How to Prepare Your Home: A Guide to Stunning Eugene Real Estate Photography
You can hire the best photographer in town, a true artist who comes more than prepared for the shoot; but if the property isn’t ready, even the most talented photographer can only do so much. While composition is typically the most critical element in photography, in real estate photography, it’s honestly the second most important factor. That said, composition is still essential for the photographer to get right, and I’ll cover that topic in a separate article.
The first and most crucial step in creating stunning listing images is ensuring the property is photo-ready. Clutter, oddly arranged furniture, and cleanliness issues can all detract from the wow factor of the photos and make it harder to showcase the space and its flow for potential buyers.
“A photo-ready home is the foundation of stunning Eugene real estate photography. Clean, declutter, and light it up to make your property shine”
Throughout my career, I’ve photographed hundreds of homes, ranging from luxury properties to fixer-uppers, commercial spaces, and even some borderline health hazards. I’ve helped prepare countless properties for photos and developed my own checklist to ensure each shoot goes smoothly, regardless of the property’s starting condition.
In this blog, I’ll share my tips for preparing your home to shine in listing photos and attract buyers quickly.
HOW TO: PREPARE YOUR HOME
Proper preparation is essential to capturing the best listing photos for your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your property is photo-ready and presented in its best light.
EXTERIOR PREP
Mow and Trim: Keep the lawn tidy and bushes trimmed.
Remove Clutter: Store away yard tools, garbage bins, and hoses.
Garage and Driveway: Close the garage door and move cars out of the driveway.
KITCHEN
Clear Countertops: Remove small appliances, dish racks, and other clutter.
Sink and Fridge: Empty the sink and remove magnets or personal items from the refrigerator.
General Cleanliness: Ensure all surfaces are spotless and organized.
LIVING ROOM
Declutter: Tidy up surfaces such as coffee tables, end tables, and entertainment centers.
Arrange Furniture: Fluff pillows and neatly arrange throws on sofas and chairs.
Lighting: Open all blinds or curtains to let in natural light, and turn on all lights for a warm, inviting glow.
BEDROOMS
Make Beds: Ensure beds are neatly made.
Store Items: Remove personal items from nightstands and dressers.
Closets: Keep closets organized and hide laundry.
Lighting: Open blinds and turn on all lights in the room.
BATHROOMS
Countertops: Clear away personal items like toothbrushes and razors.
Fresh Towels: Hang clean, neatly folded towels on racks.
Toilet and Shower: Close toilet lids, remove floor mats, and close shower doors.
Lighting: Open blinds and turn on all lights.
LIGHTING ( ENTIRE HOUSE )
Open all blinds or curtains throughout the house to let in as much natural light as possible.
Turn on every light in the home, ensuring a bright and consistent atmosphere in every room.
Special Instructions
Pets: Secure pets in a safe area out of view during the shoot.
Personal Items: Store away valuables securely.
Timing: Ensure the home is fully ready at least 30 minutes before the shoot.
Day of the Shoot
Double-check that all blinds and curtains are open.
Confirm that every light in the house is turned on for consistent brightness
Ready to Get Started?
Preparing your home for Eugene real estate photography doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these tips, you’ll have everything needed to make your property shine.
