The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for a Successful Real Estate Photoshoot

Follow These Steps Before Your Photographer Arrives


Interior Preparation:

General Guidelines:

  • Thoroughly Clean Your Home: Vacuum, mop hardwood floors, clean counters, and windows.
  • Turn On All Lights: Ensure all overhead lights and lamps are on.
  • Replace Burned-Out Bulbs: Use bulbs with the same color temperature.
  • Turn Off Electronics: Turn off ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens.
  • Open Blinds and Curtains: Let in natural light.
  • Remove Small Rugs: Showcase the actual flooring.
  • Store Personal Items: Place shoes and jackets in closets.

Kitchens:

  • Clear Countertops: Remove small appliances and clutter.
  • Clear Refrigerator Exterior: Remove magnets, papers, etc.
  • Hide Trash Cans: Keep them out of sight.
  • Remove Dishes: Ensure sinks are empty.

Bedrooms:

  • Make the Beds: Ensure they look neat and tidy.
  • Clear Nightstands: Remove personal belongings.
  • Store Cables and Wires: Keep them out of sight.
  • Declutter Dressers: Remove items from the tops of dressers.
  • Clean Under the Bed: Remove any visible items.

Bathrooms:

  • Clear Countertops: Remove personal items.
  • Close Toilet Lids: Ensure they are down.
  • Remove Floor Mats: Show off the flooring.
  • Remove Towels and Robes: Keep them out of sight.
  • Clear Showers and Tubs: Remove shampoo and soap if photographing these areas.

Exterior Preparation:

  • Close Garage Doors
  • Remove Cars: Keep them out of the driveway and front of the home.
  • Tidy Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove debris.
  • Remove Toys and Hoses
  • Clean Entryways: Tidy up furniture and remove covers from grills and furniture.
  • Open Patio Umbrellas

Dining Rooms:

  • Clear the Table
  • Decorative Place Settings: Use if available.
  • Straighten Chairs: Ensure they are evenly spaced.
  • Remove Child Seats/Booster Chairs

Living and Family Rooms:

  • Remove Toys: Clear away children's toys.
  • Declutter: Remove stacks of magazines, papers, etc.
  • Tidy Fireplace Mantel: Declutter the mantel and hearth.
  • Arrange Furniture Pillows: Fluff and arrange neatly.

Pets:

  • Hide Food and Water Bowls
  • Store Pet Beds and Toys
  • Contain Pets: Keep them in hidden crates or outside.
  • Clear Backyard: Remove pet waste and toys.

Optional:

  • Use Daylight Bulbs: Replace bulbs with daylight bulbs for optimal real estate photography.
  • Remove Personal Photos

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your home is picture-perfect and ready to attract potential buyers!