My goal is to photograph your property with the highest quality, impress buyers, and attract offers. I put together this preparation checklist of things that should be done prior to your photoshoot.

General Prep

  • Be Photo-Ready: Cleaning and staging need to be done before I arrive, preferably the day before your photoshoot. I may make minor adjustments (flowers, small pictures, etc) for composition, but larger items need to be in place before I arrive, and staging accessories need to be in place as well.

  • Secure or remove pets: I love pets but we cannot have them around for your photoshoot. Dogs must be secured or off the property to ensure the safety of myself and my equipment. MLS rules also prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. Cats should also be secured as well, although they usually pose fewer problem than dogs (Cats often hide). It’s also a good idea to hide food and water bowls.

  • Plan to not be seen: All Occupants should plan on either being off property or remain inareas where they cannot be seen during the photoshoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can casue shadows and reflections, and there is risk to equipment that will be set up throughout the property.

  • Use the Garage for storage: I normally do not shoot garages, so this is a perfect place to store items you want hidden.

Outside Prep

  • Clear the cars: 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: If a wet look is desired, this can be achieved in the editing process. Watering driveways can cause dry spots or puddles, so adding it while editing is best.

  • Hide trashcans: Trashcans can be placed on the side of the property or in the garage.

  • Hide hoses: Do this the day before the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement.

  • Mow and trim the yard: Do at least 24 hours prior to your photoshoot.

  • Turn off sprinklers: Do not water the day of the shoot to avoid puddles on pavement.

  • Pick up poop: If you have a dog, make sure that all of their droppings are cleared from the yard.

  • Prep pool and spa: If you have a pool and/or spa, please have them clean with covers

    removed. For spas, provide instructions to the realtor on how to turn it on.

  • Prep water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, etc., please clean them and provide

    instructions to the realtor on how to turn them on.

  • Remove for-sale sign: The for-sale sign should be removed from the property or installed after the shoot, since visible signs violate MLS policies and can’t always be edited out.

  • Clean patio furniture: Dust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot, since this can create puddles

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 and remove throw rugs from the floor.

  • Declutter bathrooms: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other "personal" items should be hidden. Decorative unused soaps, candles, flowers, etc. are preferred. It’s also good to remove all throw rugs from the floor.

  • 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 in closets or the garage.

  • Hide portable fans: Ceiling fans are selling items but portable fans can give the wrong impression. It’s best to hide all portable fans in closets or the garage.

  • 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 show outdoor views if there are views, or just light if a window looks onto a neighbor or other unappealing view.

  • Turn on lights: Before I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on. If need-be, please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.

  • Turn off ceiling fans: Before I arrive, please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off.

Thank you for your time and patience to go through this checklist. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.