General Prep

• Be shoot-ready — Complete all cleaning and staging the day before the photoshoot whenever possible. I may adjust small items (flowers, small pictures, etc.) for better composition, but larger furniture and staging accessories should already be in place.
• Secure or remove pets — Pets cannot be present during the shoot. Secure dogs off the property for the safety of equipment and people. Cats should also be secured (they often simply hide). Hide pet food and water bowls. MLS rules prohibit people and pets in listing photos.
• Plan not to be seen — Occupants should either leave the property or stay in areas that will not appear in photos. People can create unwanted shadows, reflections, and equipment risks as rooms overlap in images.
• Use the garage for storage — Garages are rarely photographed, making them an ideal place to store items you want hidden.

Outside Preperation

• Clear the cars — Remove all vehicles from the driveway and, if possible, from the street in front of the home for a clear view of the property.
• Hide trash cans — Place trash cans on the side of the property or in the garage.
• Hide hoses — Coil and store hoses the day before the shoot. Moving them on the day of can leave water puddles on pavement.
• Prep the yard — Mow the lawn and clear toys, tools, and other items at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
• Turn off sprinklers — Do not water the day of the shoot to avoid puddles on hard surfaces.
• Pick up pet waste — Clear all dog droppings from the yard.
• Prep pool and spa — Clean the pool and/or spa and remove covers. Provide the realtor with instructions on how to turn the spa on if needed.
• Prep water features — Clean fountains, waterfalls, and similar features. Provide instructions for turning them on.
• Remove the for-sale sign — Have the realtor remove the sign if it is already installed. Visible signs violate MLS photo rules and can be difficult to edit out. Schedule sign installation after the photoshoot when possible.
• Clean patio furniture — Dust outdoor furniture and remove cobwebs. Avoid hosing furniture the day of the shoot to prevent puddles.

Inside Preperation

• Declutter the kitchen — A few decorative items on counters are fine, but put away dishes, sponges, rags, and similar items. Remove magnets and papers from the refrigerator and clear throw rugs from the floor.
• Declutter bathrooms — Hide personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and razors. Prefer decorative soaps, candles, or flowers. Remove throw rugs.
• Prep bedrooms — Make all beds and put personal items away.
• Hide trash cans — Place all indoor trash cans in closets or the garage.
• Hide portable fans — Ceiling fans are selling features; portable fans can look unappealing. Store them in closets or the garage.
• Hide cords and remotes — Conceal TV remotes, game consoles, and visible cords when possible for cleaner images.
• Clear entryways — Remove shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entry areas.
• Open blinds strategically — Open blinds that frame attractive outdoor views. Close or adjust blinds that look onto neighbors or unappealing scenes.
• Turn on all lights — Switch on every interior light before I arrive. Replace any burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours in advance.
• Turn off ceiling fans — Ensure all ceiling fans are off before the shoot begins.

A little preparation makes a big difference in the final photos. When everything is in place, contact me and we’ll get your listing images scheduled.