Preparing for your Photoshoot
We’ve taken everything we’ve learned photographing and video tours of over a thousand properties to help homeowners prepare their homes for photoshoots. In our experience and research following the checklist below will ensure that your property is as marketable as possible
Lighting
- All interior lights on, including floor lamps, under cabinet lighting, stovetop lighting, bedside lamps, ceiling fan lights, and any other secondary light sources
- Ensure that all light bulbs work and replace any burnt-out bulbs
- Open window treatments all the way in every room, horizontal blinds should be twisted open, not pulled up and all equally level
Kitchen
- Remove all non-decorative items from the counters (dish soap, paper towels, phones, cleaning supplies, etc)
- Remove magnets, photos, kids artwork, etc from the refrigerator
Bathrooms
- Lower all toilet seats
- Clear countertops of non-decorative items
- Remove toiletries from the bath/shower area (curtains/door are often opened to show off tiling/fixtures)
Front and back yards
- Take any flags down
- Put hoses and any other equipment away, organize patio/deck
- Pick up pet waste, put away garbage bins and generally clean up the yard
- Freshly cut lawn and landscaping in good shape
- Ensure any pool cleaning equipment is removed and the pool has been cleaned
Pets
- Keep pets out of the way during the shoot (in the back yard, garage or unfinished basement, for example)
- Put away pet supplies, including food/water bowls, crates, toys, etc
Vehicles
- Ensure that no vehicles are in the driveway or on the street in front of the home
- Close garage doors
Staging
- If available, place unobtrusive decorative items on counters and tables – examples include fresh flowers, bowls of fruit, pottery, vases, and candles
Holiday Decor
- Remove all holiday decor – examples include Pumpkins, Christmas trees, menorahs, Christmas lights, wreaths from the front door, etc
Other
- Turn ceiling fans off
- Put all personal items away
- Remove any religious symbols from view
- Generally, make the house as clean and de-cluttered as possible