Basements can be tricky when it comes to real estate photography. They range from fully finished living spaces to simple storage areas, and each presents its own challenges. But whether your basement is a cozy retreat or a functional storage zone, there are ways to make it shine in photos.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to prep both finished and unfinished basements for a real estate shoot. With a little organization and attention to detail, even the darkest, most cluttered basement can look inviting and full of potential.
The Basement Prep Checklist – Finished Basements
- Straighten Furniture & Fluff Pillows If your basement is a finished living area, treat it like any other room in the house. Straighten the furniture, fluff the pillows, and make sure blankets are folded or stored away. Just because it’s the basement doesn’t mean it can get away with looking messy!
- Clear Clutter from Tables & Surfaces Tables and other flat surfaces should be free of clutter. If the basement is used as a rec room or entertainment space, make sure any games, electronics, or personal items are tidied up. The more open and clean the surfaces are, the more inviting the room will feel.
- Clean Floors & Dust Light Fixtures Just like the rest of the house, the basement floors should be clean and free of debris. Sweep, vacuum, or mop as needed, and dust any light fixtures or ceiling fans. Basements can get dusty quickly, so don’t skip this step!
The Basement Prep Checklist – Unfinished Basements
- Organize Storage Areas If your basement is unfinished, it’s probably used for storage. That’s okay! Buyers understand that basements often serve this function, but it’s important to make sure the storage areas are organized. Neatly stack boxes, organize shelves, and remove any unnecessary clutter.
- Sweep & Clean the Floors Even if the basement isn’t fully finished, it should still be clean. Sweep the floors to remove any dirt or dust, and if necessary, mop them to give the space a fresh, clean look.
- Highlight Potential If your basement has the potential to be finished or turned into additional living space, make sure buyers can see that. Clear out as much clutter as possible and keep the space open so buyers can imagine what they could do with it.
Real-World Example: A Basement Transformation That Sold the Home
We once photographed a home with a large, unfinished basement that had tons of potential. But when we arrived, it was filled with disorganized boxes, old furniture, and cobwebs in the corners. After working with the homeowner to organize the space and give it a good cleaning, the basement became one of the home’s strongest selling points. Buyers loved the idea of finishing the basement and turning it into extra living space, and the home sold quickly.
Activity: Clear & Organize Your Basement
Whether your basement is finished or unfinished, spend 30 minutes organizing the space. If it’s finished, focus on decluttering and straightening furniture. If it’s unfinished, tackle the storage areas and make sure everything is neat and tidy. A clean basement can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the home.
Discussion Question: How Do Finished and Unfinished Basements Add Value to a Home?
Discuss the potential of both finished and unfinished basements. Why do buyers value the extra space, and how can a well-prepped basement influence their decision? Talk about how presenting the basement in its best light can help buyers see the potential for additional living or storage space.
Wrapping It Up
Whether your basement is finished or not, it’s an important part of the home that deserves attention before a real estate shoot. A clean, organized basement can show buyers that the home is well-maintained and full of potential. Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll cover garage and outbuilding preparation, turning these often-forgotten spaces into assets during a real estate shoot!
