First impressions are a big deal whether you're meeting someone new or showing off a home. The photography you use to market a listing is no different. It provides a peek into a home that will make a buyer decide whether to tour a home or not, and in some cases, whether to place an offer sight unseen or not. This is why it is essential to not only have professional photos taken, but to also make sure your clients make the home clean, homey, and that its key features are on display. 

Interior

• Let in as much natural light as possible by opening curtains and blinds. Also turn on all interior light fixtures. The brighter the room is, the better it will photograph. 
• Remove clutter from the house including from the kitchen appliances and in the shower/bathtub. Small things like refrigerator magnets and toothbrushes can detract from the beautiful features of a home. 
• Show off the home's features by removing rugs, cleaning the windows, and removing small appliances from beautiful kitchen counters. 
• Make sure your furry friend has a place to go during the shoot and put away its food and accessories. 
• Give the home a good once-over with a duster and broom or vacuum. A spotless home is much more inviting than one with cobwebs or pet fur. 

Exterior

• Clear debris from around windows to allow as much natural light in as possible. 
• Give your potted plants and landscaping some love by trimming or weeding as necessary. If you don't have time for a full cleanup, simply put away potted plants. 
• Park all cars, bicycles, and other modes of transportation elsewhere. 
• Give your porch, deck, or patio a good sweeping or power washing. 
• Remove debris from the lawn and mow the grass if necessary. 
• If you have a pool, make sure it's clean and that pool toys and cleaners have been removed. 

These tips are also helpful in prepping a home for an open house or individual tour. Don't miss an opportunity to wow a buyer by skimping on these simple steps. A clean, bright home is far more impressive than one that feels neglected and full of clutter.