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.
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Place trash cans and anything that is not attached to the home out of site.
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Cut, rake, water grass, and remove any unsightly weeds or vegetation.
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Clean windows.
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Organize deck furniture, uncover grill, open patio umbrella, etc.
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Sweep or pressure wash driveway if necessary.
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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.
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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”.
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Put away unsightly door mats and remove area rugs that might be hiding nice flooring like hardwood or tile.
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Remove all evidence of pets.
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Open up blinds and remove any fixed window coverings that block natural light.
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Turn off all TVs, computer screens, and ceiling fans.
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Conceal power cords; unplug them if necessary (except lights).
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Put all shoes away.
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Make sure there are no clothes in the machines or hanging in the laundry room.
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Make beds, straighten picture frames/artwork, organize pillows, etc.
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Avoid hiding items under beds or furniture.
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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.
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Clear the fridge completely – Remove all magnets, photos, lists, etc.
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Clean appliances – Be sure to remove all fingerprints, smudges, etc.
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Put trash can away.
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Make sure sink is clean and free of dishes.
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Put away dish soap, cloths, etc.
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Remove calendars as they can date a listing.
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Straighten bar stools and table chairs.
Bathrooms
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Put toilet lids down.
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Clear counter of all personal belongings.
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Clean mirrors.
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Open shower curtains – remove all bottles, razers, soap, etc.
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Place a fresh roll of toilet paper on the holder.
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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.
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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.
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Make sure pets are out of the home or kenneled.
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Photographers will not be staging your home so please make arrangements with your Realtor or stager prior to the shoot.
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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.