Ready, Set, Sell: What Checklist Should You Follow To Prepare Your Home for a Listing Photoshoot?
When preparing your home for a listing photoshoot, it's important to keep in mind that the goal is to make the space look as attractive and appealing as possible to potential buyers. Here are a few things to consider when getting ready for the photoshoot. Feel free to download the pdf to print for your personal use.
Right Before Arrival
REMOVE ALL unnecessary objects from surfaces (personal photos, bathroom toiletries, kitchenware, personal belongings.)
Turn ON ALL interior lights, including table-top lamps, lights in furniture cabinets and kitchen cabinets
Turn OFF all ceiling fans
Light candles (if desired)
Start Fireplaces
Open all blinds, shades, and curtains
Clear all vehicles and trash cans from the driveway and the street in front of the home
Sweep pine needles from driveways, walkways, and patios
Secure all animals in a safe location, away from all rooms being photographed during the entirety of the appointment
Exterior Front + Back
Remove cars from driveway
Close all windows / not window coverings
Sweep walkways
Pick up leaves, sticks, branches
Put toys, bicycles away
Store seasonal decor
Stow garden tools, supplies
Remove all hoses
Straighten and arrange deck furniture
Stow away garbage and recycling receptacles
Interior Main Areas
Remove personal items / photos
Remove all visible clutter
Tilt Open shades/blinds 45º up
Replace burned out light bulbs
Tidy up / put away all children's toys
Turn on all lights unless natural light is better
Hide pet dishes / toys / beds
Vacuum carpets / Sweep Hard Floors / Remove Small Rugs
Turn off TV Screens
Remove newspapers, mail, waste baskets
Display Attractive Books
Interior Kitchen
Remove all items from refrigerator door
Store food in cabinets
De-clutter counters, stove
Stow small appliances
Hide soaps, cleaning items
Hide dish towels, sponges
Clear sink of dishes
Put away draining rack
Organize items on open shelves
Place bowl of fruit on counter
Display Cook Books, Flowers
Interior Dining
Straighten/push in dining chairs
Add centerpiece, candles
Set the table for dinner
Add a vase of flowers
Add a bottle of wine / sparkling water, glasses
Interior Bed / Bathrooms
Make the beds using neutral bedding - think hotel bed
Arrange decorative pillows
Put away clothing, shoes, toys, workout items, pet beds
Clean under the bed
Clear surfaces of clutter
Remove small rugs
Hang fluffy white towels (think hotel) and refill toilet paper rolls
Hide shampoos, scrubs, caddies, and all toiletries
Preparing for a Twilight Photoshoot
Turn on everything that has a lightbulb 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the twilight photo shoot.
TURN-ON ALL Interior overhead lights, ceiling fan lights, under cabinet lighting, and lamps visible from windows, etc.
TURN-ON ALL Exterior Lights, landscape lighting, garage lights, porch / patio lighting, water feature lights, warm tone patio string lights, etc.
Start all fireplaces inside and out (wood is optional)
DO NOT TURN-ON colored lighting, or security lighting
ALL CEILING FANS MUST BE OFF
Pull open all window coverings so just the glass is visible
Turn on all water features and landscape lighting
Remember that this list is a general guide and may need to be adjusted depending on the condition of your home and your local market conditions. But by focusing on each area and utilizing the right lighting, staging and furniture placement, you will be able to maximize the appeal of your home to potential buyers.