A Matterport virtual tour is a valuable marketing tool in real estate. 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 high fidelity. This guide provides a detailed checklist to ensure a home is presented in its best light, maximizing its appeal to potential buyers.

The Core Principle: A Matterport tour is an authentic digital replica. An item left on a counter will be permanently captured in the model. Investing time in preparation ensures a clean and appealing final product.

The Pre-Scan Checklist

The Day Before: Preparation

General (All Rooms)

  • Declutter Surfaces: A minimalist aesthetic allows buyers to project their own lives onto the space. Remove personal photos, mail, toys, remote controls, and excess decor from all surfaces.
  • Deep Clean: Dust furniture, wipe down countertops, and clean all windows and mirrors until they are streak-free. Reflective surfaces show smudges clearly.
  • Floors: Thoroughly vacuum all carpets and mop all hard floors.
  • Hide Cords: Unplug and 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.
  • Hide Bins: Remove all trash and recycling bins from sight.

Bathrooms

  • Clear All Surfaces: Remove all personal toiletries (toothbrushes, razors, soap bars, shampoo bottles).
  • Close Toilet Lids: This is a critical detail for a clean presentation.
  • Arrange Towels: Hang fresh, clean, matching towels neatly.
  • Hide Bins & Scales: Remove trash bins, toilet brushes, and bathroom scales from view.

Bedrooms & Living Areas

  • Make All Beds: 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.
  • Arrange Pillows: Fluff 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.

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.

  • Turn On Every Light: Switch on all overhead lights, lamps, and under-cabinet lighting.
  • Replace Burnt Bulbs: Do a quick check for any non-working bulbs and replace them. For a cohesive look, ensure all bulbs in a single fixture are the same color temperature.
  • 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 in the scan.
  • 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 tour.

Conclusion

The time invested in preparation is a direct investment in the property's marketing. A clean, well-lit, and decluttered home presented through a high-fidelity Matterport tour can captivate potential buyers, build confidence, and lead to a faster sale. By following this checklist, homeowners and agents can ensure their property is ready for its digital debut.