I can’t count the number of times I’ve shown up to a shoot and I’m greeted by a worn out seller, still in their pajamas, cleaning rags in hand still worrying about if they are ready enough for the photographer that’s now on their doorstep. Let’s relieve some of their stress shall we?
Quite frankly selling a home can be a stressful process, and one of the most critical moments in the process is picture day. This is the day when professional photographers come to take pictures of the home to be used in marketing materials. It’s essential that the home looks clean and inviting, as these pictures are often the first impression potential buyers will have of the property. Let’s help relieve a little bit of their stress by letting them know what they DON’T have to do before the photographer shows up for pictures.
- Don’t worry about the closets – Unless that closet is about the size of a small bedroom those are best seen in person.
- Crystal Clear Windows – The slightly dirty windows are not going to be noticed. Because we shoot all our imaging using HDR we will be taking 3 separate shots to then combine them into one. Leaving you with beautiful light pouring through those windows and light water spots aren’t going to be seen.
- The Garage – The garage is always daunting. We understand that the sellers are still living in the home. You will need a place to store the items you’re starting to box up. 9 times out of 10 you can skip it. We’ll make your potential buyers fall in love with the rest of the house and then they can see the garage in person.
Now for the things that the seller CAN focus on to get the most out of picture day.
- Start preparing early: The earlier they begin preparing for picture day, the less stress there will be. Encourage your seller to start decluttering and tidying up at least a week to 10 days before the scheduled shoot. This will give them enough time to make any necessary repairs or touch-ups without feeling rushed.
- Communicate with the photographer: Prior to picture day, make sure to communicate with the photographer about any specific areas or features of the home that you want highlighted. (we actually have this built right into our ordering system) The photographer will be able to plan their shots accordingly, and it will save time on the day of the shoot so your seller can get back to living in their house – for now.
- Be realistic: While you want the home to look its best, it’s essential to be realistic about what can be achieved in the time available. Encourage your seller to focus on making the home look as clean and tidy as possible, rather than trying to make it perfect.
- Remind them of the big picture: Selling a home can be emotional, and it’s easy to get caught up in the small details. Remind your seller that the pictures are just one part of the process, and that their ultimate goal is to find the right buyer for their home.
- Offer to help: Finally, offer to help your seller with any last-minute preparations. Maybe offer to take a load to Goodwill on your way through town.
With proper planning and communication preparing for picture day can be less stressful. Encourage your sellers to start preparing early but be realistic, not everything has to be perfect. With these tips, your sellers will feel more at ease, and the pictures of their home will look fantastic.