Decluttering your home before taking real estate photos can increase its value and help it sell faster. Here’s why it works and how to do it:
- First Impressions Matter: Buyers decide within seconds based on photos. Clean, clutter-free spaces feel bigger and more inviting.
- Better Photos: Decluttered homes photograph better, requiring less editing and attracting more online views.
- Emotional Connection: Organized spaces help buyers imagine themselves living there, increasing interest.
- Faster Sales at Higher Prices: Homes with clean, open spaces often sell quicker and closer to or above asking price.
Quick Tips for Decluttering:
- Kitchen: Clear countertops, tidy cabinets, and remove fridge magnets.
- Living Room: Remove excess furniture, hide cables, and store small items.
- Bedrooms: Use neutral linens, clear nightstands, and organize closets.
- Bathrooms: Clear counters, hide personal items, and use fresh towels.
Decluttering paired with professional photography ensures your home looks its best, attracting more buyers and better offers.
How to Declutter When Selling Your House | Clutter Video Tip
Research Data on Decluttering’s Impact on Property Value
Recent studies highlight how decluttering can boost both the market value and appeal of a property. Homes that are free of clutter tend to sell faster and often at prices closer to or above their asking price.
Sales Numbers and Market Performance
Decluttered homes consistently perform better in the market. While specific numbers can vary depending on location and other factors, the overall trend shows these properties sell quicker and more competitively.
How Buyers React to Clean Spaces
Research shows that buyers form first impressions almost instantly. A clean and organized space creates a sense of openness, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. This not only keeps potential buyers interested but also encourages more online views and in-person visits.
These insights emphasize the importance of decluttering before professional photos are taken or showings begin.
Pre-Photo Shoot Decluttering Guide
Research shows that clean, organized spaces can boost property value. Use this guide to declutter efficiently and make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Tips
Focus on key areas that will be featured in your listing photos. The goal is to create open, inviting spaces where buyers can picture themselves living.
Kitchen
- Clear countertops, leaving only a few decorative items.
- Remove magnets, papers, and clutter from the refrigerator.
- Stow dish racks and cleaning supplies under the sink.
- Tidy pantry shelves and cabinets to highlight storage space.
Living Room
- Remove extra furniture to create more open floor space.
- Limit decorations to a single focal point in each area.
- Hide cables and devices for a cleaner look.
- Store remotes, magazines, and other small items out of sight.
Bedrooms
- Use neutral, wrinkle-free linens to make beds.
- Keep nightstands clear, except for a lamp and one small decorative piece.
- Remove personal items to help buyers imagine their own style.
- Arrange closets neatly to showcase storage potential.
Bathrooms
- Clear countertops of personal care items.
- Remove items like bath mats and toilet covers.
- Hide cleaning supplies and other accessories.
- Replace old towels with fresh, matching sets.
Once your home is decluttered, it’s time to showcase the results with professional photography.
Professional Photo Services
Professional photography highlights your home’s best features, capturing natural light, spaciousness, and architectural details. HDR photography ensures balanced lighting and depth, while virtual staging can add tasteful décor to empty rooms for around $50 per photo.
If you’re in the U.S., companies like HomeJab provide on-demand photography services to make your property shine.
Photo Results: Clean vs. Cluttered Properties
Property photos clearly show the difference between organized and cluttered spaces. Using professional HDR photography can highlight a property’s best features and grab the attention of potential buyers. Research supports that tidy, clutter-free environments often perform better in the market.
Here’s why decluttered property photos make an impact:
- Creates a Sense of Space: Clean and organized rooms look bigger and more welcoming.
- Highlights Key Features: Without distractions, architectural details and high-end finishes stand out.
- Polished Look: HDR photography captures true room dimensions and natural light, making spaces look their best.
- Helps Buyers Imagine Themselves There: Clear, open spaces make it easier for buyers to picture the home as their own.
Professional photographers know how to emphasize these elements to attract buyers and speed up sales. Pairing proper decluttering with HDR photography – and even virtual staging when appropriate – ensures every room looks its best.
At HomeJab, we offer on-demand professional photography services, including HDR photography and virtual staging, to showcase properties in their best light. By focusing on decluttered spaces, these services can help properties stand out and perform better in the market.
Conclusion
Decluttering can significantly increase property value when it comes to real estate photos. Clean, organized spaces captured in professional photography tend to attract more buyers and lead to quicker, higher-priced sales.
This is backed by insights from industry experts. As one real estate professional shared:
“HomeJab’s photographers always do a wonderful job! This time, Mr. Vincent did drone fly over and still photography that showed my listing beautifully!” [1]
Key practices that contribute to success include:
- High-Quality HDR Photography: Showcasing each space in its best light.
- Decluttering: Creating spaces that buyers can easily imagine as their own.
- Quick Turnaround: Delivering photos within 24 hours to get listings up faster.
- Expanded Services: Offering aerial shots and virtual tours for a complete presentation.
These strategies, combined with the decluttering tips outlined earlier, highlight the importance of working with skilled photographers who know how to present a property at its best. A well-prepared, professionally photographed home not only sells faster but also commands a better price.
FAQs
Why does decluttering make real estate photos more appealing to buyers?
Decluttering makes real estate photos more appealing by creating a clean, spacious, and organized look that helps buyers focus on the property’s features rather than distractions. A clutter-free space feels larger, brighter, and more inviting, which can significantly enhance its perceived value.
Professional real estate photographers understand how to highlight these qualities, ensuring your property stands out in listings and attracts more interest from potential buyers.
What are the best ways to keep your home decluttered while it’s on the market?
Maintaining a decluttered home during the selling process is essential for creating a great first impression in photos and showings. Here are a few practical tips to help:
- Adopt a ‘less is more’ mindset: Pack away personal items, excess furniture, and seasonal decor to create a clean and open space.
- Use storage solutions: Store belongings in labeled bins or boxes and keep them neatly tucked away in closets, basements, or rented storage units.
- Tidy up daily: Spend a few minutes each day putting items back in their place to ensure your home stays photo-ready.
By keeping your home organized and clutter-free, you can highlight its best features and increase its appeal to potential buyers.
How does professional photography highlight the impact of a decluttered home in real estate listings?
Professional photography brings out the full potential of a decluttered home by capturing clean, inviting, and visually appealing images that resonate with buyers. High-quality photos and videos emphasize the spaciousness and functionality of a property, making it more attractive in listings.
With expert services like HDR photography, 3D tours, and virtual staging, professional photographers ensure every detail is showcased in the best light. This not only enhances the perceived value of the home but also helps listings stand out and attract more interest from potential buyers.