How can I be prepared for the photographer and plan for the best photos possible? 

 

The goal of this checklist is to prepare your home in as neutral a way as possible. Potential buyers should easily imagine your home as theirs. It only takes a few personal items to make a home appear cluttered to a potential buyer.

INTERIOR LIGHTING

  • Turn on ALL lights i.e over the stove, lamps, piano music lights, china cabinets, wall sconces, recessed lights as well as all exterior lights.
  • Check all light fixtures for burnt out bulbs and replace if needed (very important).
  • Turn on ceiling fan lights, but turn fans off


WINDOWS

  • All blinds should be lowered with the slats horizontal, with the exception of the fabric shades. Those should be raised all the way up
  • If curtains/shears are the type that opens with a pull cord, then they should be opened to allow maximum daylight in
  • Windows should be clean and free of smudges or streaks. They will stand out


LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM/GREAT ROOM

  • Remove clutter from mantel and hearth
  • Remove or hide stacks of magazines, newspapers and mail
  • Hide remote controls and personal electronic devices


KITCHEN

  • Remove all throw rugs, hanging towels, paper towels, fruit bowls, knife racks and plants
  • Appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, mixers, etc. should be stored out of view. Wires should be tucked away out of sight.
  • Remove everything from the refrigerator front and sides including the top


BATHROOM

  • Arrange towels on holders in a neat and orderly fashion. Very used towels are not recommended.
  • Remove throw rugs
  • Be sure to lower the toilet lid and have a full TP roll in the holder.
  • Remove trash can, toilet brush and plungers.
  • Remove soap bars, hand soaps, Kleenex boxes and tooth brushes. Please leave just decor on the counters.
  • Remove all items from the shower. All items! The shower doors should be closed or shower curtain completely closed and hanging outside the bathtub if applicable


 BEDROOM

  • Make sure all beds are made and bedrooms are picked up and orderly. Basically no clutter. Hide all charging cords, iPods, tissue boxes, reading glasses, etc. All personal use items should be out of view.
  • Bedding should hide the mattress. Typically the photo is taken from the doorway, so only that side and the end of the bed matters.
  • Use decorative pillows and shams if available
  • Clear nightstands and dresser tops
  • Remove or hide stacks of magazines, newspapers and mail
  • Don’t forget to turn on all closet lights, lamps and picture lamps


PETS

  • You want your home to appeal to the broadest audience possible and some people are not pet lovers. Items belonging to pets should be removed from view are; crates, toys, scratch poles, food/water bowls and bedding. Pets should not be roaming the home, but contained in a comfortable area


EXTERIOR

  • Make sure the lawn is mowed and trimmed
  • Remove children’s toys
  • Clean off and arrange outside furniture to highlight the patios, decks and porches. Raise umbrellas and use seat cushions even on a chilly, blustery day
  • Sweep driveway, sidewalks, decks, patios and porches so they are clean and inviting
  • Garden hoses and outside trashcans and recycling bins should be out of view
  • Pools, spas and hot tubs should be uncovered and leaves and debris removed. Turn on lights and jets
  • Make sure all vehicles are out of your driveway and away from the front of the property
  • If your home is ready for the shoot it shouldn’t take more than 2 hours to complete the shoot
  • Turn on all exterior lights


Potential buyers should spend time viewing your home photos online. Your hard work and beautiful photos should show off your home and generate showings and hopefully a quick sale.

Thank you!

Day of Shoot Prep Recommendations for Seller

​Photography By Cam

Real estate photography and so much more