How To Prepare For A Photoshoot
Get The Most Out Of Your Photoshoot!
Before Cleanup and Staging
Properly preparing your home to be photographed makes all the difference!
Now is the ideal time to box up and move out all the "extra stuff" that most of us tend to accumulate in our homes. Consider renting a storage space or having a garage sale (or both, if needed). Homes are generally priced "per square foot" - so make it look and feel spacious!
After Cleanup and
Some Simple Staging
Your listing photos are the first thing anyone will see - they are the buyer's "first impression".
After you've boxed up and moved all that extra stuff out, you can focus on how everything left in the space works. Adding some updated wall art or some greenery will go a long way! Consider how the furniture is placed in a room and how it flows. If you need another eye, ask your real estate agent for assistance or think about using a professional staging consultant.
Before
Buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in your home - not how you live in it!
A buyer doing an online search will usually discard homes that have dark, or poor quality photos. Statistics show they also discard properties that have too much clutter and personal items in the photographs.
If a buyer won't come to see your home because the photographs you have online don't appeal to them, it is probably safe to say they will not buy your home.
After
Professional photography is essential for looking your best, but it takes teamwork to achieve optimal results!
Remember that whatever condition your home is in when the photographer arrives is what you will be presenting to the world. Please carefully review our checklist to get helpful tips and insight for preparing your home to look its very best.
Start by walking through your home like it's the first time you've ever been there.
The best photos start with clean, nicely staged spaces, so let’s get started!
This "Short List" is most commonly what owners need to focus on in order to be prepared.
Mow, weed, add fresh mulch (seasonal). If it's winter, ensure that the drive and walkways are freshly cleared just prior to your photoshoot.
Remove clutter throughout and clear ALL countertops of everything other than lamps and decorative items.
Clean/clear front door and porch. Consider adding a wreath and fresh welcome mat.
Make sure the home is clean.
Wash/clean windows.
Make beds, straighten pillows and check to make sure you can't see things that are under the bed.
Tuck away all personal hygiene items in cabinets.
Toilet lids DOWN.
Hide trash cans inside and outdoors.
Remove/hide pet carriers and crates.
Hide pet dishes.
Hide litter boxes.
The Over Achiever List is just what it sounds like - an extensive list of things you can do to prepare - not only for your photoshoot but ultimately, a successful sale of your home.
CURB APPEAL!
Mow, weed, trim trees and or shrubs as needed. If it's winter, ensure that the drive and walkways freshly cleared just prior to your photoshoot.
Add seasonal flowers where possible. Clean up flower beds. Mulch!!(seasonal)
Power wash as needed (seasonal).
Clean or re-stain or paint your front door and trim.
The porch should be cleared of clutter and add some flower pots or a wreath and a fresh welcome mat.
Remove empty planters.
Remove visible water hoses.
Foyer or Main Entrance
Clean windows and make sure any lighting in this area is working and all the bulbs work.
Remove coatracks and shoe stands (or at least clear everything from the racks and stands).
If you have an entryway table, remove all clutter and personal items.
If you have a rug or runner, remove or make sure it is clean.
Living Room
Remove all personal items/remotes from table tops and open shelving – exceptions are decorative items.
Fluff and arrange pillows, chairs, throws.
Remove the kids toys.
Hide the stacks of magazines.
Hide the remotes.
Remove pet carriers and crates.
Hide pet dishes.
Hide litter boxes.
Clean carpets.
Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Dining
Clear the table - clean and polish.
Feature one center piece - flowers work great.
Take a moment to make sure the chairs are straight and spaced evenly.
Remove little one's high-chairs or boosters.
Kitchen
Remove ALL items from kitchen countertops / islands – decorative items and a nice coffee maker can stay.
Remove EVERYTHING from the outside of the Refrigerator (all the magnets have to go in a drawer).
Remove that plastic soap dispenser please.
Dishtowels/Sponges put away.
Hide trashcan and remove rugs.
Oh and make sure you do your dishes and put them away. Yes, we have to say this.
Bedrooms
Remove ALL items from table/countertops – exceptions are lamps/decorative items.
Store phone/tablet chargers out of sight.
Make beds and straighten pillows.
Make sure nothing shows underneath the bed.
Hide all trashcans and diaper genies.
Bathrooms
Clear out your personal items stat! (a basket tucked inside the cabinet helps).
Remove ALL items (except fresh flowers!) from bathroom countertops. This includes plastic decorator soap dispensers.
Towels hung straight and remove towels/bathrobes on hooks (white towels look great in pictures).
Put the toilet seats DOWN.
Remove bath rugs.
Empty the shower of shampoos, soaps, shower caddies - yes all of it.
Invest in a fresh shower curtain (fresh white looks great in pictures).
Rear Exterior
Power wash the house, porch and, if applicable, the pool surround.
Freshen/mulch your landscaping.
Straighten up tables, chairs and lounges - add fresh outdoor pillows and cushions.
Open up patio umbrellas.
Clear out the kids toys.
Hide trash cans.
Remove visible water hoses.
Hide lawn equipment.
Remove the pool cleaner.
Hide pool cleaning supplies and brushes.
Repair any damage to doors or door trim.