How to Prepare for a Real Estate Shoot
Images are a very important aspect of marketing or selling any property. Photos and online presentations are typically the first impression that a client has. Make it count and take the time to prepare for the photography of your home or business.
Follow the tips below to create a space that looks its best. Not all tips will apply or be possible, but do your best. Most of these tips are catered towards residential properties, but are useful and relevant to commercial properties as well. Don’t forget to be ready by the time the photographer arrives to save yourself additional fees.
Don’t feel like reading all this? Download your own copy here.
EXTERIOR
You know when you look at a hotel website and the photos are all perfect? That’s what we’re going for, more or less.
Move vehicles from the driveway and park away from the front of home.
Place garbage bins and anything that is not attached to the property, in the garage or out of sight. □ Remove or coil garden hoses neatly.
Remove any toys or pet related items from the yard.
Remove seasonal decor.
Straighten deck furniture.
Cut grass and remove all weeds from cracks in concrete.
INTERIOR
Turn ALL inside lights on, including lamps, under counter lights and stove lights.
Replace any burned out bulbs.
Open all drapes and blinds on windows with a good view. Exception would be bathrooms or bedrooms with a poor view.
If blinds are down, ensure they are all equally angled open.
Conceal cords. Unplug them from the wall if needed (except lights).
Turn all ceiling fans off. They will create a motion blur in your photo.
Turn all televisions off.
Remove small rugs from floors, especially from tile or wood floors.
Remove all personal photos.
Make beds and close closets. If you want to showcase a closet let me know.
Remove all evidence of pets; pet dishes, pet toys, pet cages, litter boxes.
Remove clutter from all rooms, ie, tissue boxes, remotes, cleaning robots, brooms, stacks of paper, boxes, bags etc.
No shoes by doors or anywhere.
Clean the property. Vacuum, wipe windows and walls, remove all dirt. It WILL show in the photos if you do not.
Pretend you’re a stager! Look at Pinterest for inspiration. If the shoot is for furnished rentals, the photographer will want to take some detail shots like this one to show the personality of your space, not just the layout.
KITCHENS
Clear all counter tops. No dish rags or towels, soap, knives or cutting boards. It’s okay to leave one or two small appliances for size perception, but more than that can be distracting.
Remove dish drying racks and dishes from the sink.
Clear the refrigerator completely of any magnets, pictures, lists, etc (front, sides and top).
Remove any calendars. Calendars make a listing dated if it goes over 30 days.
Remove trash can.
Remove floor mats.
Less is more when it comes to real estate photography.
BATHROOMS
Clear the countertop from absolutely every item considered to be personal.
Remove toilet cleaning brushes, toilet plungers and trash cans.
Remove shampoo and conditioner bottles and personal items from shower and tub area.
Toilet lids must be down.
Remove all floor mats.
Ensure towels are neatly hung. Bonus: put out fresh towels, neatly hung.
TWILIGHT SHOOTS
In addition to the above, it is very important to ensure that all burned out light bulbs have been replaced (interior: all lamps, pot lights, stove lights, under counter, vanity etc – exterior, soffit, garden, garage, railing etc).
Good luck and let me know how it goes! I have prepared this same information available on a free download here, for your convenience and reference.
Good luck and let me know if you found any of these tips useful!
