Tips on How to Prepare for Real Estate Photography – Area by Area

    • Close all garage doors

    • Remove cars, so they are not visible in the pictures

    • Attend to landscaping (mow the lawn, trim bushes and remove leaves)

    • Remove dead foliage and empty planters

    • Remove trash cans

    • Remove visible water hoses, ladders, and other tools

    • Remove toys and playground supplies

    • Remove any seasonal decor (for example, Christmas lights)

    • Tidy up outdoor tables, chairs etc. and fluff cushions

    • Clean the pool

    • Consider adding a few details like candle holders etc to create a cozy atmosphere

    • Clear countertops – less is more

    • Leave a couple of stylish items on the counter (a coffee maker or a bowl of fruit)

    • Hide all dishes; place dirty dishes in the dishwasher

    • Hide garbage cans and recycling bins

    • Clear the front of the refrigerator of magnets, postcards, photos, etc.

    • Clean and/or polish countertops and cabinets to make sure there are no fingermarks

    • Clear dining table. Consider having a vase of fresh flowers on the table

    • Straighten all chairs and space them evenly

    • Remove children’s chairs or high seats

    • Remove magazines, papers, mail, and random clutter

    • Arrange books and art in bookshelves, so it looks tidy

    • Remove toys

    • Remove clutter and clean interior of the fireplace

    • If the fireplace has a glass front – clean it

    • Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

    • Hide and/or arrange cables from TV, stereo and other electrical devices

    • Bedding should be in matching colors, have no wrinkles and no discoloring or fading

    • Press bed linens and bed skirts

    • Make the beds, including decorative pillows/shams if available

    • Edges of bedding and sheets when visible should either be tucked neatly or hung straight

    • Pillows should be wrinkle-free, fluffed, matching and arranged neatly

    • Remove personal belongings like pictures, clothing, electronics, and clutter

    • Remove trash cans

    • Clean under the bed, remove items that may show in the photos

    • Clear desk

    • Hide and/or arrange all the cables

    • Hide papers

    • Arrange items neatly in a bookshelf

    • Remove personalized items

    • Clear countertops. Consider leaving a decorative soap dispenser, etc.

    • Put toilet seats down

    • Remove shampoo, soap, etc. from showers and tubs

    • Remove dirty towels. Hang up clean towels in matching colors

    • Remove floor mats