First Impressions Count
When it comes to marketing your property, pictures really do say a thousand words.
As you never get a second chance to make a great first impression, we are delighted to share a little advice on how you can help achieve the very best results on the day of your photoshoot.
On the day of the photoshoot
On the day of the shoot, our photographer will discuss with you what they will be doing when they arrive. He or she will shoot using the very best digital camera equipment, often using wide angle lenses to help get as much into the pictures as possible. Several shots will be taken to cover different exposures and angles.
Most of the rooms will be photographed, but in particular the principal reception rooms, the conservatory, kitchen, the principal bedrooms and bathrooms will usually be included, along with the rear garden. If there are any rooms you would specifically like excluded on the day, please just let our photographer know.
Remember, eye-catching photographs are an important aspect of marketing for your property, and we want you to be happy with them. A simple cushion that is out of place, for example, may annoy you every time you see your brochure, so please take time to ensure everything is how you would like it before we arrive for the shoot.
In particular, we recommend the following:
Clean and tidy throughout
Clear away toys, clothes, toiletries, and utensils. Plump the cushions, straighten the curtains, make the beds, and clean the bathrooms. Leave out any attractive ornaments and decorations for contemporary shots, but remember to hide TV remote controls and loose wires. Clear coffee tables and position rugs. In the bathrooms, remove personal items.
Pet accessories are a ‘no’
Please remember, not all viewers love cats and dogs, so take time to remove any reference to your own pets. Dog beds, cat litter trays, and Fido’s smelly old bone will not help sell your property to a non-dog/cat lover!
Consider some fresh flowers and fruit
Arrange a vase or two of fresh flowers in the principal rooms, and perhaps a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen. Little touches like this will help your property stand out from the crowd.
Clear away kitchen clutter
We appreciate kitchens are typically busy environments, but please spend time to clear everything away and leave surfaces clear. Remove jars, bottles and cereal packets, but leave things that suggest style and elegance - shiny new coffee makers, luxury-branded soaps, and pots of fresh herbs can all stay.
Toys-R-Not-Us
Children’s toys are big, bright and colourful – wonderful for little ones. Unfortunately, they do little for creating that award-winning shot of your elegant sitting room, so please tidy them away for the shoot.
Bring ‘hotel chic’ to your bedrooms
Straighten bed covers, fluff pillows and arrange furniture neatly. Clear away personal items, phone chargers, clothes and shoes. A good tip is that white bed linen looks crisp and fresh on photographs, and contrasts well against a luxurious dark throw. Scatter cushions will also help add a touch of elegance.
Don’t forget outside
Ensure that balcony/terrace doors can be opened to get the best shots possible, and then take a critical look at the gardens and frontage of the property. Mow the lawn, put away gardening equipment, sweep up leaves, and ensure all garden furniture is clean and arranged neatly. Remove the barbeque cover, install some pots or hanging baskets, and clean and tidy. And don’t forget the front door! As the first thing viewers see, it is important to clean away spider webs and road dust.
Remove all cars from the driveway
Please park all cars well away from the property. Any big shiny metal objects detract from the property, irrespective of how fabulous the individual car is.
Hide the bins
Remember to move refuse bins, wheelie bins and recycling bins all well out of the way.