Prepping For Real Estate Photos of Your Home

Most Buyer’s start looking at homes online and we know that a first impression is a lasting impression! Majority of people choose their favorite home before ever visiting them in person. Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.

GENERAL

Tips for all areas in the home 

Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)

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

FRONT EXTERIOR

Online “curb appeal” - the front exterior is usually the first photo buyers see

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

The back yard should be an oasis to relax

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 / TABLE

Allow buyers to imagine a nice family meal 

Clear table, dust and polish the table top

Use decorative place setting if available

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 and re-paint if needed

Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

Remove kid's toys

BEDROOMS

Rest for you and guests 

MASTER BEDROOM

A good night’s rest recharges the body and mind

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

Arrange clothing in closets so that it appears spacious with hangers hung neatly

KID/GUEST BEDROOM

Don’t forget about guest bedrooms

Remove personalized names from walls

Remove wall stickers/posters

Remove diaper genies

Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

Arrange clothing in closets so that it appears spacious with hangers hung neatly

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 family, 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

Contain pets in hidden crate or outside

Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expectation During the Photo Shoot 

The house should be shoot-ready when photographer arrives. Photographs generally take between 30 minutes to an hour unless the home is exceptionally large or other extenuating circumstances should arise.