Homeowner’s Pre-Shoot Check List for Real Estate Photography - Download

PETS

Most of us love our little furry friends, but it is important that you keep in mind that many potential home buyers may not and some may be severely allergic to them. So, if you are looking to move your home fast, you should begin thinking about what you will do with them during this process. If possible have them stay with a close relative while you get your home ready and through the selling process.

Note recommended: If that isn’t an option, and they stay inside, your pet(s) will need bath(s) a minimum of once a week, and you are going to need to pay special attention to limit their access though your home until it is sold, the final walk-through had been done and the home has closed. It is imperative that your home be extremely clean and fresh throughout the process, which begins with the photo capture.

It is worth mentioning that many pet odors and stains are difficult to remove and oftentimes go unnoticed by us, but if you want your home to sell and close, this is going to be one of the most important aspects of your preparation and daily routine while your home is on the market.

Week(s) Before Listing “Very Important”

EXTERIOR

  • Pressure wash your home, driveway(s), walkway(s), patio(s) and deck(s)

  • Tidy up landscaping for the entire yard (front, back and sides) – remove dead or dying shrubs/plants and trim others, weed flower beds, treat, cut and water lawn, edge transitions between grass, flower beads, concrete, bricks, etc.; finish by adding new pinestraw and/or mulch to all beds and where needed.

  • Pay Special attention to your front entrance by adding season plants and flowers and cleaning all windows. 

  • Repaint any areas that need to be freshened up

  • If your door, windows, trim or walls needs new paint, freshen them up. You want your visitors to enter the home with the impression that your home is loved. Curb appeal is the first step in getting multiple offers on your home. 

  • Clean Pool and jacuzzi and make sure water is clear and inviting, if you have one


INTERIOR

  • Remove clutter in all rooms and store in attic or other storage areas. 

  • Replace all lightbulbs that are not working – keep the color temperature of all bulbs the same – you do not want multiple color shifts in your real estate marketing photos. 

  • Hire a cleaning service or give your home the best cleaning you ever have. Nobody wants a dirty home, so clean all baseboards, doors, windows and walls to remove dust, hair, dirt and other contaminants, paying special attention to thoroughly clean all bathrooms and the kitchen. Windows should be thoroughly cleaned, steam clean carpet and and remove any unnecessary rugs. 

  • Clean binds and wash drapes

  • Wash all bedding and make sure all pillows are clean

  • Wipe down all couches and furniture

  • Remove unnecessary artwork and pictures from walls and patch holes

  • Remove floor mats and runners

  • Paint any and all walls or ceilings that need to be freshened up


1-2 Days Before the Shoot…

EXTERIOR

  • Mow lawn

  • Freshen up flower beds, shrubs, etc. 

  • During the process, regularly water your lawn and shrubs

  • Spruce up your front entrance with seasonal plants, wreaths, etc.

  • Update old and dirty outdoor furniture with new cushions

  • Clean Pool and jacuzzi and make sure water is clear and inviting, if you have one

  • Clean front entrance and water any seasonal plants you have at entrance

  • Clean your yard of any animal bowls, toys and droppings

  • Clean your grill and uncover it if it is nice; remove it if it is not

  • Remove garbage cans from view

  • Put away toys, cleaners, hoses, sprinklers, etc. 

  • Everything you are doing here needs to be maintained daily and weekly until closed

INTERIOR

  • Give your home one more thorough cleaning of all rooms

  • Vacuum all carpets, mop and clean all flooring of debris

  • Clean all bathrooms thoroughly, including bleaching stained toilets

  • Clean kitchen thoroughly, including oven, stove sink, countertops and cabinets

  • Clean ceiling fans and remove all dust

  • Pickup any toys or clutter and stow away

  • Remove / Hide all trash cans

  • Remove all items from countertops and sinks

  • Remove magnets and pictures from refrigerators

  • Everything you are doing here needs to be maintained daily and weekly until closed

Morning of the Shoot…

EXTERIOR

  • Clear all cars from driveway(s) and road

  • Sweep up and remove leaves and/or trash that has appeared

  • All outdoor furniture should be clean, neatly organized/staged and in the same positions.

  • Make sure all pillows and cushions are nearly arranged and spaced evenly

  • Remove grill covers

  • Turn off sprinkler systems

  • Clean backyard from any furry friends…

ALL ROOMS

  • Open curtains and blinds to horizontal position

  • Hide/Remove pet bowls, beds, toys and your pet

  • Clean off all desks, nightstands, dressers, etc. 

  • Clean all floors (vacuum, sweep and mop)

  • Hide power cords, cables and chargers, remotes

  • Turn off all TVs and fans

  • Turn on all lights and lamps

KITCHEN & DINING ROOM

  • Make sure all items are removed from the refrigerator, countertops and sink

  • Wipe down countertops

  • Empty clean dishes from the Dishwasher, leaving it empty and clean

  • Add center piece to tables

  • Add fresh flowers and/or fruit bowl


ALL BATHROOMS

  • Make sure all items have been removed from shower, tubs, floors countertops, sink(s) and hangers – only new, clean fresh towels for staging

  • Wipe down sinks and countertops

  • Make sure toilets are clean and free of stains inside and out

  • Close toilet lids

  • Refill toilet paper rolls

  • Hang fresh towels

  • Hang all clothes in closet or put in drawers

BEDROOMS

  • Put away all clothes

  • Check to make sure closets are tidy and photographable

  • Make all beds and place pillows and other accents


PETS

  • Take pets to groomer, pet sitter or family member’s home

  • Clean make sure yard is free of any pet droppings


TWILIGHTS

  • Clear all cars from driveway(s) and road

  • Remove trash cans, hoses, sprinklers, etc

  • Turn on all indoor and outdoor property lights, replace 

  • Open all blinds, horizontally

  • Turn on lights in landscaping, pool, jacuzzi, outdoor patios and entertainment areas

  • Turn off sprinkler systems


BE PREPARED

  • To leave your home for a couple to several hours

  • Be prepared to have shoot rescheduled due to inclement weather


Please do not underestimate the importance you, the property owner, play in making sure your property is properly prepared, photographed and marketed.

If you do not have time or the ability to do all the work, suggested, look into hiring a professional maid service, lawn care provider, painter and/or handyman. The time and detail that you put into prepping your home will stand out amongst the other homes in it’s price range and within the imagery I capture. If done properly, I can assure you that your hard work will lead to many more views and potential offers.

My goal as your photographer is to get you multiple full-price offers, but that can only be done when your property is in tip-top shape and captured at the highest level. You want online viewers to be wowed, and when they visit your property, you want them blown away. In the end, you are the one responsible for how your home is marketed, as I will not have the time to move and stage your listing. Please make sure that you do not get the most out of your property because it has perceived expenses and too much work for a potential buyer.