Seven Tips for a Great Winter Photo Shoot

In the parts of the country where the temps drop below freezing and the snow flies in the winter, you might feel behind the proverbial snowball in your chances to show off your home well when selling it at this time of year. Beyond the usual decluttering of the house so it is easy to walk around and show off your property, and not your possessions, consider these additional tips:

Keep driveways, front walks, patios, and decks clear - yes, that means shoveling the patio and decks, and if you keep up with each snowfall, then a sheet of ice is less likely to form so potential buyers can easily walk around and take in your backyard. These amenities will look much nicer in photos too.

Speaking of photos, make sure all vehicles left outside will start a couple of days before the photo appointment date, so you can make sure to be able to move them on photography day.

While outside, make sure to store snow shovels, sleds, and other winter tools and toys neatly. Best to declutter and organize outside, as well as inside, so it is your property that gets noticed and not your possessions. Removing covers from BBQ's is always a good idea too.

And about getting noticed, pick up dog droppings - you don't want potential buyers remembering your house for being the one they can play connect the dots on your yard. Also, throw some fresh snow over patches of yellow snow, especially if photos will be taken from above on a high deck or with a drone.

Put away seasonal decorations both inside and out - nothing dates the photos and Online Showing more than turkeys or elves sitting about. Maybe, don't put up house lights this year, so it is not dated, and it will look less cluttered to boot. You can drape the trees and landscaping with lights after the photo shoot instead if you still want a twinkle outside at night.

Inside, be aware of piles of coats, scarves, hats, boots, and shoes. Put them away before showings and photo shoots. Remember, it's best not to have a row of coats on pegs that hang out into a walkway. It only makes your house feel smaller. And if you set out extra rugs or mats at the doors or for wet clothing, remove them too.

If you have windows that fog over, it is best to cover them for the photos. Also, put away space heaters, portable fans, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers for showings and photos.

Selling during the winter in cold-weather states can require a little more effort, but it's important to always put your best foot forward.