Below are guidelines that you may find useful in staging the home in preparation for the photography shoot. These suggestions should be completed before the photo shoot as this will ensure beautiful results as well as efficient use of everyone’s time. Please let us know if there are some unique features that you want to include or areas you want to be excluded. Unfinished basements, attics or garages are not usually photographed, unless requested
Exterior
Remove all vehicles from the driveway. Make sure the garage doors are closed. Do not park cars in front of the house
Remove trash cans, garden tools, garden hoses and sprinklers from view
Sweep/Blow the driveways, patios, and sidewalks
Put deck/patio umbrellas up in season (if not too windy) and remove barbecue covers and place out of sight.
All window blinds should be set to the same height. I will open and close as needed.
Mow the lawn, clean up any yard debris, store mower out of sight.
Bushes and trees trimmed to show a clear view of the house.
If you have a pool, ensure that the cover is removed and the pool has been vacuumed and the pump is running.
Interior
Make sure all lights and lamps have working light bulbs.
Clear off counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, removing tissue boxes, soap containers, and paper towel rolls.
Close all toilet seat lids.
A bowl of Apples, Oranges, Lemons or Limes adds a nice touch of color to a kitchen counter.
Remove all notes, pictures, and magnets from the refrigerator and any bulletin boards.
Turn off ceiling fans.
Put away any evidence of “work,” including buckets, mops, trash cans, vacuum cleaners, sponges, soap bottles and cleaning cloths.
Hide the Kitchen trash can – the garage is usually a good place to store it temporarily.
Pet beds, feeding bowls, and toys temporarily stored out of sight. Secure pets.
Remove newspapers, stacks of magazines and all TV/video remotes.
Windows and mirrors cleaned and streak free.
Carpets vacuumed, wood, title, and any other hard surface mopped.
Beds freshly made, wrinkle-free and straight. Props can include, blankets, throws, a small vase of flowers, and small picture frames.
You can add freshly folded towels in bathrooms or a natural sponge by the tub with a few bath accessories
Items to remove would be the clock, phone, answering machine, etc. Minimize wires and electronics.
De-clutter and De-personalize so your buyer can imagine living in their new home!
