Most home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count! It is nice to remember that we are not photographing your home, we are photographing the new home of the buyers. So it is important to de-personalize, de-clutter, and clean the space to allow the potential buyer to envision moving into the space of their new dream home. Homeowners and Agents can make the photographs look their best by doing some preparation work prior to the arrival of the photographer. Depending on the size of your home, it could take anywhere from 45min-2hrs. Please make a plan for all people and pets to not be inside the home for this time. The photographer will be constantly moving throughout the home and it does not work well to be shuffling people or items from room to room. Therefor, it is important to please try to have the home ready prior to the arrival of the photographer.
Turn ON all lights and lamps. Replace missing bulbs & use bulbs of all the same temperature (color).
Turn OFF all fans
OPEN all window blinds - any partially closed blinds should be raised to a uniform height.
Horizontal blinds - Twist blinds to be flat and open so that one is able to see through the windows
Vertical blinds - Open all the way
REMOVE all cars and trash cans from the front of the home (park at least 2 houses away)
DECLUTTER - You are trying to show off the home's best attributes, clutter can distract from those features and make a room look smaller. We want to create a generic space where buyers can envision a place for their possessions.
General Guidelines
CLEAN WELL & DECLUTTER -
Vacuum and mop floors
Clean windows & countertops
Turn OFF all TV's & screens
Turn ON all fireplaces
Remove excess furniture, personal items, & decorations, such as photos and knick knacks
These items do not photograph well, can distract from the homes beauty, and will make a room look smaller
Remove small rugs entryways, kitchens and bathrooms should be removed so that the buyers can see the flooring
Remove all small and large trash cans in the home
Contain or hide all pets & REMOVE all signs of pets (dog bowls and beds)
Remove all generic tissue boxes
Place all shoes & jackets in closets
The Home Exterior
Remove all cars from the driveway and front of the home (park at least 2 houses away)
Remove and hide all trash cans
Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)
Remove empty planters or consider planting flowers
Remove or coil all visible water hoses
Stow all toys and bikes
Stow all garden tools
Sweep driveways, sidewalks and patios
Tidy outdoor furniture
Open umbrellas and place pillows/cushions on outdoor furniture
Turn on all water features
Living Areas
Arrange all blankets and pillows
Turn on the fireplace
Remove all child & pet toys
Remove stacks of papers, newspapers, & magazines
Tuck away all cords and remotes
Remove clutter, personal items, personal photos from tables and bookshelves.
Dust and vacuum
Kitchen
Clear the island and counter top of as many items as possible to show how spacious it is
Remove small appliances, kitchen gadgets, knife blocks, cutting boards, and paper towels
Put away all dishes and drying racks
Hide soap, sponges, and dish towels from the sink area
Clear the refrigerator of papers and photos
Clean all counter tops and major appliances
Remove the trash can
Bedrooms
Make the beds and straighten pillows and bedspreads
Put away any clothes and shoes
Remove personal items from the bedside tables
Organize children's room and declutter
Remove laundry hampers and trash cans
Dust and vacuum
Bathrooms
Close toilet lids
Remove countertop items - no lotion, toothbrushes, or soaps