Preparing for Photography

MAKE THE FIRST IMPRESSION COUNT

I want the photos of your home to be the best they can be. This requires teamwork that will result in an outstanding online presence when your home goes LIVE on the market. 

Since most buyers start their search online it is important to make the first impression count!

Follow these suggestions to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible. Bear in mind this is not a demand but a suggestion.

GENERAL | Tips for all areas in the home

Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum, clean countertops, and windows)

Turn all overhead lights and lamps on except ceiling fan lights
Replace burned-out light bulbs
Turn ceiling fans off
Turn TVs and computer screens off
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace them with general landscape/object photographs)
Make all beds

FRONT EXTERIOR | Online curb appeal

Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, etc.)
Remove empty planters
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

BACK YARD

Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Clear out kid’s toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove visible hoses

KITCHEN

Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, paper towels, mail, etc.
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans
Remove dishes from sink

DINING ROOM 

Clear and clean the table
Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

LIVING / FAMILY ROOM

Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid’s toys

MASTER BEDROOM

Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
Clear nightstands of all personal items
Store away phone/tablet charging cables
Remove all clutter from top of dressers

GUEST BEDROOMS

Remove personalized names from walls
Remove wall stickers/posters
 

BATHROOMS

Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats down
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels
Remove floor mats

PETS

Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Remove pet and pet beds/toys
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys