Two Memphis Homes Featured in Atomic Ranch (including mine!)
+tips on getting your home photo ready
Memphis is famous for music, ribs, and a particularly big and muddy river, but in addition to oddities like a herd of bison, we also have a treasure-trove of midcentury modern homes tucked amongst traditional Southern houses and bungalows. Always eager to spread the word about our hidden gems, I reached out to Atomic Ranch magazine last year and suggested they do a story on them. They took the suggestion, and said one of the houses would be mine! Let the frantic cleaning begin! The other house is a Francis Gassner-designed beauty belonging to my friends Ben and Ilene, which, trust me, did not require frantic cleaning. I believe their home always looks as pristine as it does in the fall issue. Order the issue here or pick up a copy at Novel.
Getting Photo Ready, Keeping it Real
Why did I have to go into frantic cleaning mode to have my house photographed? Here’s a clue. Below is a photo of my bedroom taken today. I am not proud.
Below that is a photo taken by real estate photographer Michael Berry for Atomic Ranch. You can see why he is my go-to photographer for my listings.
Third is a snapshot of my bedroom on a day when I've had time to tidy up. This is the condition I would suggest as a goal when prepping your own home for showings. Keep reading to learn why!
My room this morning. Now you know.
Michael Berry’s photograph for Atomic Ranch magazine. I even swept under the bed.
Same room on a day when I must have been expecting company in the house.
Making Room for Buyers
So why would I recommend you follow the example of the third photo if you're prepping your home for sale and not the first or second?
Well, I hope the answer is obvious when looking at the first photo. The bed is unmade, there is laundry on the floor, and scattered stuff on the dresser. The vanity is open and cluttered with cosmetics and jewelry. Some blinds are open; some are closed.
What about the second photo? It's a beautiful photo and the room looks great. But it was styled with a specific intention---a magazine spread---that is not the same as preparing a room for potential buyers. My collection of wood boxes (I know, why?) is on display and the multi-colored bed linens are not exactly soothing. A vintage family quilt is on the bed instead of safely put out of reach. We use woven baskets as bedside storage, but their presence only advertises the lack of room for normal bedside tables.
I love color and pattern, and I would never suggest you remove all personality from your home just because you're listing it. But you do need to make room for buyers to imagine a space as their own. The third photo allows for that. While still sporting a modern look and a few decorative items, the dresser is cleared of personal items, the bed has simple linens, and the focus can be on the windows and views.
If you're house hunting, which do you prefer, #2 or #3? I'd love to hear your thoughts on colorful versus neutral.
That third photo is still just a snapshot though. I always use professional photography to show off my clients' homes. Michael Berry is photographing a new listing for me this afternoon. Let me know if you want yours to be next!
A Photography Prep List
So besides making your bed and opening the blinds, how do you get ready for photo day? You can view Michael's complete checklist here.
Here are my favorites of Michael’s tips, including things you might not think of.
Please, please, please, close the toilet lid. (Actually, you should always do this anyway.)
Replace any dead lightbulbs and ensure all bulbs are the same color temperature.
Avoid hiding items under beds or furniture. (Thought you could get away with that, did you?)
Place a fresh roll of toilet paper on the holder. (Maybe it gives a buyer a subconscious feeling of security?)
Decluttered and tidy makes a bigger difference than “spotless”. (True for photos, but for showings you know I'm going to ask you to dust your baseboards.)
If you're thinking of selling and need a guide and advocate, give me a call!