In order to have the best photos possible you will need to prepare your home prior to arrival of the photographer. This usually requires a great deal of effort on your part and this guide has been prepared to assist you in your efforts.

• Step 1: Clean, clean, and clean some more. Professional photographs will capture dirt, glass and mirror smudges, dirty counter tops and a wide assortment of other factors that will distract the viewer from seeing the home’s structure and architecture. Dust can show up on photographs.
• Step 2: Declutter. Many homes are filled with memories of past, pictures of your family, and treasured knickknacks that you have collected over the years. These items often distract viewers who are looking for a new home and quite frankly may lead to the potential buyer looking for another house. Please do not take this personally because this is simply a part of the business when selling your home.
• Step 3: Remove excess furnishings. Large amounts of furniture do not generally photograph well and often distracts from your home’s features.

While it may be difficult, it is important to realize that potential home buyers are not looking to buy your “stuff”. They are looking to possibly buy your home/structure.

Below is a checklist that will help you prepare your home before photographs.

GENERAL

 Remove seasonal decorations that might date the photographs.
 Move garbage cans and other trash from view.
 Remove all pet-related items (e.g., food bowls, litter boxes, cages, beds)
Remove throw rugs and runners in entry ways, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms so that the floor can be clearly seen.
 Replace all burned out light bulbs both inside and outside your home. Good lighting is key.
 The day of the shoot make sure all lights, inside and out, are turned on and all ceiling fans are turned off.

OUTSIDE

 Move cars, boats, trailers, etc. from driveway and do not park directly in front of the house.
 Close garage doors
 Remove any patio furniture, grills, etc., that may be in disrepair.
 Remove all children’s toys, bikes, etc.
 Uncover an outdoor kitchen items that may be photographed.
 Make sure cushions in chairs are arranged neatly
 Remove any unattractive potted plants or hanging baskets.
 Store hoses out of sight or rolled-up neatly
 Turn on any pool features, lights, etc.
 Make sure the pool and spa are clean.
 Remove pool sweeps, floating chlorine tools.
 Remove safety fence.
 Trim bushes and trees to maximize the view of your home.
Mow the grass, rake up leaves and debris, pull weeds, and remove dead vegetation.
 Remove yard signs such as campaign signs, schools signs, sports signs, etc.
If patio umbrellas block a nice view, then they should be closed.
 Move garbage cans out of sight.
 Hide all garden tools.
Sweep driveway, sidewalks, and patios.
If you are ambitious, plant some fresh flowers in empty planters or pots and use fresh mulch.

INSIDE

 Turn all ceiling fans off.
 Open all curtains/blinds to allow light into your home.
 As much as possible, minimize electrical cords in view.
 Organize or hide all mail, bills, paperwork, etc.
 Turn all TVs and computer screens off.
 Hide remote controls.
 Close all cabinets including TV/stereo cabinets.

Bathrooms

 Put toilet seats down
 Clean mirrors
 Minimize items on counter tops
 Unless decorative, remove all towels, bathroom mats, rugs, etc. from view
 Remove shampoo/conditioner bottles, wash rags, etc. from showers and tubs.
 Remove robes, slippers, etc. from view

Kitchen

 Minimize items on counter tops (pictures, knife blocks, small appliances, etc.)
 Empty sink and hide all soaps
 Take all magnets, notes, artwork, etc. off of the refrigerator
 Move trash cans out of site
 Unless decorative, remove all towels from view.
 Remove all food items from view.

Bedrooms

 Make sure beds are made and all pillows are arranged neatly
 Make sure that items stored under beds do not show
 Minimize items on bedside tables
 Store all clothing out of view
If you have exceptional walk-in closets that you want photographed then please arrange clothes neatly.

Living Areas

 Make sure pillows are arranged neatly on sofas and chairs
 Arrange shelves neatly

Dining Room

If you have a china cabinet, make sure items are straight and neat.

Personal Items

 Certificates, diplomas, awards, photographs, decorative names in children’s room, etc. may show up on your real estate photographs. If desired, remove before photos are taken.

NOTE:

Curb appeal starts on the Internet so it’s very important to make the pictures of your home attractive. If your listing’s photographs on the Internet don’t sell your home, you might not ever get the buyers to actually do a physical drive-by and come inside your home.