Prepping your property for sale is a bit like going on a first date, in that first impressions count! And just like that first date, some buyers will focus on the possibilities, ignoring the superficial and others will be turned off immediately if the object of their desire does not match the picture-perfect image they have in mind. 

 As real estate relationship coaches, we are adept at helping prospective buyers see past the veneers and fall in love with the ‘good bones’ and ‘rough exterior’. However, we can only do so much. It would help a lot if you could spare some time to present your home in the best possible light right from the start.   

The first time most buyers will see your property is while scrolling the property pages online. And it is here that a picture really does paint a thousand words, as we are allotted only a few hundred to differentiate your home from the rest. 

We always use a professional Real Estate photographer to capture the inner beauty of your property because they know what buyers want to see and how to present it in the best light. The one thing they can’t do, however, is use photoshop or artificial intelligence to enhance features as the Real Estate Authority’s professional code of conduct and the NZ Fair Trade Act forbids this.  

So, with guidance from the Real Estate Photographer Association of New Zealand (REPANZ) we have compiled five top tips that you can do to help create “that winning smile” buyers are looking for.   

Please note that this is a guide for taking photos only, as we know first-hand how impossible it is to keep your home in pristine condition the entire time it is on the market. Tips for winning over buyers at the open home is discussed separately.  

Preparing your home for the professional photography shoot. 

1. Declutter and depersonalise your home. 

We want buyers to imagine their possessions in place, so make as much empty space as you can for them to do so. Hide the ornaments, clear the desk, tidy the bookcase, put the kid’s (and your) toys away. Remove all traces of pets, e.g. dog bowls, scratching poles. Ensure all lights are functioning and switched on; remove any seasonal decorations. as the photos may be used beyond the holiday. Remove magnets or photos from the fridge door and see to that all cabinet doors and drawers are properly closed. Put away TV remotes and digital devices and have the TV turned off. Basically, hide anything and everything that is not nailed down or will let prospective burglars know that your home contains just what they are looking for (remember some photos may be used in the for-sale sign outside).   

2. Clean what you can see. 

Give the kitchen and bathroom bench tops a wipe down so they sparkle in photos and don’t forget to do the same for the toilet seat (close the lid for the shoot), shower doors, and whiteware. Clear cobwebs from the ceiling corners and dust the spots where ornaments once were.  Arrange the towels neatly in the bathroom and empty the shower caddy of shampoo bottles and soap.  

3. Prepare for visitors. 

Pretend you have guests arriving who will be wanting a tour. Which in our house means vacuuming, making the beds, and having flowers looking pretty in a vase on the dining table. Outside, weed the garden and mow the lawn. Check that any outdoor furniture is free of moss (especially those white plastic outdoor chairs and tables!). Tools have been put away, the garage door is closed, and the clothesline is bare. Pathways are clear and if you are lucky enough to have a pool, the cover is on.  
 

4. Health and safety of the photographer (and us).  

The photographer and us are visiting your property as contractors and we need to fulfil the obligations of WorkSafe around health and safety. Safety includes ensuring all dogs are safely out of biting range and any tripping hazards have been identified before we arrive. Please also let us know of any objects you do not want to be shown in the photos, e.g. valuable artwork.  

5. To stage or not to stage.  

If your home is empty, it may pay to have the property staged. That is, temporarily having furniture, prints and generic household objects installed to give potential buyers the image of a perfect home, so they don’t have to imagine one. This is an optional extra but can help in the marketing of your property, especially if the home has been recently renovated and you want to show off those renovations with new furnishings and fixtures. We will discuss with you whether this will be of benefit and supply you with a list of staging companies in your area.  

Attracting the one 

You are welcome to stay during a photoshoot, but we do ask that you follow the photographer’s direction and stay out of sight (especially important if a video walkthrough is underway).  

A photo shoot typically lasts under 30 minutes but can take longer if adjustments are needed for a better shot. Think of the photoshoot as the first step to attracting your ideal buyer and take the time to prepare your property for its best chance of finding love at first sight.   

If you have any other questions about preparing your home for a photoshoot, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email.