Making sure the home is ready for me to photograph will not only allow me to move through the shoot in an organized and timely manner, it will ensure that the photographs will beautifully represent the quality and value of the property.  These tips will help you get the home ready for when I arrive.

DOWNLOAD OR PRINT A PDF FOR YOU OR YOUR SELLER: PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

 

GENERAL

  • Turn all overhead lights and lamps on
  • Replace all burned out light bulbs
  • Try to use the same type of bulbs in all your lamps (ALL incandescent or ALL fluorescent)
  • Turn all ceiling fans off
  • Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
  • Remove personal photographs
  • Make all beds
  • Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
  • Place all shoes/jackets in closets

 

KITCHEN

  • Clear countertops completely
  • Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. Coffee maker)
  • Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, calendars, papers, photos, etc.
  • Hide garbage cans in the pantry or closet
  • Remove dishes, sponges, etc. from sink and place in dishwasher

 

DINING ROOM/TABLE

  • Clear table, dust and polish table top
  • Use decorative place setting if available
  • Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowrs
  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
  • Remove child seats/booster chairs

 

BATHROOMS

  • Clear counter tops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
  • Put toilet seats down
  • Remove toilet brushes and waste baskets
  • Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
  • Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels
  • Remove all floor mats

 

LIVING ROOM

  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
  • De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items including art)
  • Clean interior of fireplace
  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
  • Remove kid’s toys
  • Hide lamp, stereo, etc. wires

 

BEDROOMS

  • Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams, if available
  • Press linens and bed skirts
  • Clear nightstand of all personal items
  • Store away phone/tablet charging cables, etc.
  • Remove all clutter from top of dressers
  • Remove family photos from walls
  • Clean under bed, removing items that may be visible in photos

 

KID’S ROOMS

  • Remove personalized names from walls
  • Remove wall stickers/posters
  • Remove diaper genies
  • Clean under bed, removing items that may be visible in the photos

 

FRONT EXTERIOR

  • Close garage doors
  • Remove cars from driveway and front of home
  • Remove empty planters
  • Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
  • Remove visible water hoses
  • Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
  • Remove flags or flag poles

 

BACK YARD

  • Clean porch, tidy up outdoor chairs/tables/cushions
  • Clear out kid’s toys, etc.
  • Remove visible water hoses
  • Remove trash cans

 

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 or toys
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