Get your house ready for estate agent photos

1. First impressions

The first photograph appears on websites is of the outside of your home. That means it’s hugely important! Scaffolding and skips are a huge turn-off, so get rid of them, and make sure the garden’s as tidy as it can be too.

Make sure the kids’ toys are stacked neatly, clear any weeds and random junk, and make sure the wheelie bins are either out of the way or placed as neatly as possible. This is important because if potential buyers don’t like the outside, they may not even bother look at the remaining images.

2. The devil is in the detail

Everything matters when it comes to photos, so take care of the smallest of details. Some basic tips include making the kitchen as pristine as possible, sorting cushions in reception rooms and ensuring the dining table is either laid for a formal meal or is left completely clear.

Children’s toys and magazines and paperwork should all be cleared away and in bathrooms, fold towels neatly and get rid of toiletries and unsightly shampoo bottles! And don’t forget the toilet: the seat should ALWAYS be down!

3. Move the cars

This might sound strange, but it’s best to get rid of your cars from outside shots – even if you drive a top-of-the-range BMW. Cars take up space and a full drive can make a house look cramped, so remove the car and let the space shine. That way, the perspective buyer can imagine their own car in the drive and not be distracted by yours!

4. An open door

Open doors creates more light and can show how one room flows to the next. Closed doors show a limited space and are often considered more unsightly. So, unless you can create an arty shot, it’s best to keep most of the internal doors open. That doesn’t apply to your front door, obviously! That would be weird!

5. Lose the personal touch

If you have glaringly huge family photographs or even signs of your pet dog, try and get them out of shot. Pets means hair which means mess – and that’s an instant turn-off to some buyers.

Large family shots can make it harder for a family to imagine themselves in your home. Think show-home! They never have personal belongings on show and they always keep things neutral. The less personal a house is, the more likely it will sell.

A great tip is to look at house developers’ websites and brochures or, if possible, list a show-house. You’ll find the fruit bowl is never empty (although it’s always fake, of course), the pictures are always generic and there are plants and flowers neatly arranged. That’s because they want people to imagine putting their personal stamp on the house. It can tough to do if the photos show mess or the house looks too dark and uninviting!

If you are selling your house and want to work with an estate agent that puts you first, contact us today.