Preparation for real estate photography

Name: Kvadrat Foto
Address: Postboks 31, Østerås, 1332
Telephone: 92 91 24 76

Most decluttering tips apply to homes in general, while some apply only to detached houses and/or townhouses, for example.

As part of the preparation for the real estate photography session, the property should be as tidy and presentable as it would be for a viewing. Thoroughly clean and organize the home, including outdoor areas. Ideally, the photographer should not have to focus on moving items around from room to room.

Bilde av et kjøkken før forberedelse til boligfotografering

Bilde av et kjøkken etter forberedelse til boligfotografering

Storage rooms, closets, hallways, stairwells, and garages usually do not need to be photographed, so these areas can be used for storage. If the storage rooms and closets become full and some items need to be moved during the photography session, you can gather them in the hallway or a bedroom so that room can be photographed last. If necessary, place smaller items in boxes to make them easier to move around. If a lot of items need to be moved during the shoot, you should try to arrange for a friend or family member to help with carrying and moving things so the photographer can focus on taking the photos.

Photos of a tidy, bright, and inviting home appeal to more potential buyers. Rather than reflecting the seller’s personal style, the home should be styled to attract as many buyers as possible within the relevant target group, encouraging them to place a bid. Use decorative elements such as fresh flowers, plants, cushions, throws, candles, mirrors, and wall decorations with neutral colors and motifs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

You do not have to complete everything on the list below, but it is recommended in order to create the best possible conditions for achieving the price you want for the property.

Preparing for Real Estate Photography – General

All rooms should be tidy and not overcrowded with furniture. Show as much floor and wall space as possible so buyers can get a sense of the size of the home.
Clean all rooms thoroughly. Floors, walls, and ceilings only need washing if necessary — usually, light dusting and vacuuming are sufficient.
Close all windows and air vents.
Open all curtains, blinds, roller blinds, and awnings.
Remove personal items and photographs. This makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves and their family living in the home.
Remove everything related to pets (e.g. food bowls, baskets, and toys).
Be careful with the use of strong colors in the interior. There should be a consistent color palette — a common thread — throughout all rooms. Ideally, stick to a maximum of 2–3 colors.
Place green plants in all living areas and bathrooms.

Think about whether there is anything about the property that should be highlighted, and give extra attention to it. For example, if it is the bathroom, you can create a spa-like atmosphere. If it is the dining room, you can set an elegant table. If it is the outdoor area, you can create an inviting atmosphere with plants, lanterns, cushions, and throws — regardless of the season.

Note: During viewings, regular candles are preferable to scented candles, as many people react to perfume and strong smells. If you want to create a pleasant scent in the home during a viewing, it is better to wipe the baseboards with a cloth and green soap solution or bake some buns or pastries.

Feel free to look at photos for inspiration on which colors work well together, how to style the kitchen counter, or how cushions should be arranged on the sofa.

Entrance Area

Remove extra outerwear and bags from hooks.
Line up shoes neatly or remove them entirely.
Remove any other unnecessary items.
If there is space, add a plant or light a candle.

Living Room

Remove TV boxes, Wi-Fi routers, remote controls, etc., and hide or remove unnecessary cables and chargers.
Consider removing some furniture to enhance the sense of space. Try to see the room from a buyer’s perspective with “fresh eyes.” Does the size of the room come across clearly, or is it overcrowded with furniture?
Colorful rugs should be removed.
Clean the fireplace/stove and place a stack of firewood nearby if you have a suitable space for it.
Evaluate decorative items and remove unnecessary objects.

Kitchen

Clean windows and other shiny surfaces such as mirrors, the stovetop, oven front, sinks, etc. before the photographer arrives.

Clear the kitchen countertops.
If you have glass-front kitchen cabinets, tidy the inside of the cabinets as well.
Remove dishcloths, dish brushes, soap bottles, pots, kettles, toasters, and other large kitchen appliances.
Remove refrigerator magnets, schedules, and similar items.
Remove unnecessary items from the tops of refrigerators and kitchen cabinets.
Do not use the oven for storing unnecessary items.
The stovetop, oven glass, brushed metal appliances, sink, and faucet should be sparkling clean.

Decorate with a few simple items such as fruit, fresh herbs, attractive cups, and bowls. You can also place a nice cutting board with artisan bread or colorful vegetables on display. Remember to leave plenty of countertop space visible to show that there is ample workspace for someone who enjoys cooking.

Bathroom

Remove items such as the toilet brush, trash bin, bathroom scale, laundry basket, and bath mats.
Mirrors, shower doors, tiles, and fixtures should be sparkling clean.
Empty the washing machine of clothes.
Hide or remove unnecessary cables.
Close the toilet lid.
Put away personal hygiene and cosmetic products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, skincare products, etc.
Remove excess soap, shampoo bottles, cloths, and squeegees from the shower/bathtub area.
Feel free to decorate with a couple of attractive soap/shampoo bottles, candles, and nice towels.

Bedroom

Make the bed with neutral bedding or a bedspread, and optionally add a few cushions and a throw for decoration. Think carefully about the color combinations. Make sure the bedding or bedspread is smooth and neatly arranged.
Clear the entire floor, including under the bed.
Tidy the tops of wardrobes and closets.
Keep only a few decorative items on display so the room appears tidy and spacious.
Hang any excess clothing in the wardrobe.
Pack away most toys in children’s rooms. Feel free to leave out a few books and attractive toys for decoration.

Home Office

Clear away all papers and office supplies.
A laptop may be left on display, but remove all cables and accessories.
Bookshelves should be tidy and organized.

Exterior

Tidy all outdoor areas — garden, balcony, backyard, terrace, entrance area, shared spaces, etc.
Consider cleaning the terrace. If necessary, remove snow from outdoor areas or mow the lawn. Make sure flower beds are weeded and tidy.
Do not leave cars or trailers on the property during photography of detached houses. Park them at a good distance from the property.
Close the garage door.
Put away shovels, snow scoops, lawn mowers, brooms, rakes, and similar items in a shed or garage if possible.
Remove bicycles, toys, movable trash bins, sleds, garden hoses, and other loose items.
Feel free to decorate outdoor areas with lanterns and flowers/plants regardless of the season.
During the summer season, you may consider opening the patio umbrella.
If you have a flagpole, it is nice to raise a flag or pennant if the weather allows for it.

Final Tip

If you are unsure whether an item should remain or be removed while preparing for real estate photography, the answer is always to remove it. The photographs will look much cleaner and more visually appealing when there are not too many objects competing for attention.