4 Staging Tips For Listing Photos

In the digital era that we live, the photos of your home are the most important component of the marketing plan. More and more buyers and agents are using online resources to research and share listings. If buyers aren’t impressed with what they see online, they are unlikely to request a showing. Quality photos of a well-staged home are a must to get buyers away from the computer screen, and in the front door of a home. Everyone has a different idea of what looks nice, and I want your home to be displayed in the best light! Here are 4 staging tips for listing photos!

Keep it Neutral

Buyers want to imagine the home as their own. They want to see their furniture filling up the space and their art on the walls. The best way for you to help them see your home as a place they can live is to keep it neutral. Make sure all walls are painted a white, beige or grey color. Bright colors can easily distract buyers, and reminds them that they may have to paint right away. Remove everything from counters, floors and walls. The more empty a room is, the easier it is to visualize the space. A kitchen counter covered in small appliances, or bathroom counters filled with toiletries may look cluttered. Even a Simple Human trash can in the kitchen can make the space look small. Be sure to remove art and photos from the walls. Please don’t think your art is considered unattractive; the buyers can visualize more with a blank slate.

Make it Bright

Light can really open up a room. Natural light can especially do wonders. Open curtains and pull up blinds. Move furniture away from windows. Even if you don’t have a lot of natural light, making sure all your light fixtures work can go a long way. Check all your fixtures and replace light bulbs if needed. Plenty of light will make the photos pop and keep them free of shadows. Turn on every light and open the place up to get the best shots!

Check Curb Appeal

You only get to make one impression, and that is often with curb appeal, online and in person. Check the front of your home for hanging gutters, dirty windows and random debris. Cut the grass, trim hedges, weed eat and edge. Trim any trees with excessive overhang and clear away leaves.  Make sure the yard sign is standing upright, and hide the trashcan. Take a look at the front door; it may need a fresh coat of paint or a good cleaning. Park all vehicles in the garage or down the street to keep the driveway clear.

Remove Pets

I know you love your pets, and I love them too! Unfortunately, not all buyers do. Many buyers have pet allergies and others are just concerned with possible stains and odors. Plus, pet furniture and toys, take up space and distract from the buyers’ ability to imagine the home as theirs. Move the crate, litter box, beds and toys to another room for the photos. You don’t want some buyers to automatically rule out your home because of a few photos of Fido.

Ready to list your home for sell or lease? Give me a call right away – 832-513-9931