Getting your home ready for professional photography is important. Remember that your real estate images and interactive virtual tour will be on the web and available for viewers 24/7, so a little time spent preparing now will pay off greatly in the end.
Our average on-site time for a photography session is approximately thirty to ninety minutes depending on the package that was ordered. We will be photographing both the inside and outside of your home.
The photographer will likely have several sessions booked for that day so time at each location is limited. It is important that your home be in the condition that you want it photographed, before the photographer arrives.
Real Estate Photography Session Preparation
Make sure that your house is 100% show ready prior to the photographer's arrival.
Most Importantly - Declutter
To make the most of your real estate photos, address any clutter beforehand. Try to view each room through a camera lens. You want buyers to focus on your home, not the items in it. Spend a few moments decluttering each room and ensuring everything is in order.
The photographer Will NOT:
Move furniture or pick up clutter/ garbage
Clean or dust
Wait for a house to be cleaned
We typically spend 30-90 minutes in your home for your photography session. If there are specific features of your home you would like highlighted, please inform your agent in advance so we can ensure these areas are captured.
Tips To Ensure Your House Is Looking It's Best
Lighting
Double check all light bulbs are working. Replace burnt out bulbs
Ensure bulbs in light fixtures are all the same color
Turn on all lights beforehand as you can
Fans need to be turned off- If there's a secret to having lights on and fans off, please set that up beforehand
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Kitchen/Dining Areas
Clean off counters; remove any clutter
Make sure dirty/clean dishes are out of the sink & put away
Empty the garbage can, or if possible hide from view
Remove items posted on fridge
Remove dish towels from oven, cabinets and sink
Remove items from the hutch, highchairs, and booster seats
Hide trash cans
Pull window coverings 3/4 closed
Bathrooms
Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored away
Close toilet lid and hide the trash cans
Clean mirrors & glass surfaces
Hang your best towels neatly from a towel bar
If inside of shower or bathtub is visible, remove viewable products
Clear off counters and shelves
Pull window coverings 3/4 closed
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Living/Common Areas
Remove clutter and tidy up shelves, counters and table tops
Remove any mail, magazines, papers, etc.
Straighten couch pillows
Turn off televisions and hide remote
Turn on fireplace
Remove extra furniture, if possible
Remove personal / family pictures from the walls
Remove all personal items from drop zones
Pull window covering 3/4 closed
Bedrooms
Make bed, tuck in all sheets and blankets
Clean nightstands of all personal items
Remove all charging devices, cables and ports
Remove clutter from dresser top and counters
Make sure items under bed are not visible
Walk-in closets will be photographed, unless you direct the agent to not have this done
If possible, remove / pack extra clothes from closets. This makes the closet look bigger
remove clothes, robes, etc. from backs of doors
Hide trash cans
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Pets and Pet Supplies
Remove pet beds, blankets and toys
Remove pet hair from all furniture, carpet, blankets, and pillows
Hide food/water bowls, litter boxes, scratch poles, towers, and crates
Remove pets from the house during the photography session
If pets must remain, if possible, put pets, cages and crates in a room. This room will not be photographed. Let the agent/photographer know which room
Do not leave pets loose in the house or property
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Exterior
Spruce up entryways, gardens and lawns; trim shrubbery if necessary
Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be in good shape
Mow the lawn; make sure the driveway & entryway are free of clutter
In the winter, keep the sidewalks, driveway and porch cleared of snow and ice
Remove vehicles from driveway and don't park directly in front of the house
Remove toys, holiday decorations, pet items, miscellaneous yard items and debris
Hide trash cans