Pre-Shoot Checklist
Getting Your Property Ready for Photos
Your home’s first impression matters, and professional photography is one of the most effective ways to showcase your property in its best light. By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll ensure that your home looks clean, inviting, and ready to attract potential buyers.
+ Exterior Preparation
- Remove Vehicles: Ensure all cars, trucks, trailers, and ATVs are moved away from driveways, garages, and side parking areas. Park vehicles a few houses away to avoid blocking the view of the property.
- Tidy Outdoor Areas: Remove garden hoses, trash cans, tools, and pet items. Uncover pools, BBQs, and patio furniture, and store covers out of sight. Neatly arrange or remove children's toys.
- Enhance Curb Appeal: Mow the lawn, trim landscaping, and remove weeds and debris. Sweep driveways, walkways, and patios to remove dirt or leaves. Avoid wetting down concrete areas just before the shoot, as uneven drying may show in photos. Roll up outdoor shade covers and adjust patio umbrellas if needed.
- Lighting and Features: Turn on pool features, such as waterfalls or spill pots, for added visual interest. For evening shoots, ensure all outdoor lighting is functional and turned on. Turn off outdoor ceiling fans to prevent motion blur.
- Clean Windows: Ensure windows are spotless from the outside to enhance curb appeal and natural light visibility.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Minimize seasonal or holiday decorations to ensure photos remain timeless.
+ Interior Preparation
- Lighting: Turn on all lights, including lamps and oven lights, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Turn off ceiling fans to prevent motion blur.
- Windows and Blinds: Open curtains to allow natural light in. Adjust blinds to permit views outside unless the exterior view is undesirable.
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Cleanliness and Decluttering:
- Clean windows, mirrors, countertops, and floors.
- Remove dirty dishes, loose clutter, and personal items you don’t want in photos.
- Hide trash cans, pet items, and children's toys.
- Dust surfaces and ensure power cords are concealed or unplugged where possible.
- Bedrooms: Make beds neatly and simplify nightstands by removing books, chargers, and clutter. A lamp and one decorative item (e.g., a small plant) can enhance the space.
- Bathrooms: Close toilet lids and remove toiletries, shower products, and personal hygiene items from view. Replace colorful towels with simple, neutral ones for a clean, spa-like feel.
- Remove Excess Furniture: Temporarily relocate bulky or unnecessary furniture to make spaces appear larger and more inviting.
- De-Personalize Spaces: Remove family photos, religious items, or hobby collections to appeal to a wider audience.
+ Final Touches
- Staging: While photographers will capture your property’s best angles, they do not provide staging services. Consult your real estate agent for staging advice if needed.
- Pets: Secure pets or ensure they are off-site during the shoot to avoid disruptions.
- Occupancy: It’s best for homeowners to vacate the property during the shoot, allowing the photographer to work efficiently.
- Closets and Cabinets: While these are not typically photographed, ensure they are tidy in case they are accidentally left open during the shoot.
- Special Features: Highlight unique areas of the home (e.g., wine cellars, home theaters, or custom cabinetry) by ensuring they are clean and staged for photos.
By preparing your home using this checklist, you’ll help create stunning photos that make your property stand out to potential buyers. Thank you for your cooperation!