Prepare Your Home for Photos
A simple checklist to share with your sellers before the shoot.
SHORT ON TIME?
The six that matter most
If you only do a few things before the shoot, do these.
Turn on every light, lamps and ceiling
Turn off all ceiling fans
Open blinds and curtains
Move cars and trash cans out of view
Put away pet items
Clear countertops
WHOLE HOME
Small details, big difference
Put away
Pet bowls, beds and toys
Religious or political items, for a neutral look
Large personal collections
Do this
Turn on every light, lamps and ceiling
Turn off all ceiling fans
Clean carpets, furniture and floors of pet hair and stains
BOOKED A TWILIGHT SHOOT?
A few extra steps at sunset
Turn on every light possible, inside and out
Turn on pool and landscape lighting
Turn off all ceiling fans
Open blinds and curtains on the front of the home
Move cars, trash cans and hoses out of view
During the shoot, stay out of sight of the windows
01
Exterior
Put away
Vehicles
Trash cans
Toys
Holiday decorations
Lawn and garden tools
Removable basketball hoops
Do this
Uncover the grill
Make sure all lights work
Mow the lawn
Trim bushes and hedges
Rake leaves
Room by room
The full checklist, from the curb to the bedrooms.
02
Living room
Put away
Clutter
Family photos
Holiday decorations
Children's toys
TV remote controls
Extra furniture
Do this
Arrange pillows and cushions
Small room: remove the table leaf
Large room: add the table leaf
Open blinds and curtains
Make sure all lights work
03
Kitchen
Put away
Clutter on countertops
Items on the refrigerator
Hanging dish towels
Anything in or around the sink
Sponges, gloves and dish soap
Paper towel rolls and rags
Do this
Wipe down appliances
Make sure all lights work
Open blinds and curtains
Put away food
Hide the trash can
Clean the sink
04
Bathrooms
Put away
Clutter on countertops
Shower items
Toilet paper
Extra towels
Dirty linens
Plunger, toilet brush and similar items
Do this
Put toilet lids down
Make sure all bulbs work
Open blinds and curtains
Clean the shower
Clean the mirrors
Clean the sinks
05
Bedrooms
Put away
Clutter on nightstands
Family photos
Children's toys
Trash cans and hampers
Clothing and shoes
Extra furniture
Do this
Make the bed
Fluff decorative pillows
Open blinds and curtains
Hide jewelry boxes
Make sure all bulbs work
FINISHING TOUCHES
Tips that make a difference
Arrange living room furniture to highlight the fireplace or other standout features
A vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit or a few cookbooks add a pop of color in the kitchen
Glass shower doors show every spot, so make sure they're sparkling clean
Bedrooms look best light, airy and uncluttered
Don't wash the driveway the day of the shoot. It needs time to dry.
Ready for your next listing?
Serving Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers and Cape Coral.