Prepare your home for property videography & Virtual tours
Create a great first impression –
UPDATED for 2021
A checklist to help you prepare your home for
property videography and virtual tours.
You’ve just listed your property for sale, and you’ve picked an agent that knows how to market your home effectively and get the best price. This will mean that you will definitely be having a real estate video taken of your home.
But how exactly do you prepare your home for property videography? You’ve vacuumed and mopped, but what else could you be doing to ready your property for its upcoming video shoot?
When preparing your home to be filmed, it is important that you take some time setting up your home so that potential buyers can see your home looking its best. The goal is to create a stylish, generic house that the viewer could see themselves living in. By following these tips, you can increase the likelihood that you will be able to sell your home more quickly.
First up: Tidy and Declutter
Remove personal effects such as photos, knickknacks and other memorabilia. Items like these can make it harder for potential buyers to imagine living in the property if they do not much their personal style. You want the space to feel neat, spacious, and neutral.
Remove bulky, unnecessary furniture to open up the space and make the property feel bigger.
If you have a pet, stow away its bed and toys
Clean windows, dust surfaces, vacuum and mop floors
Check that all light bulbs are working throughout your home.
Add some fresh flowers, plants, throw rugs, and candles throughout the house to
Tip – The garage is rarely captured in a property video, so this is a good place to hide items you do not want to be seen. However, keep in mind that people will still want to look in the garage during open homes, so you may prefer hiring a storage unit while your property is on the market.
In the Living Room...
- Consider removing/rearranging furniture to ensure the room feels spacious.
- Collect TV and faming remotes, DVDs, magazine & mail, and place out of site.
- Remove children’s toys.
- Make sure power cords are hidden from view.
- Light the fireplace if you have one.
For that extra WOW factor – If you have a nice coffee table book, sit it out on the table. Put out fresh
flowers, a candle, and arrange a throw with some decorative pillows on the couch.
In the Kitchen & Dining Rooms...
Declutter countertops by putting away dishes,appliances, food, dish racks and cutting boards.
Place dish liquids, spounges and tea towels in the cupboard underneath the sink.
Remove magnets and other items off your fridge
Dining tables should be cleaned & cleared of any unnecessary items. Arrange chairs neatly around the table.
For that extra WOW factor – Freshen up the kitchen counter with a bowl of fresh fruit, a small plant, and a nice cookbook. Dress the dining table with an appealing dinner set.
In the Bedrooms...
Put away extra clothing and personal items
Make the beds with fresh linen. Choose neutral or solid colours for the bedspread.
Clear the bedside table of odds and ends
For that extra WOW factor – Style a couple of decorative pillows on the bed. Avoid hiding clothes under your bed as these can often still be seen in your video. Unlike photos, it is not possible to photoshop clutter like this out of a video.
In the Bathrooms...
Clear the vanity of toothbrushes, makeup and personal hygiene products.
Remove wet/used towels and bathmats and replace with fresh towels.
Place your laundry basket, toilet brush and bathroom out of site.
Clear shampoo, conditioner and soaps from the floor of the shower.
Wipe down the shower with a dry towel.
Put down the toilet seat.
For that extra WOW factor – Add a candle, some scented soaps and a few small plants.
Outside...
Remove your car from the driveway or carport and park down the street if possible
Move the bins so they are not visible
Put away garden hoses, toys & other items lying around the ground
Mow the lawn and keep leaves swept away. If you have a pool, ensure there are no leaves in the pool.
Sweep or clean the driveway or patio
For that extra WOW factor – Use lights, potted plants and flowers to make your outdoor space inviting.
Finishing touches...
Open curtains and blinds
Turn ON all lights, including lamps
Turn OFF the TV
That’s it! By following this checklist you will successfully prepare your home for property videography. You will bring out the best qualities of your house and help buyers visualise themselves living in your home. We wish you the best of luck with the sale of your property.
