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

Pre-Shoot Checklist

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

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Exterior

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  • 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

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General

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  • 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. Decluttered and tidy makes a bigger difference than “spotless”.

  • Put away unsightly door mats and remove area rugs that might be hiding nice flooring like hardwood or tile. 

  • 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).

  • Put all shoes away.

  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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.

  • Photographers will not be staging your home so please make arrangements with your Realtor or stager prior to the shoot.

  • 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.

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