PREPARING THE HOME

  • Properties must be ready to shoot upon arrival. We are to only capture everything as-is.

  • We will not be asking neighbors to move their cars, trash cans, and/or any other obstructions.

Historically, we've been able to be flexible with different situations in helping to prepare, give input and stage a house. However with issues around liability and ‘things,’ we are unable to make exceptions. Additionally, we can be at our best and deliver a better product when our mental energy and attention goes to focusing on the photography, not getting preparing a house. 

It would be very helpful to plan on arriving to the home with ample time to get it photo ready. Whether this means just turning on the lights and opening the shades, or helping sellers with last minute things that may have been overlooked.

Taking photos of the house with a phone, inside and out, can be a great way to see what might stand out and needs to be addressed.

DO park in front (or put trash cans in front) of the house if it is a busy street to ensure no one else parks there. Then everything can be moved at the appropriate time to get an unobstructed view.

Interior

  • Stage the home, even if that only means rearranging the furniture for better flow

  • Open window coverings (unless they are concealing a less than desirable view)

  • Remove screens from windows

  • Clean windows inside and out

  • Remove door mats

  • Can you see the trash cans through any of the windows?

  • Clear off desks

  • Straighten pillows

  • Remove trash cans

  • Hide remotes

  • Hide cords

  • Depersonalize things to the extent it feels comfortable

  • Turn on all lights. Ensure continuity in light bulb types/colors

  • Replace any burned out bulbs

  • Create breathing room on shelves and minimize knicknacks

  • Turn off computer screens

  • Remove or thin out personal pictures

  • Store portable fans and heaters

  • Keep pets out of the home

  • Add any decorative items, plants, or floral arrangements

  • Put children's toys away

  • Turn off ceiling fans

Kitchen

  • Declutter countertops

  • Minimal appliances: Kitchenaid Mixer good; Big microwave not so good

  • Hide dish racks

  • Remove magnets, stickers and papers from refrigerator

  • Remove floor mats

Public Spaces

  • Remove keys, wallets and mail from entry tables

  • Remove pet toys, bowls, food and beds

  • Thin out and organize books

  • Straighten dining room chairs

  • Remove children’s chairs

  • Check inside of fireplace

  • Flowerless orchids?

Bathrooms

  • Clear the bathroom counter tops and shower - toothbrushes, shampoo bottles, etc.

  • Open shower curtain and clear the shower if you would like it seen.

  • Remove floor mats.

  • Straighten and match bathroom towels

  • Put toilet seats down.

  • HideToileet brushes

  • Plungers

  • Wastbaskets

  • Freshen up toilet paper

Bedrooms

  • Make beds

  • Fluff Pillows

  • Check bed skirts

  • Can anything be seen under beds?

  • Hide hampers

  • Declutter and depersonalize bedside nightstands

  • Minimize and organize stuffed animals

Exterior

  • Ladders

  • Blow leaves

  • Seasonal decor

  • Remove BBQ cover

  • Clean BBQ

  • Address empty flower pots and planters

  • Clear dead foliage

  • Sweep driveways and sidewalks

  • Remove gates/fences around pool

  • Uncover spa

  • Umbrellas…Open? Closed? Removed?

  • Remove all vehicles from driveways

  • Trash cans

  • Stow children’s toys

  • Lawn care supplies

  • Pet supplies

  • Clean the bottom of pool

  • Remove pool hose and chlorine dispenser

  • Lounge chair covers

  • Clean or add pillows

  • Coil or remove hoses

  • Straighten outdoor chairs