My goal is to photograph your home with the highest quality that will wow buyers and attract offers. To ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly and safely, I’ve put together this preparation checklist of things you may want to consider implementing prior to your scheduled photography session.
General Prep
❑ Be shoot-ready: Cleaning and staging should to be done before I arrive, preferably the day before your photoshoot. I may move small items (ex: tissue box, etc.) to improve photo composition, but larger items need to be in place before I arrive, and staging accessories need to be in place as well. Remember, the house is being photographed as presented upon my arrival. Preparing for your photo shoot beforehand will ensure that I will have the appropriate amount of time to capture all the planned number of photos to best market your home. Note: Your appointment time will generally range between 1 to 1.5 hrs.
❑ Secure or remove pets: MLS rules also prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. It's also a good idea to hide pet bedding, pet food, and water bowls, as well.
❑ Plan not to be seen: All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in areas where they can't be seen during the photoshoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can cause shadows and reflections.
❑Consider using the garage for storage: I normally don’t shoot garages unless it is a designer type garage, or I am specifically asked. Thus the garage is generally a great place to store items you’d like to hide.
Outside Prep
❑ Make sure no cars are in the driveway. If possible, also move cars from the street in front of the home. We want as clear a view as possible of your property.
❑ Do NOT wet driveways. Blow-off leaves, etc from driveway, porches, and patios.
❑ Hide trashcans: Trashcans should be placed out of sight.
❑ Hide hoses: Do this the day before the shoot since hoses can drip water onto the pavement when being moved, leaving puddles in your pictures.
❑ Consider mowing and trimming the yard, if needed.
❑ Turn off sprinklers: Time your watering, it is best to avoid puddles on your pavement.
❑ Prep pool and spa: If you have a pool and/or spa, please have them clean with covers removed, if desired.
❑ Prep water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, etc., please clean them and provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn them on, if desired.
❑ Clean and stage patio furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot since this can create puddles. Patio umbrellas should generally be opened.
Inside Prep
❑ Declutter kitchen: A few items on the counters are usually fine, but dishes, sponges, rags, etc. should be put away. It's best to remove all magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator. Generally, removing all throw rugs may improve image appeal.
❑Declutter bathrooms: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other "personal" items should be hidden. Decorative unused soaps, candles, flowers, etc. are preferred. Generally, removing all throw rugs may improve image appeal.
❑ Prep bedrooms: All bedrooms should have their beds made and items put away.
❑ Hide trashcans: Trashcans can distract so it’s best to hide all of them.
❑ Hide portable fans: Ceiling fans are selling items but portable fans can give the wrong impression. It’s best to hide all portable fans.
❑ Hide cords and remotes: Sometimes electrical cords can’t be hidden, but you will have more appealing pictures if you can hide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords.
❑ Clear entryways: Remove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.
❑Open blinds with views: Your indoor photos will generaly show outdoor views. In rooms with multiple windows, be sure that raised blinds are adjusted to the same height. If simply opening blinds, each blind should be opened to the same degree of exposure. In cases where you do not want an exterior view from the window, simply leave the window covering closed.
❑Turn on lights: Before I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on. If need-be, please replace all burned-out bulbs and straighten lamp shades.
❑Turn off ceiling fans: Before I arrive, please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off.
Twilight Prep
If you’ve scheduled a twilight shoot the following are additional items to prepare before I arrive. Note that twilights have tight schedules to ensure optimal lighting, so please make sure all of these items are ready before I arrive.
❑ Turn on all interior and exterior lights: All lights throughout the property need to be turned on. Please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
❑Turn on spas and remove covers: If you have a spa, remove the cover, and turn it on before I arrive. Turn on the lights in the spa as well.
❑ Turn on pool lights: If you have a pool, turn on the pool lights before I arrive.
❑ Turn on water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please turn them on before I arrive.
Thank you for your time and patience to go through this checklist! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.