First impressions last
In today’s marketplace, the first (and sometimes only) chance to make a good impression with a home is the photos: Whether they be displayed in a window, a newspaper or on the internet. The photos capture the eye, generate interest, lead to a viewing, and ultimately a sale. It’s not a secret, better presented homes get more traffic and more buyer interest, therefore selling  faster. More than ever, your property must stand out from the crowd.

An image is worth a thousand words
No matter what type of home, a professional photographer will show it off to its full potential. Professional’s have the proper equipment, ensure good lighting and composition, and guarantee your property looks its absolute best. While staying true to its actual condition and features.

Change your headspace
It may be impossible, but you need to stop thinking of your property as your home, and start thinking of it as a commodity you want to sell. One useful approach is to  imagine that you are letting the property fully furnished. In that case you would want to clear out all of the personal objects - and leave just a few of the best knick-knacks and pictures.

The following list offers some tips on getting your property ready for a professional photography shoot to ensure you fully capture your property at it’s best.

Interiors
Open all curtains and blinds
Remove doorstops, beanbags and pet beds or toys
Remove lounge covers and table cloths (unless the item underneath is damaged or unsightly)
Check for things tucked under beds or on top of cupboards
Straighten scatter cushions
Remove or hide remote controls
Remove items from bathroom bench tops (ie. tooth brushes, soaps) and neatly arrange towels and remove clothes baskets
Remove bathmats
Tidy messy electrical cords
Clear kitchen bench tops, remove all small appliances and cleaning products leaving only decorative items (fresh fruit or flowers are always welcome)
Adjust or move chairs
All lights to be working including     bedside lamps
Switch on all available lights, lamps and bar or pool lights
Tidy and de-clutter all bedrooms (hide items in cupboards)
Put out your best towels and bed linen, smooth, flat bedding looks best
Remove personal items from shower recess
Clear messy fridge doors of magnets, notes and pictures
De-personalise your home by removing personal photos and replacing with decorative neutral art or photos
Remove rubbish bins
Close toilet lids
Remove pool table cover and set up with balls and cues
Remove pets from the property for the duration of the photo shoot

Exteriors
Mow the lawn and tidy edges and   remove grass clippings
Weed paths, mulch garden beds
Only wash decks or paths if there’s plenty of time for them to dry
Remove vehicles from the driveway or front of home
Move wheelibins out of sight
Tidy or put away hoses, tool, toys and bikes
Remove junk mail from letterbox
Close garage doors
Remove or replace old doormats
Clean windows and window frames
Remove all washing from clotheslines and fold away or remove if possible

Pool & alfresco areas
Adjust outdoor settings so backs of chairs aren’t in shot
Remove pool, spa and bbq covers
Remove creepy crawley, pool toys and skimmers
Move pet bowls, shoes, brooms, worn mats etc.

Things to bear in mind
The photos can only be as good as what’s being photographed - the more effort you put into preparation, the better the photos will turn out.

Don’t expect “digital removal” - its far quicker and cheaper for you to remove items that can be removed - some things can be removed digitally but it takes time, costs extra and in some cases can’t be done for professional reasons. (For example - the removal of a power pole on your property would not be allowed under Real Estate legislation).