How to prepare your home for real estate photography and attract the attention of buyers/renters looking at your property online.

Pre-Shoot Checklist

Following this pre-shoot checklist will help ensure that your home is photographed quickly, efficiently, and with the best possible results.   

Exterior

• Remove vehicles from driveway and away from the front of the home.
• Place trash cans and anything that is not attached to the home out of site.
• Cut, rake, water grass, and remove any unsightly weeds or vegetation.
• Clean windows.
• Organize deck furniture, uncover grill, open patio umbrella, etc.
• Sweep or pressure wash driveway if necessary.
• Make sure yard is free of kid’s toys, evidence of pets, unnecessary clutter etc.

Interior

General

• Replace any burnt lightbulbs and ensure all bulbs are the same color temperature.
• Remove as much clutter as possible; especially personal belongings that are not included in the sale or for use of renters. Decluttered and tidy makes a bigger difference than “spotless”.
• Remove all evidence of pets.
• Open up blinds and remove any fixed window coverings that block natural light.
• Turn off all TVs, computer screens, and ceiling fans.
• Conceal power cords; unplug them if necessary (except lights).
• Make sure there are no clothes in the machines or hanging in the laundry room.
• Make beds, straighten picture frames/artwork, organize pillows, etc.
• Avoid hiding items under beds or furniture.
• Remove any personal information that you wouldn’t want visible online.

Kitchen

• Clear all counter tops – A few small appliances, fruit bowls, plants etc. are ok, but avoid anything tall that might be distracting or block the view.
• Clear the fridge completely – Remove all magnets, photos, lists, etc.
• Clean appliances – Be sure to remove all fingerprints, smudges, etc.
• Put trash can away.
• Make sure sink is clean and free of dishes.
• Put away dish soap, cloths, etc.
• Remove calendars as they can date a listing.
• Straighten bar stools and table chairs.

Bathrooms

• Put toilet lids down.
• Clear counter of all personal belongings.
• Clean mirrors.
• Open shower curtains – remove all bottles, razers, soap, etc.
• Place a fresh roll of toilet paper on the holder.
• Remove toilet brush and trash can.

Best Practices to Consider

• Feel free to do a walkthrough with the photographer upon arrival but avoid following them around during the shoot.
• If you have limited space, consider designating a secondary room for temporary storage ahead of time rather than trying to move items from room to room while the photographer is on site.
• Make sure pets are out of the home or kenneled.
• Don’t rush your photographer – Great images are critical when marketing a home for sale, so it is in your best interest to be patient and let your photographer do their thing.