Q: I totally understand that good photos are important for selling my house, but do you recommend I do anything to prepare for them?

A: Good photos are absolutely essential as potential buyers expect to see photographs of almost every room in a house, both online and on the sales particulars and first impressions count for a lot, as it could mean the difference between them booking a viewing or deciding against it.

At the higher end of the market, agents routinely use professional photographers but luckily, most estate agents these days appreciate the value in investing in the latest technology and opt to buy good quality cameras as well as attending and sending staff on photography training courses to learn how to use and get the best results from all of their settings and gizmos, in order to produce decent, professional-quality photos showing your home at its very best.

However, an agent can have all the best tools and knowledge but if a home is untidy or cluttered, that will be captured with piercing clarity in the photographs, so some preparation is needed. Your estate agent will offer tailored advice on preparing your home but generally, the key is tidiness.

So, make sure the garden looks well tended and clear of anything unsightly, like weeds in the beds or rubbish bins. In reception rooms, make sure cushions are plumped up; dining tables either laid for a formal meal or completely clear; children’s toys and magazines tidied away, etc. Check all the lights work and if necessary, remove surplus pieces of furniture to create a feeling of more space.

Also, try to make your kitchen look as pristine as it did the day it was installed – no washing up on the side, tea stains on the work surfaces or limescale on the sink. Make sure all clothes are away and beds are properly made. In the bathroom, fold towels neatly and remove any unsightly collections of shampoo bottles, etc. And toilet seats should always be down!

If you’d like any advice without obligation, pop in and see us or give us a call on 01392 204800 and we’ll be happy to help.