PREPARATION TIPS • Real Estate Photo Session
The following list of tips is compiled to help you make the most of your photo session, by having your property looking its best, and fully prepared for photos. Not all tips are required, but please consider doing the following things:
PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT DAY
EXTERIOR PREP
√ CUT GRASS - Please have your yard serviced. (mowed, edged, blown, leaves bagged, etc.)
√ SHRUBS & BUSHES - Hedges and bushes trimmed. Tend to any other landscaping details that need attention.
√ FLOWERBEDS - Pull any visible weeds. Fresh mulch is ideal.
√ POOLS / HOT TUBS - Remove covers. Ensure pool / hot tub walls are clean, vacuumed, and water is nice and clear (not murky).
INTERIOR PREP
√ REPLACE BULBS - Check all lighting and replace bad bulbs. Try to keep bulbs consistent (avoid having a mixture of bulb colors and wattages within the same fixture.
√ PAINT TOUCH UP - If needed, touch up any visible scuffs or paint chipping.
√ CARPETS / RUGS - Have carpets and rugs vacuumed, and stains removed.
√ DUSTING - Turn off fans, and check blades for accumulated dust. Light dust will likely not show in the photos, but the cleaner the better in general.
√ DE-CLUTTER - Less is more! Remove rarely used items / products / appliances from countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Remove magnets and notes from fridges. Remove bath products from tubs / showers. Remove unnecessary items from tables and desks. All items don't need to be removed prior to the appointment day, but the goal is to leave yourself less to do on the day of.
√ GARAGE / CLOSETS - Garage and closet photos are optional, but in most cases neither of these will be photographed. These are perfect areas to hide any extraneous items and/or furniture you don't want to be seen in the photos.
ON APPOINTMENT DAY
EXTERIOR PREP
√ DRIVEWAY CLEAR - Park cars in garage, or on street (Preferably not directly on front of the house).
Garbage cans and any other unsightly items should be hidden out of view.
√ POOL / HOT TUB - Turn on water features such as waterfalls, etc. Hide pool cleaning supplies.
Remove pool towels. Remove pool vacuum.
√ PATIO - Straighten outdoor furniture (Tables, chairs, cushions, etc.). Ensure everything looks neat, clean, and organized.
INTERIOR PREP
√ FINAL KITCHEN DE-CLUTTER - Remove extraneous items from countertops (paper towels, utensils, rags, etc.) Straighten any items remaining.
Wipe appliances clean. Hide dish drying racks.
Hide dishes, pots, and pans. Hide trash can.
√ FINAL BATHROOM DE-CLUTTER - Remove extraneous items from countertops. Remove towels and robes from hooks. Remove shampoos, soaps, brushes / pads, and towels from tubs and showers.
Wipe mirrors and glass clean. Hide trash can.
*Hand soap and decorative towels are OK.
√ LAUNDRY ROOM - Remove loose laundry and baskets. Straighten any visible products so they look presentable, or hide them.
√ DINING ROOM - Straighten table and chairs ensuring everything looks clean and organized.
√ DOORS - Please keep all interior doors open to help show the layout. Closet, pantry, and garage doors should remain closed, along with any rooms you do not want to be entered.
√ WINDOWS - All blinds should look uniform. Open blinds fully to the 90° position for good view outside. Raise blinds for a clearer view outside.
Make sure all curtains / shades look
APPOINTMENT TIME
√ ALL LIGHTS ON
Including under cabinet and stove hood lights.
√ ALL FANS OFF
Running fans look blurry.
√ TOILET LIDS CLOSED
√ GARAGE DOORS CLOSED
√ NO VEHICLES IN DRIVEWAY