Home Prep - Why It's Important


Because your home's very first showing is online. If your photos don’t grab the attention of potential buyers, it's unlikely they will visit in person. First impressions matter. Use these helpful tips to prepare your home for your upcoming real estate photoshoot and make sure it shines online.

Helpful Tips:

EXTERIOR


› Close garage doors

› Remove cars from driveway and front of home

› Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)

› Remove empty planters

› Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames

› Remove visible water hoses

› Remove toys, bikes, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, pet toys, pet waste, etc.


Often, the first photo your buyer will see is an exterior shot. Think curb appeal!

Red brick mansion with white columns in Huntsville AL Real Estate Photography

INTERIOR

› Thoroughly clean entire house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean windows)

› Replace all burned out light bulbs

› Use bulbs of the same color temperature (All Cool or all Warm), avoid different kinds of bulbs such as mixing Fluorescent + LED in the same room

› Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light

› Remove personal photographs (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)

› Make all beds

› Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring

› Place all shoes/jackets in closets

› Tidy walk-in closets


5 MINUTES BEFORE PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES:

› Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON

› Turn all ceiling fan blades OFF

› Turn all TVs OFF

› Turn all computer screens OFF

How to prepare hallways for Real Estate Photography in Huntsville, AL

BACKYARD


› Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

› Pillows/cushions should be fresh, not faded

› Clear out kid’s toys, bikes, frisbees, pet toys, pet waste, etc.

› Clean pool

› Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose

› Hide pool cleaning supplies & toys

› Remove visible water hoses

› Remove trash cans


5 MINUTES BEFORE PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES:

› Turn ON pool fountains/water features


Show it as a peaceful place to relax.

How to prepare a pool for real estate photography in Florence, AL

KITCHEN


› Clear countertops completely. No knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.

› Leave out max of one small appliance (ex. coffee maker)

› Clear the outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

› Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

› Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher


People spend a lot of time looking at kitchen photos. This is where yes or no decisions are often made.

How to prepare kitchen for real estate photography in Decatur, AL

DINING ROOM


› Clear table, dust and polish the table top

› Use decorative place setting if available

› Feature one center piece such as a bouquet of flowers

› Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

› Remove child highchairs/booster chairs



Let them imagine a nice family meal here.

How to prepare dinning room for real estate photography in Decatur, AL

LIVING / FAMILY ROOM


› Remove stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

› Declutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)

› Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed

› Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

› Remove kid’s toys



A place to rest and entertain.

How to prepare family room living room for real estate photography in Decatur, AL

MASTER BEDROOM


› Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

› Press bed linens and bed skirts

› Clear nightstands of all personal items

› Store away phone/tablet charging cables

› Remove all clutter from top of dressers

› Remove family photos from walls and furniture

› Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos


Make it your own sanctuary.

How to prepare master bedroom for real estate photography in Huntsville, AL

GUEST / KIDS BEDROOM


› Remove personalized names from walls and/or décor

› Remove wall stickers/posters

› Remove diaper genies/trashcans

› Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

How to prepare home for real estate photography in Florence, AL

BATHROOMS



› Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, makeup, hair tools/products, etc.

› Put toilet seats down

› Close closet doors

› Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs

› Remove dirty towels – leave out only new, unused towels

› Remove floor mats

How to prepare bathroom for real estate photography in Madison, AL

PETS


› Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet

› Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet

› Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair

› Contain pets in hidden crate or outside

› Clear back yard of pet waste and toys


I love pets! But their presence should be minimal during the photoshoot.

What to do with pets during real estate photography in Madison, AL

THE HOUSE SHOULD BE SHOOT-READY WHEN I ARRIVE 


I look forward to photographing your home!


To ensure your home looks its absolute best online, it takes a collaborative effort. When your property goes LIVE on the market, we want it to have an outstanding presence right from the start.


When I arrive, please have all staging and cleaning completed beforehand. This allows me to efficiently manage my busy schedule and deliver the high-quality service my clients expect. Unfortunately, I’m unable to wait on-site for last-minute cleaning, dusting, or de-cluttering. With teamwork, we’ll make your home shine!


*Please review the previous sections for tips on preparing your home for real estate photography, and note that I am not responsible and will not partake in any of the following while photographing your home:


I DO NOT:

› Move or rearrange furniture

› Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter

› Pick up toys or yard items

› Touch personal bathroom supplies (shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels)