decorative pillows, throws etc
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Declutter nightstands
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Remove items from under beds that may be visible
STYLING IDEAS:
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Magazines/Books
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Reading glasses
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Throw blankets
BATHROOMS
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Clear bathroom counters and hide away toiletries
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Tuck away shower/bath items
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Place fresh towels for a soothing spa look
STYLING IDEAS:
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Fancy soap bars and toiletries
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Apothecary jars filled with cotton balls, cotton swabs, or seashells
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Fresh flowers (i.e. orchids, tulips)
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Fluffy white bathrobe
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Candles
HOME OFFICE
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Declutter desk
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Try to hide cables, cords and power extensions as much as you can
STYLING IDEAS:
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Laptop, computer or iPad on desk
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Notepad and pen
BASEMENTS/ACTIVITY/FAMILY/CINEMA ROOM
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A finished basement/activity/family/Cinema room can be a huge selling asset so don't neglect this part of your home.
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Uncover and set up pool table for example
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Clean and organize bar area
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Set your popcorn in front of TV/movie screen
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Don't turn on the TV.
STYLING IDEAS:
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Popcorn
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Board games or playing cards set on game table
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Video game controllers
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Cocktails or beer by the bar
PATIO/GARDEN
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Grass Cut
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Power wash decking/patio
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Set up patio furniture and open umbrella
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Uncover the grill
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Open swimming pool
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Place beverages on patio table
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Use container plants to add colour and style
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Light the firepit or outdoor fireplace
STYLING IDEAS:
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Pitcher of tea and glasses
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Cocktails
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Fresh flowers on patio table
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Candles (for twilight shots)