RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE PREP LIST
The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count. Follow as many of these tips as possible (and anything else necessary) to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible prior to the scheduled shoot.
PLEASE NOTE: To minimize our presence in each home, we will avoid re-arranging or touching any surfaces. This means that all homes will be photographed as they are when we arrive and we will not adjust any items in the home. This is to protect homeowners, real estate agents and us. If the home is not ready, it may result in delays and any requests for edits or reshoots will be charged accordingly.
Items to be Completed on the Day of the Shoot
Turn ALL lights and lamps ON in every room to be photographed
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computer screens OFF
Open window treatments and pull any blinds up all the way. If you don’t want to show the view out certain windows, angle the blinds up 45 degrees (toward the ceiling) to still let in outside light.
Open ALL doors to any rooms being photographed
Close garage door(s)
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
General Tips for all Areas in the Home
Thoroughly clean the whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows, etc)
Replace all burned out light bulbs (ideally with the same color temperature)
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs) where possible
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Place all shoes/jackets in closets
No garbage cans should be visible in any room
Hide tissue boxes unless they are housed in something decorative
We do not shoot inside closets, unless it is very neat designer/walk-in closet, so use this space to hide things
Remove anything that looks seasonal, such as Xmas wreaths, pumpkins, etc.
Move any other clutter out of view - put in closets, cabinets, garage, etc
Front Exterior
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters
Remove visible water hoses
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove toys, sports equipment or any other clutter
Backyard
Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool, remove vacuum/cleaner hose, hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Hoses rolled up neatly, or removed
Remove trash cans
Remove any additional debris
Kitchen
Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher and hide towels, sponges, drying racks, scrubbers, etc.
Dining Room
Clear table and wipe down the table top
Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers (if easily done)
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Remove child seats/booster chairs
Living/Family Room
Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys
Bedrooms
Make beds, including decorative pillows/shams if available
Press bed linens and bed skirts if needed
Clear top of nightstands of all personal items
Store away phone/tablet charging cables
Remove all clutter from top of dressers
Remove family photos if possible
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
Bathrooms
Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats and lids down
Close closet doors
Remove visible shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Bathroom towels hung neatly or removed
Pets
Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys