Ideally: "Staging" could be described as the opposite of "decorating". Decorating and interior design is all about personalizing a space... staging a home for sale is all about de-personalizing the space to allow the potential buyer to imagine it for themselves. 

 

 

 

PREPARATION GUIDELINES
Our professional photographer will arrive and begin work as soon as they enter your home. They will be photographing both the inside and outside including most major rooms. The photographer cannot move or arrange furniture or personal items, so it is very important that this is all done before his arrival. You can have a direct impact on how well your home will look in the photos by following these guidelines. 


Clean well and De-clutter. 

• De-clutter rooms which may be excessively furnished as they do not photograph well

• Throw rugs and runners in entryways, kitchens and bathrooms should be removed

• Replace any burned out light bulbs in fixtures and lamps

• De-clutter fireplace mantel 
  
   

The Living & Family Room

• Remove piles of newspaper and magazines

• Put away all TV/Stereo remotes

• Try to conceal all exposed cables as best possible

• Remove clutter, personal photos, etc. from bookshelves, tables and cabinets

• Tuck trash cans out of view in a closet or cupboard
  
   

The Bedrooms

• Make all beds and tidy bedrooms

• Clothes hung, or folded and put away

• Remove items from bedside tables – books, magazines, pictures, clock radios, etc.
  
   

The Kitchen

• Clear off counter tops and remove any appliances, ie. toasters, coffee pots, knife blocks

• Remove photos, notes and papers from the refrigerator. Clean the major appliances – refrigerator, oven, range hood, and wipe down all countertops

• Conceal garbage containers

The Dining Room

• Set the table with your best China and dinnerware

• Add a colorful centerpiece such as candles or flowers. Conceal any exposed electrical cords
  
   

The Bathrooms

• Clear off the countertops – toothbrushes, shavers, soap dishes, tissue and lotion dispensers, makeup mirrors, etc. should all be cleared away

• Remove shampoo and other products from the shower/tub area

• All toilet seats should be down and lid closed

• Clean all mirrors
  
   

The Home Exterior

• Remove all vehicles from driveways and do not park directly in front of the house

• Move garbage cans out of sight

• Remove all garden tools including hoses and sprinklers. Remove all children’s toys, bikes, etc.

• If you have a pool, remove the pool sweep, pool cleaning equipment and any pool toys

• Turn on all pool and fountain features

• Mow and rake yard

• Sweep driveways, sidewalks and patios

• Open patio umbrellas and set out cushions

• Uncover barbecues, pools, and spas 
  
   

The Final Touches

• Contain pets in the garage or out of sight

• Turn on all lights, including table lamps, under the counter lights, and exterior lights

• Remove/Replace/Repaint anything that is too "taste- specific"

• Valuables and Medications out of sight or locked up 

• If aerial photography is being done, it is essential that all pets and children are inside. 

Following these guidlines will allow for a smooth and effective photography session and help create a beautiful and visually
pleasing presentation of your home.