Preparing For Your Professional Photoshoot

We appreciate all of your efforts to get your house ready to sell for top dollar. The checklist below outlines exactly what to do in preparation for your professional photoshoot. We kindly ask that you follow this pre-shoot checklist in order to ensure that your property is as marketable as possible. The photographer will capture your home as-is. The photos taken will be used in all of our marketing and keep in mind that your first 'showing' is actually online rather than in person. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Click here to access a printable version of this checklist.

General

• It's best for you to leave during the photoshoot. We can have the photographer gain access via lockbox or you can let them in and then leave.
• Unless we've told you otherwise, you can use your garage as a place to hide things because it will not be part of the photoshoot. 
• No garbage cans in any room should be visible
• Make sure ceiling fans are off
• Put all personal items away
• Remove any religious symbols from view
• Generally make the house as clean as possible
• If available, place unobtrusive decorative items on counters and tables - examples include fresh flowers, bowls of fresh fruit, pottery, vases, and new candles 
• Hide personal photos in frames on tabletops
• Hide toys or at least minimize them

Interior

Lighting

• All interior and exterior lights on, including floor lamps, table lamps, under-cabinet lighting, stove-top lighting, bedside lamps, ceiling fan lights, and other secondary light sources.
• Ensure that all light bulbs work. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. Reference the light bulb guide within the Pre-Listing Tasks Checklist for suggested bulbs to go with.

Kitchen

• Remove all non-decorative items from counters (dish soap, paper towels, phones, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• Remove everything from the kitchen sink (hide sponges, drying racks, scrubbers, etc.)
• Remove magnets, photos, kids artwork, etc. from the refrigerator

Bathrooms

• Lower all toilet seats
• Clear countertops of non-decorative items (hide toothbrushes, razors, anything personal)
• Remove toiletries from the bath/shower area 
• Shower curtains/door to be opened to show off tiling/fixtures
• Bathroom Towels hung neatly or removed
• Hide tissue boxes unless they are housed in something decorative

Window Treatments

• Open curtains/blinds all the way in every room (unless there is something that you don't want visible through the window)
• Blinds should be twisted open to see through, not raised up

Bedrooms

• Nightstands; as few things as possible
• Make sure ceiling fans are off
• Closet doors closed unless there are walk-in closets that are tidy

Pets

• Keep pets out of the way during the shoot 
• Put away pet supplies, including food/water bowls, crates, toys, etc.

Exterior

• Ensure that no vehicles are in the driveway or on the street in front of the home. It's fine to have cars parked in the garage.
• Close the garage doors
• Take down any flags
•  Remove all holiday decor - examples include Pumpkins, Christmas trees, menorahs, Christmas lights, wreaths from the front door, etc.
• Put hoses and other equipment away or neatly organize
• Organize the patio/deck
• Pick up pet waste
• Remove garbage cans from view, especially so they can't be seen from the street
• Clean up the yard, including any pet toys and kids toys
• If applicable, mow the lawn the day prior and remove grass clippings from patios and walkways
• Ensure the landscaping is in good shape and all weeds are pulled