Welcome
Below you will find tips to prepare your home for maximum photo potential
Why Prep for Photos?
We want to make the first Impression count. Online is where buyers start. The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count! Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible. With theses changing times professional photographs are more important now than ever before. To get the best possible photos and to keep us all safe I am asking that all homeowners not be present in the home while photos are being taken.
General Tips for All Areas in the Home!
Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows) sanitize all areas.
Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON
Replace all burned out light bulbs
Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)
Turn all ceiling fans OFF
Turn all TVs OFF
Turn all computer screens OFF
Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light
Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)
Make all beds
Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
Place all shoes/jackets in closets
Remove all vehicles from property, including trailers, boats, campers etc..
Homeowners: Please pack up pets and and plan on not being in the home while photographer is inside.
Exterior
- Your Online "Curb Appeal" and a relaxing oasis -
Front Exterior
Close garage doors
Remove cars from driveway and front of home
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters
Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames
Remove visible water hoses
Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.
Back Yard
Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions
Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded
Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.
Clean pool
Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose
Hide pool cleaning supplies
Turn on pool fountains/water features
Remove visible water hoses
Remove trash cans
Kitchen
- Sometimes the focal point, the kitchen deserves attention to detail -
Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.
Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)
Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.
Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet
Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher.
Dining Room and Table
- Allow buyers to imagine a nice family meal -
Clear table, dust and polish the table top
Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers
Straighten all chairs and space them evenly
Remove child seats/booster chairs
LIVING / FAMILY ROOM
- The space to enjoy conversation and spend quality time with family -
Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.
De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)
Clean interior of fireplace
Fluff and arrange furniture pillows
Remove kid's toys
bedrooms
- Rest for you and guests -
Master Bedroom
Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available
Press bed linens and bed skirts
Clear nightstands of all personal items
Store away phone/tablet charging cables
Remove all clutter from top of dressers
Remove family photos from walls
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
Kid/Guest Bedroom
Remove personalized names from walls
Remove wall stickers/posters
Remove diaper genies
Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos
Bathrooms
- To be spa-like, the bathroom must be clear of all personal items -
Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.
Put toilet seats down
Close closet doors
Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs
Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels
Remove floor mats
Pets
- Pets are loving, but their presence should be minimized -
Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet
Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair
Clear back yard of pet waste/toys