Dear Monty: We are planning on selling our home soon. We want to hire a professional photographer to create a virtual presentation. Do you have any tips for preparing a home for the photographer?

Monty's Answer: A widely accepted theory is that using professional photographers specializing in home sales is the best way to increase showings. Additionally, the more photographs, the better, so 40 photos are better than 20. Content on your home advertisement sends a subtle message, and pictures of the interior and exterior have become standard with the internet. Pick a bright, sunny day for the shoot. Prospects rely on images to select properties to visit. The number of photos depends on your home's size and the features a prospect will be interested in viewing.

DEPERSONALIZE WITH THESE TIPS

Homes that are clean and up to date are always the first choice. Pride of ownership tells the prospect they can move right in. None of these tips require large expenditures — just some time and elbow grease.

1. Turn on all lights — closets, basement and garage. If you find a bulb out, replace it.

2. Turn off all electronics — no TV, radio or other distractions.

3. Make the beds — if the sheets that show are wrinkled, consider ironing the exposed part.

4. Adjust towels and curtains — fresh towels are the best. Open all the blinds and curtains.

5. Put personal photos and political and religious items away. You publish these photos.

6. Dust and wipe everything. Wash windows inside and out.

7. Keep pets away and kenneled.

8. Put away items that draw attention away from your home's features.

9. Trash cans: If they are dented and tired, buy new ones.

10. Clutter: Magazines and newspapers, jackets on chairs and knickknacks distract attention.

11. Paperwork: If you work from home, arrange your bookshelves and close the office.

12. Small appliances should go into the cupboards under the sinks or in closets.

13. Toys should all go in a basket or in a closet.

14. Bathroom products: Hide toothbrushes and soap dishes and put out fresh towels.

15. Broken items: Make sure to address broken glass in a storm door or anything the camera will pick up.

16. Power strips, cords and cables may suggest the need for an electrical upgrade.

17. Neutralize the house. Make it simple, orderly and functional.

18. Park cars down the street.

19. Mow the lawn and trim the shrubs.

20. Clean and sweep outdoor surfaces, including the ashes in a wood-burning fireplace.

21. Hide or organize outdoor items — make sure to coil garden hoses. Organize the garage and basement.

22. Clean outdoor items that might read as dirty in photos such as toys, lampposts or mowers.

23. Clean your pool and outdoor furniture.

24. If your home is vacant and has your old furniture — great.

25. Move excess furniture to a storage facility — you must move it soon anyway.

Think of your photo session as an open house that draws thousands of prospects. Determine with the photographer what rights you have to the images. Copyright law has several different levels of rights photographers give up; you can own the photograph, be assigned the right to publish it or license it. (Page 167 of the U.S. Copyright Law document found on copyright.gov can be helpful.) Finally, clean and well-maintained homes sell themselves, and for the best price — the photos get the buyer in the door.

Richard Montgomery is the Founder of PropBox, the first advertising platform to bring home sellers and buyers directly together to negotiate and close the sale online. He offers readers solution choices for their real estate questions. Follow him on Twitter (X) @rmpropbox or DearMonty.com.

Photo credit: Samuel Rios at Unsplash