Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photos
A little preparation goes a long way. Use this room-by-room checklist before your photo session so your home looks its absolute best on camera and for buyers.
Clear and Clean Kitchen Counters & Sink
Clear off kitchen counters to make the kitchen space appear more spacious. Remove everything except a few decorative items from the countertops and clean all surface areas, including appliances, kitchen sink, and backsplash. Remove all magnets from the refrigerator. Hide trash cans and recycle bins.
Clean Bathroom
Take all items off the bathroom counter. In your shower, place all the shampoo bottles, soaps, shaving razors, and other items into a bin that can be hidden away. You want your bathroom to look bigger and vacant. Clean the countertops, sinks, toilet, and shower. Neatly fold any decorative towels on the towel rack and place a decorative item on the countertop. Lower the toilet seat lid and hide the trash can.
Turn On All Lights, Open Blinds, Light Fireplaces
Turn on all the lights in the house before the photographer arrives. Lightbulbs that are bright white are best. It is best to keep horizontal blinds open and up. 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 down a bit. Vertical blinds usually look best fully open. The most important thing is that any wall with multiple window coverings is adjusted all the same.
Turn Off Electronics & Ceiling Fans
Turn off televisions and computers — computers could show private information. Turn off ceiling fans, as they create motion blurs.
Remove Unnecessary Furniture and Decorations
Removing and storing excess or large furniture can be challenging, but it opens the floor space and makes the home look larger. Floor mats and runners can make the overall floor space look smaller. Make sure to roll up and remove all the floor mats in the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry areas. Depersonalizing the home — including personal photos and items — allows buyers to see themselves in your home.
Make All of the Beds
Remove wrinkles and arrange decorative pillows if you have any. Declutter the room, nightstands, and dressers. Hide jewelry boxes and laundry baskets.
Put All Shoes & Jackets in Closets
Buyers who see shoes and jackets on coat racks and entryway floors might assume that the home lacks storage space.
Remove All Pet Items
Not everyone has pets. Some people are severely allergic to animals, while others simply do not like having a pet in their home. Make sure your home shows no signs of pets, especially pet smells. Remove any paw prints from doors and paint over scratches.
Tidy Up the Yard & Landscape
Curb appeal is important when photographing your home and selling it. Make sure your front yard is cleaned up and the landscape trimmed and tidy. Sweep the front and back porches and clean and clear all cars from the road and driveway. Clean the front and back doors. Hide garbage cans, children's toys, and lawn equipment. If you'd like the outdoor entertainment areas photographed, please have them ready.
Lastly, inclement weather will force us to reschedule — please be flexible.