Clean your room.

In today’s market where the majority of buyers first see the house they will purchase on-line, it is very important to present the house in the best possible way. Even though everyone knows this, there are very few sellers and Realtors that do anything about it. Sellers just move out of the way (most of the time, I did see pictures on MLS with people and pets in the picture where they shouldn’t be) and let the agent snap a few shots. Only after the pictures are all over the marketing material and internet, the seller notices a cereal box on the table, dirty laundry in the bedroom, crooked blinds and curtains, toilet seat up, etc…
As for agents, they should be ashamed to take the picture in the first place and not say anything, unless you are trying to give the commission to the next agent that will market the house.
With that, let me point out a few things to consider when taking a picture for the listing.
Outside:
1. Have the seller mow the lawn. This includes trimming the trees, pulling the weeds, fixing the flower beds…
2. Water the lawn, and driveway, 15-30 minutes before the shoot. This will make the grass look greener and fresher. (Disregard it the winter with the snow on the ground).
3. Garage the cars, or at least move out of the picture. Buyers are interested in the curb view of the house, not your ride.
4. Hide the garbage cans. Need I say more.
Inside:
1. Pick up everything off the floor. This will create more space and make the room look bigger.
2. Make sure all the lights are working. Replace  all burned out light bulbs and turn them on for the photographs (and showings).
3. Take everything off the counter tops. This includes the kitchen and the bathrooms. Buyers want to see your kitchen and bathrooms, not what kind of detergent or toothpaste you use.
4. Vacuum the floors.  Even if you don’t regularly vacuum your home, giving the appearance that you do (by the photo showing vacuum lines) will give the illusion that you are a neat freak and every buyer wants to purchase the home of a OCD clean freak.

These are only some of the things I have noticed in some of Real Estate pictures.