How to Prepare Your Home for a Photoshoot

Before the photographer arrives to take the listing photos of your beautiful home, here is a list of recommendations to ensure your house has the most appeal. The more you are able to do, the better results you will achieve. 

What Should We Do to Prepare the Home for the Photoshoot?

• At a minimum, the house should look clean and organized.

• Decluttering countertops go a long way in making a home look open and inviting.

• Smaller things, such as removing visible garbage cans, can also make the house look cleaner.

• Perhaps most important, check to ensure every light fixture in the home turns on with a working light bulb.

EXTERIOR:

• Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.

• Freshen up landscaping.

• Remove trash, branches, leaves, etc.

• Remove dead plants, trees, etc.

• Sweep outdoor space and walkways.

• Remove visible foliage from the roof and gutters.

• Spread fresh mulch.

• Remove debris, hose, and toys from the pool.

• Store outdoor trash and recycling bins – it is best to place them in a garage area in an outside shed for the photoshoot.

• Store garden hoses and caddy.

• Store outdoor tools, equipment, and so on.

• Store toys, bikes, etc.

• Store BBQ and accessories or clean it.

• Wash windows and glass doors.

• Clean outdoor furniture.

• Place pillows, umbrellas, etc., on outdoor furniture.

• Straighten outdoor furniture.

• Store seasonal decor.

• Mow the grass, rake up leaves, pull weeds, and remove any dead vegetation.

INTERIOR:

Lighting: Some say lights On, some say Off. I typically like have all interior lighting On throughout the house because it shows off fixtures that are conveying with the property. There are some instances where interior lighting is problematic; especially with several different color temperatures conflicting with each other.

Window Shades Shutters and Blinds:

1. Horizontal blinds and shutters – it is best to keep horizontal blinds down. However, open the blades in a flat position to see the exterior. The exception is when you do not want to see outside the window (side of a house when a neighbor’s house is visible.) In those cases, turn the shutter blades up a little.

2. Vertical blinds – usually look best fully open. The most important thing is that any wall with multiple window coverings is adjusted all the same.

• Clear all countertops and remove clutter.

• Depersonalize home with photos, names, etc.

• Turn off fans; store portable fans.

• Clean mirrors and windows.

• Vacuum carpets and polish floors.

• Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.

• Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.

• Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.

• Display attractive books, magazines, etc.

• Store remote controls and chargers.

• Straighten furniture.

• Hide electrical cords and cables.

• Store toys and video games.

• Store seasonal decor.

• Remove rugs and runners in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms so that the floor can be seen clearly.

• Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.

KITCHEN:

• Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.

• Store food.

• Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.

• Remove refrigerator magnets, photos, etc.

• Clean surfaces and appliances.

• Hide soaps, towels, cleaning items, etc.

• Store draining racks.

• Organize open shelves.

• Sweep and mop kitchen floor and rug.

LIVING AREAS:

• Minimize photos and personal items.

• Organize bookshelves.

• Minimize knick-knacks.

• Set tables with simple place settings.

• Remove excess furniture and accessories.

BEDROOM:

• Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.

• Arrange decorative pillows.

• Store clothing and shoes.

• Remove items underneath the bed if they can be seen.

• Remove all clutter.

• Tidy master closets.

• Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.

• Organize children’s rooms and remove clutter.

• Remove laundry and stow hampers.

BATHROOMS:

• Close toilet lids.

• Remove countertop items.

• Remove bath and shower items.

• Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets.

• Store towels.

• Store soaps and candles.

SWIMMING POOL AND SPAS:

• Ensure their cleanliness.

• Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.

• Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.

• Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.

• Turn on pool light(s) and waterfalls.