In our increasingly digital savvy society, today's home buyer is touring your home before they even walk through your front door.  According to the National Association of Realtors, over 89% of buyers preview listings online.  With so many properties to choose from, how your home is presented in 20 pictures or less can determine whether or not yours is selected for an in-person showing.  The way to ensure that your home makes a good first impression 

is by hiring a professional photographer. 

While a professional photographer can use lighting techniques and lens selections to properly capture a room, the photo will only be amazing if the room is set to impress.  Here are a few simple staging techniques you can do to make your home stand out.

Light It Up

Make sure all of the bulbs in all of the rooms are working. This is especially true if you are having night photography done.  A burnt out bulb can be a real distraction.  Open all of the blinds before the photographer arrives.  Often, if the blinds haven't been opened in quite a while, they will stick and shift.  Open them a day or two before hand, just in case they need to be fixed.  And finally, light a few candles.  It is easy to create a spa feel in the bathroom with just a few candles, a bath full of bubbles and a rolled up towel.

Add a Pop of Color

A throw blanket on the corner of the bed is an easy way to add a little elegance to a room.  You may also consider adding a few fresh flowers to a table in the foyer or hallway of your home.  Try to keep any floral arrangements as a small enhancement, not a focal centerpiece.

Create a Working Kitchen

A hard and fast recommendation has always been to eliminate any clutter on your counter tops.  But once you have cleared your space, fill it with enticing elements such as spaghetti in a pot on the stove with some oil, tomatoes and garlic cloves set on the counter next to it.  Add a cutting board with French bread and knife to complete the look.  For the breakfast bar, put a casual place setting in front of each chair with a grapefruit or peach on a plate.  Set a carafe of orange juice at the bar.  This look is also very appealing on the lanai.  Fruit baskets are also a very easy way to get a burst of color in a natural way.  You can set all the same fruit in a bowl for a symmetrical look or fill a tray with tropical fruits including pineapple, coconut and papaya.  A plate of cheese and crackers next to a bowl of grapes can easily add interest to a table.

Bring the Outside In

While potted plants and a vase of fresh flowers are a common way to add life to a room, you many want to consider a twist on the use of nature's decor.  Walk out to your backyard and clip a few small palm fronds, ixora flowers or sprigs from other blooming plants.  Fronds on the bed and on bathroom counters add interest and are a very inexpensive way to spruce up a room.

Add Life to the Lanai

Roll up some matching beach towels and set them at the foot or crease of your chaise lounge chairs.  Then place a large bottle of water next to a glass of ice on a small table next to it.  Add a hibiscus flower and suddenly your pool becomes more enticing.  For a romantic look, have a couple wine glasses on the ledge of your spa with a bottle of your favorite wine next to it.  If you don't mind opening it, fill the glasses and place the cork on the ledge next to the bottle.

Location, Location, Location

It is easy to say in the description that you a beach, but aerial photography can really show off your perfect position.  Homes are increasingly being photographed from above and it is an impressive way to set your listing apart from the rest. 

• 3 BR / 2 BA
• Large Loft
• Vaulted ceilings
• Two screened porch areas for outdoor living and entertaining
• Fantastic Village location
• Convenient to Beach or Bay

View Listing 

$879,000

 

 

 

   

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With the reconstruction of the Captiva Community Center a dedicated space has been made available to illustrate Captiva's unique, diverse history.  This new space will take on the wooden look of the interior of the old mailboat, the 'Santiva'!  Exciting things are happening...Stay tuned for more news!

The Holiday Village Golf Cart Parade & Boat Parade 

are right around the corner.  

So while you are out costume shopping, get a head start 

planning your festive holiday theme!