The majority of home buyers start their search online, so it is important to make the first impression count!

Follow these tips to prepare your home for the best real estate photos possible.

STAGING TIPS

These simple guidelines will help prepare you for the shoot.

GENERAL (applies to all areas of the house)

  • Thoroughly clean the entire house (vacuum, mop, dust, ect.)

  • Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON

  • Replace any burned out light bulbs

  • Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent)

  • Turn all ceiling fans OFF

  • Turn all TVs and computer screens OFF

  • Open the blinds/windows to let in natural light

  • Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)

  • Make all beds

  • Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring

  • Place all shoes/jackets in closets

EXTERIOR

Your online "curb appeal" will guarantee to draw in potential buyers. 

FRONT EXTERIOR

  • Close the garage doors

  • Remove all cars from driveway and front of home

  • Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)

  • Remove empty planters

  • Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames

  • Remove visible water hoses

  • Remove toys, sports balls, basketball hoops, soccer goals, etc.

BACK EXTERIOR

  • Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

  • Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded or weathered

  • Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.

  • Clean pool

  • Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose

  • Hide pool cleaning supplies

  • Turn on pool fountains/water features

  • Remove visible water hoses

  • Remove trash cans

KITCHEN/DINING ROOM

The Kitchen can be the focal point for family gatherings, so it deserves attention to detail.

KITCHEN  

  • Clear all countertops from clutter, mail, etc.

  • Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)

  • Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

  • Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

  • Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher

DINING ROOM/TABLE

  • Clear table, dust and polish the table top

  • Use decorative place setting if available

  • Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers

  • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

  • Remove child seats/booster chairs

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LIVING/FAMILY ROOM

Whether it's spending quality time with the family or watching the big game, this space should be warm and inviting. 

  • Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

  • De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)

  • Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed

  • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

  • Remove kid's toys

BEDROOMS

A place to rest, relax, and recharge.

MASTER BEDROOM

  • Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

  • Press bed linens and bed skirts

  • Clear nightstands of all personal items

  • Store away phone/tablet charging cables

  • Remove all clutter from top of dressers

  • Remove family photos from walls

  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

GUEST/KID BEDROOM

  • Remove personalized names from walls

  • Remove wall stickers/posters

  • Remove diaper genies

  • Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

 

BATHROOMS

Keep your private spa de-cluttered.

  • Clear countertops completely. NO soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.

  • Put toilet seats down

  • Close closet doors

  • Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs

  • Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels

  • Remove floor mats

PETS

As much as we love our pets, their presence should be minimized during the photography process.

  • Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet

  • Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet

  • Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair

  • Contain pets in hidden crate or outside

  • Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

 

SHOOT DAY EXPECTATIONS

We want your property to shine. Make your home stand out to potential buyer's by following the above staging tips.

In order to maximize everyone's time for this process, please have the staging/cleaning taken care of prior to our arrival.

We Do Not:

  • Move or re-arrange furniture

  • Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter

  • Pick up toys or yard items

  • "Photoshop" vehicles, walls, damaged walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.

  • Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels)

For pricing and more samples of real estate photography, please visit our main page.

 

If you have any other question please e-mail us with the form below.