CHECKLIST to Prepare Your Property for Photography
The photo session will take from one to two hours depending on the size of the home. I will be photographing both the inside and outside of your home. Inside, I will be photographing all of the major rooms. I normally do not photograph closets or the garage unless there are special features.
Standard photos include: front exterior, back exterior and all the major rooms such as living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, master bedroom, master bath and bedrooms. If you have special features of your home that are not obvious, please let your agent know about these so I can include them.
Exterior
Close the windows
Park on the street or in a closed garage
Rake the yard
Remove all children’s or pet’s toys
Put away any garbage cans
Put away all tools and supplies
Close the gates and garage doors
Remove all pool toys, visible cleaning supplies and equipment
Keep the pets out of the yard during the photo shoot
Interior
Clear the Clutter… Put it away in a closet or cabinet; don’t just stick it in another room.
Clean the House… All the nooks and crannies.
Turn on all the lights and lamps.
Close the windows and open the curtains and blinds
Hide any visible cords
Put away all children’s or pet’s toys
LIVING/FAMILY ROOM
Clear the mantle of personal photos
Turn off the television
Light a fire in the fireplace
Replace any large family portraits with generic artwork
Straighten the book shelves
Straighten the rug and throw pillows
DINING ROOM
Set the table or clear everything but a small centerpiece
KITCHEN
Remove all refrigerator magnets, photos, artwork, etc.
Clear the top of the fridge
Clear the counter tops
Put away all appliances
Put away all cleaning supplies
Put away all towels including wash rags and dish towels
Hide the garbage can in a closet or pantry
Put away any water or food bowls for pets
BEDROOM
Make the bed
Remove anything stored under the bed if there is no dust ruffle to cover it
Put away all shoes and clothing
Clear the bedside tables.
Leave only the lamp, clock, and one or two books.
Clear/ straighten the dresser
Straighten the book shelves
WALK-IN CLOSET
Tidy-up the closet by organizing/ sorting clothing and shoes
Matching hangers are a nice touch
BATHROOM
Open the shower curtains
Put down the toilet seat
Put out fresh, matching towels
Hide all bath products from the tub/shower including bars of soap, shampoo & conditioner, washcloths, etc.
Hide all bath products from the sink including hand soap, makeup, etc. decorative soaps can stay
Hide all appliances including the hair drier, curling iron, etc.
Hide all air fresheners including those that plug in Hide all cleaning products
HOME OFFICE
Hide any visible cords Put away all paperwork Hide the facial tissue
PETS
It is the homeowner’s or agent’s responsibility to keep the pets out of the shot
Put away all toys, food and water bowls, and litter boxes