HELPFUL TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE SHOOT
**Please be sure the space is set to your liking prior to our arrival**
We understand it can be overwhelming when you're listing your home for sale, but with these simple tips you can ensure you'll have it looking its best for the shoot. This is one of the final steps before listing, and in a rapidly changing market first impressions are very important! Not everything on the list below needs to be completed, rather these are all just suggestions from the photographer based on our experience in the area of real estate photography. We want to be sure we do everything we can to showcase your listing and make it stand out from others!
The photo shoot will take anywhere from thirty minutes up to two hours depending on which services have been ordered. Its best if the space is vacated for the shoot, but if you wish to remain present, please be aware everyone will be gently instructed to stay in specific areas while we work through the space - we want to be sure we don't capture people, pets or shadows in our photos, or through windows. Depending on which services have been ordered, there may be some extensive shuffling around.
EXTERIOR
- Remove cars or tailers from driveway, and preferably away from the front of the home. Parking in the garage is acceptable.
- Sweep any patio areas to remove debris
- Clean or cover up the grill
- Remove any children's toys or pets toys from the yard
- Please pick up any pet droppings in the yard
- If patio furniture is present, please have it set up to your liking (sometimes people like setting the outdoor table)
- Keep patio umbrellas down, unless instructed otherwise
INTERIOR
- Open all blinds in the home (photographer may make adjustments)
- Turn on all lights in the home, including lamps. This helps make the space feel more awake and alive (photographer may make adjustments)
- Remove pet toys
- Remove personal items such as photos, keys, hobby supplies, etc
- Hide all paper products such as paper towels and tissue boxes
- Straighten table chairs or bar chairs
- Fluff and straighten pillows on seating areas
- Wash any windows that may have heavy debris or look hazy
KITCHEN
- Remove small items and gadgets that may be cluttering the countertops
- Be sure all dirty dishes are removed from sink
- A couple small appliances are fine (coffee maker, toaster, etc) but we want to try and declutter the countertops a bit to show the space
- Wipe down the stovetop
- Put away any food items left out on the counters
- Hide hand towels or rags that are visible
- Remove any personal clutter from dining table (some people like setting the indoor table)
BATHROOMS
- Wipe down mirrors to remove spots - these can be very visible in the photos
- Please put the toilet seats/lids down
- Remove all personal items from counter such as toothpaste, brushes, cleansers, etc
- Remove bottled products and cloths/loofas from the shower/tub area
- Hide boxed tissues and paper products
BEDROOMS
- Make beds to your liking and fluff pillows
- Remove all personal clothing that may be on the floor or piled in a hampers
- Tidy up any large walk-in closets
- Remove/hide personal items from bedside tables (cpaps, lotions, digital clocks, etc)
A NOTE ON PETS: We love pets, and we want to say hi to all of them!! However, during a shoot, it is important to be aware they'll also need to be hidden from the photographer during the process. If they can't safely be removed, prior to our arrival it's best to have pets in their crate in a bedroom that we can shoot last. That way they have minimal exposure to the process until the end.
Thank you SO much for allowing us into your space to complete this important step in the process of selling your home. Everything you can do to prepare the space in advance will allow us to make your home look its best online!!
*If we arrive at our scheduled appointment time and the home is not ready for the shoot, we may need to reschedule the shoot which will delay the listing of your home. Please be sure the space is set to your liking prior to our arrival. Thank you!