Of all the tools and techniques available to help you sell a home, virtual tours have proven to be incredibly effective. These modern solutions allow potential buyers to view a property’s full interior and exterior from anywhere. The COVID-19 pandemic has made online showings more popular than ever. Here are a few tips for preparing your home for a shoot.

How to Get Your Listing Ready for a Virtual Tour

1. Clean & Declutter

A clean and organized home provides an inviting atmosphere and makes it easier for buyers to visualize the space as their own. Sweep, vacuum, and dust all surfaces. Wash the windows to remove fingerprints and streaks, empty the garbage cans, and eliminate dirty dishes from the sink.

Next, remove clutter by clearing countertops, putting away knickknacks and family photos, storing toys, throwing out junk mail, and donating or selling items you no longer use. The goal is to ensure buyers can focus on the property’s features instead of the belongings inside.

2. Stage the Furniture

When selling a home, consider staging it with furniture that will appeal to most buyers. Bold colors and patterns can be distracting and make it difficult to see the true potential of the space. Instead, opt for neutral colors like beige, white, and gray that keep the focus on the property.

Arrange the furniture to make the rooms look as big and open as possible. Use area rugs to frame specific spaces, and consider putting bulkier pieces in a storage unit for the time being. You should also make sure the cameraman has a clear pathway throughout the house.

3. Spruce Up the Landscape

The exterior of the property is just as important to buyers as the interior. Enhance your curb appeal with a well-manicured lawn, colorful flowers, and a freshly painted front door. Make sure outdoor furniture is in good condition and that the siding, garage, and walkways are free of dirt.

4. Set the Right Lighting

Go into each room and make sure all the light bulbs work. Replace any that are out or flickering. It’s also best to have the same color light bulbs throughout the whole house.

This will produce a consistent look in the video and prevent harsh light transitions as the camera moves between spaces. Before the photographer arrives, turn on every interior light so that they can capture the most appealing footage.

If you’re interested in creating a virtual tour of your real estate listing, let Big Journey Homes - Lauri Bauman guide you through the process. She’ll give you valuable advice on steps to take before the shoot and ensure you’re in the best position to make a quick and profitable sale. Serving clients throughout Denton, Lake Dallas, Frisco, Flower Mound, Argyle, McKinney, and Corinth, TX, this local Realtor® has helped buyers and sellers achieve their goals for over two decades. Call (940) 321-5111 or text (214) 566-1088 for help selling a home, or visit her website to see recent sales.