How to Prepare a Home for Real Estate Photos

• At a minimum, the house should look clean and organized.
• Decluttering countertops go a long way in making a home look open and inviting.
• Smaller things, such as removing visible garbage cans, can make the house look cleaner.
• Perhaps most important, check to ensure every light fixture in the home turns on with a working light bulb.

• Park vehicles away from the house or in the garage.
• Freshen up landscaping.
• Remove trash, branches, leaves, etc.
• Remove dead plants, trees, etc.
• Sweep outdoor space and walkways.
• Remove visible foliage from the roof and gutters.
• Spread fresh mulch.
• Remove debris, hose, and toys from the pool.
• Store outdoor trash and recycling bins - it is best to place them in a garage area in an outside shed for the photoshoot.
• Store garden hoses and caddy.
• Store outdoor tools, equipment, and so on.
• Store toys, bikes, etc.
• Store BBQ and accessories or clean it.
• Wash windows and glass doors.
• Clean outdoor furniture.
• Place pillows, umbrellas, etc., on outdoor furniture.
• Straighten outdoor furniture.
• Store seasonal decor.
• Mow the grass, rake up leaves, pull weeds, and remove any dead vegetation.

Window Shades, Shutters and Blinds:

1. Horizontal blinds and shutters - it is best to keep horizontal blinds down. However, open the blades in a flat position to see the exterior. The exception is when you do not want to see outside the window (the side of a house when a neighbor's house is visible.) In those cases, turn the shutter blades up a little.
2. Vertical blinds - usually look best fully open. The most important thing is that any wall with multiple window coverings is adjusted all the same.

• Clear all countertops and remove clutter.
• Depersonalize the home with photos, names, etc.
• Turn off fans; store portable fans.
• Clean mirrors and windows.
• Vacuum carpets and polish floors.
• Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.
• Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.
• Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.
• Display attractive books, magazines, etc.
• Store remote controls and chargers.
• Straighten furniture.
• Hide electrical cords and cables.
• Store toys and video games.
• Store seasonal decor.
• Remove rugs and runners in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms so the floor can be seen clearly.
• Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.

• Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.
• Store food.
• Clear counters of clutter and small appliances.
• Remove refrigerator magnets, photos, etc.
• Clean surfaces and appliances.
• Hide soaps, towels, cleaning items, etc.
• Store draining racks.
• Organize open shelves.
• Sweep and mop the kitchen floor and rug.

• Minimize photos and personal items.
• Organize bookshelves.
• Minimize knick-knacks.
• Set tables with simple place settings.
• Remove excess furniture and accessories.

• Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.
• Arrange decorative pillows.
• Store clothing and shoes.
• Remove items underneath the bed if they can be seen.
• Remove all clutter.
• Tidy master closets.
• Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.
• Organize children’s rooms and remove clutter.
• Remove laundry and stow hampers.

• Close toilet lids.
• Remove countertop items.
• Remove bath and shower items.
• Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets.
• Store towels.
• Store soaps and candles.

• Ensure their cleanliness.
• Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.
• Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.
• Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.
• Turn on pool light(s), spa bubbles, and waterfalls.

• Ensure their cleanliness.
• Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.
• Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.
• Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.
• Turn on pool light(s), spa bubbles, and waterfalls.

• 3 or 4 Photos in front of the property
• 2 Photos Entrance
• 4 Photos Living room
• 2 Photos Dining room
• 4 Photos Kitchen
• 1 Photo Hallway bathroom
• 3 Photos of the Primary bedroom
• 2 Photos of the Primary bathroom
• 1 All other Bedrooms
• 1 Hallway Bathroom
• 4 Photos of the backyard

• We do not photograph inside closets and unfinished areas including inside the garage or storage sheds unless requested by the real estate agent.
• Feel free to use these areas to keep items out of sight.