A picture perfect home – smile!

IN SPITE of the odd recent snow shower suggesting we’re still in the depths of winter, spring is in fact here and as the evenings get longer and days (hopefully!) get warmer, we see the property market enjoy a natural boost.

If you’ve considered a move and want to get your property on the market, you’ll want to ensure that it’s presented to its very best potential.

There is joint responsibility for this – it’s not simply a case of making sure your dirty underwear is discreetly hidden away, you’ll also want to engage an agent who will work with you to guarantee showing your home off so that it stands out from the crowd.

Here are our top tips to help make your property picture perfect:

u Smile for the camera: simply, natural beauty shines through.

We’ve all seen Photoshopped images of supermodels and have adopted a certain cynicism as a consequence.

Your property is the supermodel in this photoshoot and presenting anything other than its natural self wont reap rewards once potential viewers come to realise that room isn’t quite as wide as it appears, or your lawn isn’t actually up to Wimbledon standards!

u Andrews will never use super-wide angle or fish eye lenses which can distort the reality of a room; nor will we Photoshop your garden to look greener or even the sky to look bluer!

If you’ve spoken with an agent who will, you should be asking whether this is the right approach to take.

u Of course, there’s a certain responsibility on you the seller too.

First off a little spring cleaning won’t go amiss: keep the front of the house clutter-free to create a clear image of its kerb appeal; clean the front door and windows; remove dead plants and sweep up any leaves; and store bikes, toys and tools out of sight.

If possible you should also move wheelie bins out of the way and if your property has a drive, park vehicles elsewhere whilst photos are taken.

u With the front dealt with, you’ll need to ensure that the reception area is decluttered; that curtains and blinds are opened; toys are hidden away in closed cupboards and soft furnishings are neat and tidy.

u In the kitchen washing up should be cleared; tea towels safely stowed away and work surfaces left as clear as possible – if this means placing appliances such as food mixers in a cupboard whilst the photography is taken, it can be time well spent.

u It’s a similar story in the bedrooms.

Here, curtains should be open; beds made; clothes and shoes packed away; and cupboards closed.

Bathrooms will need to be clean and uncluttered and the toilet seat should always be down!

u You may not be able to control the weather on the day your property photography is taken but you can make sure your garden or outdoor space is neat; that decking or patio areas are clear of toys; borders and lawns are tidy and that washing lines are packed away – no-one wants to see your smalls flapping in the wind!

u With your property fully prepared for its moment in front of the camera, you can be assured that an Andrews photographer will arrive fully briefed to take pictures which show your home off in the best possible light.

u Properties with expertly taken photos can sell 30 per cent faster than those that don’t – with that knowledge, ask yourself which agent you should engage to sell your property.

If you’re considering a sale and want to know what improvements could be made so your property is picture perfect, then pop in and chat with your local Andrews team in Stroud who’ll be happy to help.

andrewsonline.co.uk