Photoshoot Preparation Guidelines

Preparing a property for photoshoot can be a daunting task. This list is to help you through it, even though most of it is common sense. Having the home as perfect as possible before the shoot will pay off when it's time to sell. Please review the sections below for tips on preparing for the photoshoot. Just before the photographers arrival, please make sure all vehicles are moved off the property, realtor signs are put away, all lights are on, blinds are tilted open and fans are off.

DINING ROOM / TABLE

  • Clear table, dust and polish the table top

  • Use decorative place setting if available

  • Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers

  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

  • Remove child seats/booster chairs

LIVING / FAMILY ROOM

  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

  • De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)

  • Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed

  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

  • Remove kid's toys

MASTER BEDROOM

  • Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

  • Press bed linens and bed skirts

  • Clear nightstands of all personal items

  • Store away phone/tablet charging cables

  • Remove all clutter from top of dressers

  • Remove family photos from walls

  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photo

KID/GUEST BEDROOM

  • Remove personalized names from walls

  • Remove wall stickers/posters

  • Remove diaper genies

  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

BATHROOMS

  • Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.

  • Put toilet seats down

  • Close closet doors

  • 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

  • Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet

  • Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair

  • Contain pets in hidden crate or outside

  • Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

GENERAL PREPPING TIPS

  • Make all beds

  • Turn Televisions off

  • Turn ceiling fans off

  • Turn on all interior lighting

  • Turn all computer screens off

  • Thoroughly clean whole house

  • Remove personal photographs

  • Replace all burned out light bulbs

  • Remove realtor sign from property

  • Use bulbs of the same temperature

  • Place all shoes and clothing in closets

  • Remove all vehicles from the property

  • Open blinds & curtains to let in outside light

  • Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring

FRONT EXTERIOR

  • Close garage doors

  • Remove cars from driveway and front of home

  • Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)

  • Remove empty planters

  • Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames

  • Remove visible water hoses

  • Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

BACK YARD

  • Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

  • Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded

  • 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 water hoses

  • Remove trash cans

KITCHEN

  • Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.

  • Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)

  • Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

  • Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

  • Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher