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A virtual open house can be a game-changer in real estate. They let potential buyers tour your home from anywhere, making the process convenient and efficient. But if you want your home to stand out among the many, many options online, it really needs to shine on camera. 

If you’re wondering how to prepare your home for a virtual open house so it steals the spotlight, we’ve got you covered. Here are some actionable tips to help your space look its best.

Declutter and Clean: The First Step to Success

It may not be everyone’s favorite step in prepping for a virtual tour, but the first thing you should do is a thorough decluttering and cleaning. Virtual tours often involve high-quality cameras that capture every detail, including those you might normally overlook.

To make sure your space looks as pristine as possible, remember to:

  • Declutter every room: Clear surfaces, pack away personal items, and minimize furniture to create an open, airy feel.
  • Deep clean everything: Pay attention to windows, floors, and those often-neglected spots like baseboards and light switches.
  • Organize visible spaces: Shelves, closets, and counters should look neat—buyers may take a closer look during the tour.

A clean, clutter-free space gives potential buyers the chance to focus on your home’s best features rather than distractions.

Stage Your Home to Wow Buyers Online

Staging your home for a virtual tour is slightly different than preparing for in-person showings. Cameras can alter how spaces appear, so intentional staging is key.

Here are a few virtual home staging tips:

  • Maximize lighting: Open blinds and curtains, and turn on all the lights. Natural light is especially flattering for virtual tours.
  • Highlight key spaces: Focus on rooms that sell homes, like the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. Add small touches like fresh flowers or strategically placed throw pillows for a welcoming vibe.
  • Choose neutral decor: Bold colors or overly personalized decorations might distract buyers. Stick to neutral tones that appeal to a broad audience.

Staging not only enhances your home’s appeal but also ensures the virtual tour accurately reflects its potential.

Use a Virtual Home Tour Checklist

A virtual home tour checklist ensures you don’t miss any important details during the preparation process. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Tidy up the exterior: Curb appeal still matters, even online. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and sweep walkways.
  • Set the stage in every room: Each space should be clean, well-lit, and staged appropriately.
  • Check camera angles: If you’re working with your agent or photographer, test different angles to find the most flattering shots.
  • Silence distractions: Ensure pets, kids, and background noise won’t interfere during the live tour or video recording.
  • Add a final polish: Do a last walkthrough before the shoot or live tour to adjust anything that feels off.

Using this checklist makes preparing your home for online viewing simple and stress-free.

Trust the Experts to Help You Shine

Preparing your home for a virtual open house might feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s completely manageable. From cleaning and staging to perfecting your virtual home tour checklist, each step brings you closer to a successful sale.

At Hawkins/Ryerse Real Estate Group, we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you need advice on staging or tips for an outstanding virtual open house, our team is dedicated to helping you showcase your home at its best. Contact us to speak with one of our agents today.

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