When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. The exterior of your property is the first thing potential buyers will see, whether they’re browsing online listings or driving by for a closer look. High-quality real estate photography can capture the essence of your home, but even the best photographer can’t overcome a poorly prepared exterior. To ensure your property stands out, here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare the exterior of your home for real estate photography.
1. Start with a Clean Slate: Power Washing and Window Cleaning
Over time, the exterior of your home can accumulate dirt, mildew, and grime, dulling its overall appearance. Power washing is a highly effective way to remove these unsightly elements from your siding, driveway, and walkways. It’s important to not overlook areas like your front porch, steps, and even the fence, as these details are often captured in wide-angle shots.
Windows are another key aspect of your home’s exterior that shouldn’t be ignored. Clean windows not only look better but also allow natural light to flood your interior spaces, enhancing the brightness in your photos. Be sure to clean both the interior and exterior of all windows to achieve a streak-free shine.
If you live in the Okanagan, we recommend Beards and Buckets for professional exterior cleaning services, including power washing, window washing, and gutter cleaning. Their attention to detail ensures your home looks its best from every angle, and they specialize in serving the Okanagan area.
2. Focus on Landscaping: Beyond Basic Mowing
While most homeowners understand the importance of mowing the lawn, there are additional landscaping tasks that can elevate your property’s curb appeal. Trim overgrown bushes and hedges to create a neat and tidy appearance. Remove any dead or dying plants, and consider planting fresh flowers or adding mulch to garden beds to add color and contrast to your yard.
Edge the lawn along driveways, sidewalks, and garden beds to create clean lines that frame the property. Don’t forget to sweep away any grass clippings or leaves from walkways and patios, as these small details can detract from the overall look.
3. Enhance Outdoor Living Spaces
If your home features a deck, patio, or porch, these areas should be staged to showcase their full potential. Start by cleaning all outdoor furniture and arranging it in a way that invites relaxation. Add decorative touches such as throw pillows, potted plants, or a table setting to make the space feel more welcoming.
Consider power washing the deck or patio if it hasn’t been done recently, as this can make a significant difference in the appearance of the space. Ensure that any outdoor cushions are clean and free of mildew or stains, and replace them if necessary.
4. Tackle the Gutter Game
Clean, well-maintained gutters may not seem like a priority, but they contribute to the overall appearance of your home. Clogged or overflowing gutters can give the impression of neglect, which is the last thing you want when showcasing your property.
In addition to cleaning the gutters, make sure the downspouts are properly attached and direct water away from the foundation. This not only protects your home but also prevents unsightly puddles or erosion near the base of the house, which could be visible in photos.
5. Consider the Lighting: Natural and Artificial
The time of day when the photos are taken can dramatically impact how your home is perceived. Ideally, photos should be taken during the “golden hour,” shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when the natural light is soft and flattering. However, you can also take steps to ensure your home looks great at any time of day.
Replace any burnt-out exterior light bulbs, and consider installing brighter bulbs in areas that may appear dim in photos, such as under the eaves or near the front door. Landscape lighting can also add depth and interest to your yard, especially if you’re taking twilight photos.
6. Address Small Repairs and Touch-Ups
Before your real estate photographer arrives, take a walk around the exterior of your home and look for any minor repairs that need attention. Touch up peeling paint on doors, trim, and shutters, and repair any cracked or loose siding. Fix any broken fence posts or loose bricks in pathways.
These small details may not be immediately noticeable in person, but they can stand out in high-resolution photos. Addressing them beforehand ensures that your home looks well-maintained and ready for its close-up.
7. Declutter and Depersonalize
Just as you would declutter the interior of your home, it’s important to do the same with the exterior. Remove any personal items such as garden gnomes, children’s toys, or sports equipment from the yard. Store away garden tools, hoses, and trash cans out of sight.
If you have pets, be sure to clean up any messes in the yard and remove pet-related items such as dog houses or water bowls before the photoshoot.
8. Final Touches: Adding the Wow Factor
To give your home that final polished look, consider adding a few finishing touches. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can create a welcoming entrance, while a new doormat adds a touch of personality. Hang a seasonal wreath or place a potted plant by the door to create an inviting first impression.
If you have a mailbox at the curb, make sure it’s clean and in good condition. Small details like these can make your home feel more inviting and help potential buyers envision themselves living there.
Conclusion
Preparing the exterior of your home for real estate photography requires attention to detail and a bit of effort, but the results are well worth it. A well-maintained, clean, and inviting exterior can make a powerful impact on potential buyers and help your home stand out in a competitive market.
If you’re located in the Okanagan and need professional exterior cleaning services to help you achieve the best possible results, consider partnering with Beards and Buckets. Their expertise in power washing, window cleaning, and gutter maintenance will ensure your home is picture-perfect and ready to make a lasting impression.