A Matterport virtual tour is a powerful marketing tool in real estate, proven to help sell homes faster and attract more serious buyers. It provides a 24/7 open house, allowing potential buyers to explore a property from anywhere in the world. However, the tour's effectiveness is directly tied to how well the property is prepared.
Unlike standard photos, a Matterport scan captures everything with uncompromising reality. This guide provides a definitive checklist to ensure a home is presented in its absolute best light, maximizing its appeal and return on investment.
The Definitive Pre-Scan Checklist
A Matterport tour is an authentic digital replica. An item left on a counter will be permanently captured. Investing time in preparation ensures a stunning final product that captivates buyers.
The Day Before: The Big Push
General (All Rooms)
- Declutter Everything: The camera sees all. A minimalist aesthetic allows buyers to project their own lives onto the space. Remove personal photos, mail, toys, remote controls, and excess decor from surfaces.
- Deep Clean All Surfaces: Dust furniture, wipe down countertops, and clean all windows and mirrors until they are streak-free. Reflective surfaces show every smudge.
- Floors Must Shine: Thoroughly vacuum all carpets (with uniform lines if possible) and mop all hard floors.
- Hide Cords and Wires: Unplug and tuck away or conceal visible electronic cables as much as possible.
- Secure Pets & Accessories: Ensure pets and all their accessories (beds, bowls, toys, crates) are completely removed from the areas to be scanned.
Kitchen
- Clear Countertops: Store away small appliances (toasters, blenders), dish soap, sponges, paper towels, and knife blocks.
- Clean Appliances: Wipe down the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher to remove fingerprints and smudges.
- Hide Bins: Remove all trash and recycling bins from sight.
- Pro-Tip: A simple bowl of fresh fruit (like green apples or lemons) can add a touch of color without creating clutter.
Bathrooms
- Clear All Surfaces: Remove all personal toiletries (toothbrushes, razors, soap bars, shampoo bottles).
- Close Toilet Lids: A simple but critical detail for a clean presentation.
- Arrange Towels: Hang fresh, clean, matching towels neatly. For a high-end look, consider all-white towels.
- Hide All Bins & Scales: Remove trash bins, toilet brushes, and bathroom scales from view.
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Make All Beds Perfectly: Smooth out wrinkles and arrange pillows neatly. A well-made bed makes a room look more inviting.
- Clear Bedside Tables: Leave only a lamp and perhaps a single book. Remove chargers, glasses, and other personal items.
- Fluff & Arrange Pillows: Plump up and neatly arrange all cushions and pillows on sofas and chairs.
- Organize Closets: If closets are to be included in the scan, ensure they are tidy and organized.
Exterior & Balconies
- Tidy Up: Sweep patios, put away gardening tools, coil hoses, and cover grills.
- Arrange Furniture: Neatly arrange any outdoor furniture and open patio umbrellas (weather permitting).
- Remove Vehicles: Move all cars and bikes out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.
The Day of the Scan: Final Touches
Right before the scan technician arrives, perform these last-minute checks to ensure perfection.
- Turn On Every Light: Switch on all overhead lights, lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and even stove lights.
- Replace Burnt Bulbs: Do a quick check for any non-working bulbs and replace them. Pro-Tip: For a cohesive look, ensure all bulbs in a single fixture are the same color temperature (e.g., all warm white).
- Open All Curtains & Blinds: Adjust all window treatments to be uniform and open to maximize natural light.
- Turn Off All Fans: Ceiling fans and any moving objects must be turned off to prevent motion blur.
- Final Walkthrough: Do one last sweep of every room to catch any stray items. The home should be exactly as you want it to appear in the final, uneditable tour.
Conclusion: An Investment in a Faster Sale
The time invested in preparation is a direct investment in the property's marketing appeal. A clean, well-lit, and decluttered home presented through a high-fidelity Matterport tour captivates potential buyers, builds confidence, and can lead to a faster, more profitable sale. By following this checklist, homeowners and agents ensure their property is ready for its most important digital debut.