PHOTOSHOOT PREPARATION
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Preparing Your Home for the World
The entire property, interior & exterior, will be photographed in a way that will appeal to prospective buyers. The intent of this photoshoot is to show off the home’s best features; a lot of *stuff* can distract from those features.
If You Do Nothing Else, Do These Things:
• Replace all burned-out light bulbs both inside and outside the house. Keep all bulbs in a room the same type; LED, incandescent, etc.
• Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms. Large amounts of furniture and decorations can distract from the home’s features and make a room appear smaller.
• Hide the clutter.
• Remove throw rugs and runners from entryways, kitchens, and baths so the floor can be clearly seen.
• Wash the windows.
• Vacuum/mop floors and wipe dust from surfaces.
• Turn off ceiling fans and open blinds/shades and curtains.
EXTERIOR
Curb Appeal
• Remove all vehicles from driveway (cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, etc) and do not park directly in front of the house.
• Move garbage and recycling cans out of sight.
• Remove all garden tools, hoses and clutter.
• Pick up after your pets in the yard.
• Remove all children’s toys, bikes, etc from the yard and deck/patio.
• Mow the grass, rake leaves and debris, pull weeds and remove any dead vegetation.
• If you are feeling ambitious, plant some fresh flowers in empty planters and pots.
• Sweep driveways, sidewalks and deck/patio.
• Skim & vacuum pools and spas.
• Straighten outdoor furniture and remove pool toys & cleaning tools.
• Turn on pool lights, waterfalls and/or spa bubbles.
• Schedule repairs well before photo shoot.
INTERIOR
Imagine Your New Home
Living & Family Room
• Remove newspapers, magazines and put away books.
• Store remote controls out of sight and conceal exposed cables and cords.
• Remove personal photos, kids toys, etc. from bookshelves, tables and floor.
• Wash all glass surfaces including table tops, cabinet doors and windows.
• Straighten pillows and throws.
Bedrooms
• Make the beds neatly, straighten the bedspread and pillows.
• Pick up and put away clothes, toys and shoes.
• Remove items from bedside tables – books, magazines, pictures, clock radios, etc.
• Remove posters and drawings from the walls.
Kitchen
• Move small appliances, knife blocks, paper towels and kitchen gadgets off the counters.
• Remove photos, papers and magnets from the refrigerator.
• Clean major appliances – refrigerator, oven, stove top, range hood, and dishwasher.
• Wipe down sink and counter tops.
• Remove all dirty dishes, sponges, dish towels, dish soap, etc.
• Move trash/recycle bins out of sight.
Dining Room
• Set the table with nice dinnerware, napkins and a centerpiece.
Bathrooms
• Clear counter tops of all toiletries, tissues, hair products, etc.
• Remove all personal care products and children’s bath toys from the shower/tub.
• Fold towels neatly and hang straight on towel bars.
• Close toilet lid.
• Wash all glass surfaces including mirrors and shower doors.
• Store toilet brush and plunger out of sight.