Prepare Your Home for a Professional Photo Shoot  

Preparing the home for photos and showings takes some effort, but brings more visitors and higher offers.

Check the best time of day for front photos; sun behind the house can cause flares. Sunny days look nice, but overcast is best for interiors. Editing can add blue skies; rain, snow, and wet surfaces cannot be removed.

The following checklist will assist in preparation, keeps our photographer on time and ensures the photos match the agent’s vision.

Make it stand out.

  • Modern white kitchen with wooden floors, white cabinets, and a central island. Includes appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and stove. Decorated with a few small kitchen items and pendant lights.

    Kitchen & Baths

    •Organize open shelving

    •Wipe counters & tabletops

    •Vacuum, sweep, or mop all floors

    •Straighten dining chairs & stools

    •Stow all food, small appliances, pots/pans, towels & cleaning supplies

    •Remove art from refrigerator

    •Clean smudges and fingerprints from stainless steel appliances

    •Close all toilet seats

    •Clean mirrors to streak free look

    •Remove shampoo, soaps, and bath items from showers and bathtubs

  • A brick house with a front entrance, surrounded by well-maintained garden bushes and flowers, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Exterior

    •Move cars from driveway and front of home

    •Stow garbage cans, newspapers, hoses, garden supplies, and toys

    •Turn on exterior lighting

    •Close all windows and open blinds

    •Sweep walkways & pick up yard debris

    •Straighten outdoor furniture

    •Open umbrellas

    •Clean pool & surrounding areas

    •Ensure lawn is mowed and flower beds are tidy

  • Modern living room with large windows, white sectional sofa with pillows, and a view of the outdoor yard.

    Throughout

    •Open shades & blinds

    •Turn on all lights & replace bulbs

    •Clear all visible clutter

    •Sweep/vacuum floors

    •Hide all trash bins in garage or laundry room.

    •Minimize knick-knacks

    •Turn off all TVs and computer monitors.

    •Remove pets and pet accessories

    •Open doors to all rooms that might not be noticed by photographer.

    •Stow away clutter, toys, straighten furniture, bedding, and décor.

    Print Checklist

Photos tell your home's story — make it a good one.

If the agent or owner won’t attend, the photographer will make the home look its best. Agents don’t need to stay for the shoot, but preparing the home beforehand saves everyone time.

Virtual Staging is a service we provide and can assist in the visual presentation of room layouts for vacant properties and empty rooms. If digital furniture or large item removal is required, please let the photographer know prior to the scheduled appointment.