Please have the property fully ready before the photographer arrives.

Cleaning and staging should be completed the day before your shoot. The photographer will begin immediately upon arrival — larger staging items and furniture must be in place ahead of time.

Occupancy during shoot

For best results, it’s recommended occupants be off the property or stay in areas not being photographed. People cause shadows, reflections, and appear in overlapping room shots.

Use the garage for storage

Garages are rarely photographed — a great place to temporarily store items you want out of sight during the shoot.

General — Every Room

☐  Remove clutter, personal items, and excess decor

☐  Turn on all interior lights — replace any burnt-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the shoot

☐  Open all blinds and curtains to maximize natural light

Close blinds only if the window faces an unappealing view

☐  Turn off all ceiling fans

Spinning blades creates blur in photos

☐  Hide cords, chargers, remotes, and game consoles

☐  Remove personal photos and family artwork

Helps buyers visualize the space as their own

☐  Hide all trash cans throughout the home

☐  Clear the entryway — remove shoes, umbrellas, and bags

☐  Confine or remove all pets — hide food and water bowls

MLS rules prohibit pets in listing photos

Kitchen

☐  Clear all countertops — remove appliances, mail, and dishes

One or two tasteful items maximum

☐  Empty and clean the sink — no dishes, sponges, or rags visible

☐  Remove all magnets, notes, and items from the refrigerator

☐  Remove kitchen throw rugs from the floor

Living & Dining Areas

☐  Fluff and arrange all pillows and throws neatly 

☐  Clear coffee tables and side tables of clutter 

☐  Straighten dining chairs and clear the table

☐  Vacuum rugs and clean visible floors

Bedrooms

☐  Make all beds neatly with clean, wrinkle-free linens

☐  Clear nightstands of personal items 

☐  Close closet doors — tidy any that will be photographed

☐  Remove laundry baskets and personal clothing

Bathrooms

☐  Clear countertops — remove toiletries, razors, and personal items

☐  Close the toilet lid

☐  Hang fresh, neatly folded towels

☐  Remove bathroom throw rugs if worn or mismatched

☐  Clean mirrors and glass surfaces

Exterior & Garage

☐  Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the home

Move street-parked cars in front of the home if possible

 ☐  Plow or shovel the driveway and walkways if there is snow  (WINTER)

Clear snow the morning of the shoot for best results

☐  Do not wet or hose down the driveway before the shoot

Wet driveways create dry patches and puddles — this can be added in editing if desired

☐  Turn off sprinklers — do not water the day of the shoot

Prevents puddles on pavement and wet patches in photos

☐  Remove the for-sale sign from the property

Visible signs violate MLS policies and cannot always be edited out

☐  Clear the front porch and entryway of clutter

☐  Put away hoses at least 24 hours before the shoot

Hoses drip when moved and leave puddles in photos

☐  Put away tools, yard equipment, and bikes

☐  Mow and trim the lawn at least 24 hours before the shoot

☐  Pick up any pet droppings from the yard

☐  Clear garbage and recycling bins from view

☐  Dust and clean all outdoor furniture — remove cobwebs

Do not hose down furniture the day of — puddles will show in photos

☐  Pool and spa — clean, remove covers, and provide turn-on instructions to your agent

☐  Water features — clean and provide turn-on instructions to your agent

☐  Close the garage door unless the interior is being photographed

Twilight Photography (if booked)

☐  Turn on all interior and exterior lights throughout the property

Replace burnt-out bulbs at least 24 hours before — timing is tight at golden hour

☐  Turn on spa and remove the cover — turn on spa lights as well

☐  Turn on pool lights

☐  Turn on all water features — fountains, waterfalls, and similar