Guide to Preparing Your Home for a Matterport Scan

A Matterport scan creates a detailed 3D virtual tour of your home, helping prospective buyers explore the space remotely. Proper preparation ensures the scan captures your home at its best. Follow these steps to prepare your home for a smooth and effective Matterport scan.

1. Declutter and Clean

• Remove Clutter: Clear countertops, tables, and floors of unnecessary items like dishes, papers, toys, or personal belongings. Aim for a tidy, neutral look.

• Clean Surfaces: Dust furniture, vacuum carpets, sweep floors, and clean windows to ensure the home looks polished.

• Hide Personal Items: Remove family photos, personal memorabilia, or sensitive documents to maintain privacy and create a blank canvas for buyers.

2. Stage the Home

• Arrange Furniture: Ensure furniture is neatly arranged to highlight the room’s purpose and flow. Remove excess pieces that make spaces feel cramped.

• Add Neutral Decor: Use simple decor like vases, plants, or pillows to add warmth without overwhelming the space.

• Showcase Key Features: Highlight fireplaces, built-in shelves, or unique architectural details by keeping them unobstructed.

3. Optimize Lighting

• Turn On All Lights: Turn on interior lights, including lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and overhead fixtures, to brighten the space.

• Open Curtains and Blinds: Allow natural light to flood in by opening all window coverings, unless the view outside is unappealing.

• Replace Burnt-Out Bulbs: Ensure all light fixtures are functional to avoid dark spots in the scan.

4. Prepare Specific Areas

• Kitchen: Clear countertops of appliances, dishes, and sponges. Leave only a few decorative items, like a fruit bowl or cookbook.

• Bathrooms: Remove toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies. Close toilet lids and ensure mirrors are spotless.

• Bedrooms: Make beds with fresh linens, fluff pillows, and clear nightstands of personal items.

• Closets: Organize closets to show storage potential. Remove excess clothing or boxes if they appear cluttered.

5. Address Accessibility

• Clear Pathways: Ensure all rooms, hallways, and staircases are free of obstacles for the scanner to move easily.

• Open Doors: Keep interior doors open to allow the scanner to capture a seamless flow between rooms, unless a door hides clutter.

• Remove Rugs or Mats: Small rugs or floor mats can interfere with the scanner’s movement. Roll them up temporarily if needed.

6. Exterior Preparation

• Tidy Outdoor Spaces: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove lawn equipment, toys, or trash bins from view.

• Clean Patios and Decks: Sweep outdoor areas and arrange patio furniture neatly.

• Park Vehicles Elsewhere: Move cars from the driveway or street in front of the house to keep the exterior unobstructed.

7. Pets and People

• Secure Pets: Keep pets in a crate, with a friend, or off-site during the scan to avoid distractions or movement in the footage.

• Clear the Home: Ensure no people are present during the scan, as the camera captures everything in its field of view.

8. Communicate with the Technician

• Highlight Priorities: Inform the technician of specific areas or features you want emphasized, like a renovated kitchen or a spacious backyard.

• Ask About Restrictions: Confirm any specific requirements, such as whether certain items (e.g., mirrors or glass) need special handling.

• Schedule Wisely: Choose a time with good natural light and minimal disruptions, such as mid-morning or early afternoon.

9. Final Walkthrough

• Double-Check Rooms: Walk through the home to ensure nothing was missed, such as a stray item or a closed blind.

• Test Accessibility: Confirm the technician can access all areas, including basements, attics, or locked rooms, if they’re part of the scan.

• Remove Valuables: Store expensive or irreplaceable items securely, as a precaution.

Tips for Success

• Plan Ahead: Start preparing a few days in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

• Think Like a Buyer: Present the home as you’d want to see it if you were touring it for the first time.

• Consult Your Realtor: Your real estate agent may have additional advice tailored to your market or property type.

By following these steps, your home will be ready to shine in its Matterport 3D scan, creating an inviting and professional virtual tour for prospective buyers.