Home Prep Tips

Congratulations! You know the importance of having professional quality photos to market your home. Studies have shown that buyers choose the homes they want to see based on the quality and quantity of pictures they see online. In order for me to get the best possible images of your home, I’ll need your help. Here are some things you can do to prepare your home for a photo shoot:

INSIDE

•   Open window coverings (curtains, drapes, sheers, blinds) to let in as much natural light as possible.

•   Turn off ceiling fans (moving fan blades just look like a blur in the photos.)

•   If time and budget permits, have windows professionally cleaned. Clean windows let in more light than dirty windows. (Dirty windows can also show in photos.)

•   Make sure all light fixtures have the proper type of bulbs—try not to mix fluorescent and in-candescent bulbs. Replace any burnt out bulbs.

•  Eliminate as much clutter as possible, including children’s toys, clothing, piles of newspapers/magazines. Remove anything from the floor that doesn’t belong on the floor.

•   Remove toiletries and other personal items from bathroom counters (toothbrushes, perfumes, etc.) close toilet lids; re-move/replace old or dirty towels, washcloths, etc.

•   Make all beds neatly (avoid wrinkles, lumps, etc.); clear dressers of personal items.

•   At your computer workstations, stow or unplug dangling cables/wires; clear papers. Straighten up and/or remove items from bookcases.

•   In the kitchen, remove most, but not all, items from the counters. Items that can be left

  out might include: decorative canisters, a colorful bowl or platter, no more than one countertop appliance. You want it to be uncluttered, but not sterile. Items to remove or hide from view include: dish towels, paper towels, sink plug, pet dishes, trash cans. Remove everything (magnets, pictures, calendars, etc.) from the outside of the refrigerator.

Outside

•   Remove vehicles, trash cans, recycle bins, from driveway and front of house.

•   Sweep/blow off driveway, walkways, porches, patios and decks.

•   Remove hoses, garden tools, kids/pets’ toys.

•   Ideally shoot after gardeners come.

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

• Clean pool, Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose

• Turn on pool fountains/water features

• Remove visible water hoses / trash cans

• Do NOT wet driveway for photos.